Doom Eternal: Release Date, Battlemode Multiplayer, Impressions, And What We Know So Far

After the fantastic Doom reboot in 2016, it seemed logical that developer id Software would be cooking up a sequel. And that turned out to be true with the confirmation of Doom Eternal at QuakeCon 2018.

Since its announcement, we've seen a lot of Doom Eternal, including its Battlemode multiplayer functionality and even the single-player campaign's first three hours. Based on our early impressions, the game very much delivers that signature demon-slaying action but with more bells and whistles, and even more challenge.

To ensure you're kept up to date on everything there is to know about Doom Eternal, we've compiled all the information we have on the game so far. Be sure to keep checking back often as we update this feature with more details!

What Is Doom Eternal?

Doom Eternal is a first-person shooter (of course) and a sequel set sometime after the events of 2016's Doom. Not much is known about Eternal's exact premise aside from the fact that it takes place on an Earth overrun by the forces of Hell. You'll also be spending time in space on Phobos, the innermost moon of Mars. Eternal takes the core gameplay but adds even more to it, though: new traversal techniques, tougher enemies, and plenty of reasons to use all your powerful weapons.

Release Date

Doom Eternal was originally scheduled to launch on November 22, 2019, but was pushed into the next year. Bethesda and id Software said that it was delayed "to make sure we're delivering the best experience." Doom Eternal is now set to release on March 20, 2020 for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Google Stadia with a Switch version coming later in 2020.

How Does It Play?

From a gameplay perspective, Eternal will play much like its predecessor, once again challenging you to fast-paced firefights against an onslaught of demons. Speaking of which, it has been confirmed that there will be twice as many varieties of demons as there were in the first game. Based on the early footage, Cacodemons, Barons of Hell, Pain Elementals, Arch-Viles, Arachnotrons, Imps, and Revenants are set to return. From our own experience, these demons are smarter and more varied in terms of their capabilities. They have more detailed damage models, too, so you can destroy their parts and affect how they attack you.

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There are going to be a ton of new weapons, but a few old ones from the previous game will return albeit with some subtle changes. For instance, the Plasma Rifle now shoots orbs that electrify enemies. While some weapons have been slightly changed, others have been revamped, like the Ballista, which is a new version of the Gauss Cannon that shoots explosive energy bolts.

Doom Slayer moves much like the way you remember him but with expanded mobility through new traversal options. You now have the ability to quickly dash/dodge and you can even climb certain surfaces and swing on poles in the environment to clear wide gaps. In addition, you can use a grappling hook to latch onto enemies and nearby surfaces. There are also new suit abilities, such as an arm blade and a shoulder-mounted launcher that can shoot grenades and fire. Power-ups are returning and it appears they can enhance your physical characteristics permanently. Speaking of which, you can upgrade Doom Slayer further with new Runes and Praetor Suit upgrades.

Interestingly enough, Doom Eternal has a hub area you can go back to in-between levels. Known as the Fortress of Doom, it's essentially a space that overlooks hell-torn Earth and houses several unlockable items. Throughout your journey, you'll find a number of rooms with upgrades and gear locked behind doors. You'll collect from these locked rooms items called Sentinel Batteries, which you can bring back to the Fortress and decide which doors to open.

For more about Doom Eternal's single-player campaign, be sure to read our impressions of the game's first three hours. Minor spoilers: we think it's pretty awesome so far.

How Long Will It Be?

You might be wondering ahead of time how long Doom Eternal is going to be? Fortunately, we do have the answer to that. During our preview demo, we had a chance to speak with creative director Hugo Martin, who confirmed that it'll be a 22-plus hour-long experience.

New Modes: Battlemode And Invasion Mode

The biggest new addition in Eternal is Battlemode, an asymmetrical competitive multiplayer mode that pits one Doom Slayer against two other player-controlled demons. While whoever plays as Doom Slayer will have familiar weapons and gear, demons are equipped with different powers and abilities to stop the other player like summoning AI demons or seeing through walls. You can find out out more about how the multiplayer mode is shaping up in our in-depth Battlemode impressions.

Another major addition is Invasion mode where other players can jump into your single-player campaign as demons, basically forming hunting parties to take you out. The mode will allow you to join friends to invade or be invaded. Of course, you can also play alone if you don't want to deal with it.

In an odd twist, there appears to be a lives system of some kind. Based on the debut footage, this doesn't seem to directly impact normal single-player play, but we're thinking this item might come in handy during the invasions where you could easily die at any moment and lose your progress.

Is It Coming To Nintendo Switch?

A Nintendo Switch version of Eternal has been confirmed, but it won't release alongside the for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia versions. In addition, Panic Button, the studio that handled porting the first game, will be returning to port Eternal.

Pre-Order

If you're looking to get a copy of Doom Eternal when it comes out, there are a few versions you can pre-order ahead of time aside from the standard edition. For more details on each version, be sure to jump into our pre-order guide. Otherwise, you can pre-order the standard version from Amazon using the button below.

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