Jenny Ford
Doom Eternal is not just a sequel; it’s an adrenaline-fueled experience that continues the legacy of its predecessor, delivering high-octane action, fast-paced gameplay, and a range of demons ready to be obliterated. For newcomers, the game’s intensity can be overwhelming, but with the right strategy and tips, you can become a master slayer in no time. This guide will provide you with crucial tips to start strong and crush your enemies in Doom Eternal.
Master the Combat Basics
Doom Eternal’s combat is a unique blend of precision, speed, and strategic decision-making. To survive and thrive, you must first get a firm grasp on the combat fundamentals:
- Keep Moving: Unlike many first-person shooters, Doom Eternal’s gameplay is built around constant movement. Standing still is a death wish, as demons will swarm and overwhelm you in seconds. Always be on the move, jumping, dashing, and dodging to stay one step ahead of your enemies.
- Use Your Weapons Wisely: At the beginning of the game, you’ll have access to basic weapons like the Combat Shotgun, but as you progress, more powerful weapons such as the Super Shotgun, Rocket Launcher, and BFG 9000 will become available. Each weapon has its strengths, and understanding when and how to use them is essential for success. For example, the Rocket Launcher is excellent for clearing large groups of enemies, while the Ballista is perfect for taking down larger, more formidable foes.
- Aim for Weak Points: Every demon has a weak point that, when targeted, will result in higher damage and can often stagger the enemy. Learn to recognize these weak spots, such as the head or exposed parts, and focus your attacks there to maximize damage.
Efficient Resource Management
Managing resources is vital to surviving in Doom Eternal. Ammo and health can be scarce, so you need to make every shot count:
- Chainsaw for Ammo: One of the most crucial tools at your disposal is the Chainsaw. Not only does it deal significant damage, but it can also be used to harvest ammo from weaker enemies. When your ammo is running low, look for an opportunity to use the Chainsaw to refill your weapons and get back in the fight.
- Glory Kills for Health: Executing Glory Kills is an excellent way to replenish your health. When a demon’s health is low, it will glow and allow you to initiate a brutal melee attack. This not only looks cool but also restores your health, ensuring that you stay in the fight longer. Don’t hesitate to go for these kills when you need to top up your health.
- Use Your Equipment: Doom Eternal’s arsenal includes equipment like grenades and the flame belch. The flame belch is especially useful for creating an armor drop from enemies, so use it to build up your armor before charging into battle.
Explore the Environment
Doom Eternal’s levels are more than just linear paths; they are complex, multi-layered environments filled with hidden secrets and valuable resources:
- Look for Secrets: The game is filled with hidden areas containing power-ups, extra lives, and weapon mods. Pay attention to your surroundings and listen for audio cues that hint at secret rooms. Exploring these areas can provide you with a crucial edge in battles, giving you access to extra health, ammo, and upgraded weapons.
- Use the Monkey Bars and Platforms: The game’s platforming elements might seem out of place at first, but they are an essential part of exploration. Use monkey bars, ledges, and jump pads to navigate the environment and access higher ground for strategic advantages.
- Grab Weapon Mods and Upgrades: Weapon mods, like the Precision Bolt for the Heavy Cannon or the Flame Belch upgrade, are valuable assets that enhance your weapons’ functionality. These upgrades can be found in hidden rooms or as part of combat encounters. Make sure to prioritize acquiring these to boost your offensive capabilities.
Learn to Prioritize Targets
Doom Eternal throws waves of enemies at you, and choosing which ones to focus on first can be the difference between victory and defeat:
- Eliminate Threats First: Prioritize demons that are capable of dealing the most damage or are difficult to avoid. For example, Hell Knights and Cacodemons should be dealt with quickly to avoid them overwhelming you. Smaller, less threatening enemies like Imps can be dealt with once more significant threats are neutralized.
- Manage Crowd Control: When you’re surrounded by multiple enemies, use explosive weapons and AoE attacks to thin out the herd. The Super Shotgun, with its close-range damage and wide spread, is ideal for crowd control. Use it effectively to clear space and reduce the number of enemies closing in on you.
Customize Your Playstyle
Doom Eternal offers various ways to customize your gameplay and cater to your preferred playstyle. Here’s how you can tailor your approach:
- Choose Your Weapon Mods: As you progress, you can upgrade your weapons with mods that provide different firing modes. For example, the Precision Bolt mod for the Heavy Cannon allows you to target specific parts of enemies with greater accuracy, which is ideal for taking out larger foes. Experiment with different mods to see which ones suit your combat style the best.
- Upgrade Your Suit: The Praetor Suit is a powerful tool that allows you to upgrade your abilities and make your character more formidable. Invest in upgrades that match your playstyle, whether it’s improving your movement speed, increasing ammo capacity, or enhancing the effectiveness of your equipment.
Keep an Eye on Your Surroundings
Situational awareness is crucial in Doom Eternal. The fast-paced action can make it easy to lose track of your environment, but here’s how to stay on top of it:
- Monitor Enemy Spawns: Certain areas in the game will spawn demons repeatedly, which can overwhelm you if you’re not careful. Learn the spawn points of enemies and be ready to reposition yourself as needed.
- Watch Out for Environmental Hazards: Levels often feature hazards like lava pits and traps that can damage or kill you. Make sure to keep an eye on your surroundings to avoid falling into these hazards or being ambushed by enemies.
Master the Glory Kill Mechanic
One of the standout features in Doom Eternal is the Glory Kill mechanic. This isn’t just for show—it’s a vital gameplay element:
- Use Glory Kills Strategically: Don’t rush into executing Glory Kills when surrounded by enemies. Use them when you’re low on health to restore it quickly and efficiently. This mechanic also gives you a brief moment to regain control of the battlefield.
- Learn the Glory Kill Animations: Each enemy has a unique Glory Kill animation. While this may seem trivial, learning these can help you perform Glory Kills more quickly and with greater efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Doom Eternal is a game that rewards skill, quick reflexes, and strategic planning. For beginners, it may take some time to get used to the fast-paced combat and the variety of enemies, but with practice and the right approach, you’ll find yourself mastering the game and dominating your matches. Whether you’re learning how to manage resources, improving your combat mechanics, or exploring hidden areas, each step you take will make you a stronger Slayer. Don’t forget to check out beginner’s guides for further tips and techniques that can refine your gameplay and help you conquer the challenges that await you in Doom Eternal. Prepare to crush your enemies and embrace the chaos.