Developer id Software’s DOOM Eternal will finally arrive in 2020, amping up the 2016 DOOM reboot’s fast-paced shooting for a sequel that brings Hell to Earth. In the lead-up to DOOM Eternal’s release date, id Software has revealed new gameplay and story details for fans to dissect.

Unveiled at with a DOOM Eternal trailer at Bethesda’s 2018 E3 press conference, the DOOM sequel introduces new and returning settings, such as Earth and Phobos. The central hook is that Hell’s demons have invaded the Earth, so it’s up to the Doom Slayer to stop them. DOOM Eternal previews suggest the game puts a greater emphasis on story than its predecessor, with more cutscenes and characters. Action is still the focus, of course, and DOOM Eternal has several new mechanics to help players increase the demonic carnage.

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Since DOOM 2016 was one of this generation’s most beloved shooters, DOOM Eternal is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated games of 2020. Here are all the details on DOOM Eternal’s gameplay and special editions fans need to tide them over until the release date.

DOOM Eternal Release Date

So far, 2020 has been a bad year for triple-A game release dates, and DOOM Eternal was one of the many 2020 games to be delayed until later this year. Bethesda announced the DOOM Eternal delay in October 2019, pushing the release date from November 2019 to March 20, 2020. Along with the delay, id Software announced all players who pre-order DOOM Eternal will get DOOM 64 for free. There are several other DOOM Eternal pre-order and special edition bonuses for players to acquire, as well, like a “Doom Doot” meme-referencing multiplayer demon skin.

DOOM Eternal Gameplay

In DOOM Eternal, the Doom Slayer has many new weapons and abilities to enhance in his demon-killing escapades. The most intriguing are his new mobility options: A double-dash ability joins the Slayer’s double jump, drastically increasing midair movement capabilities. Players also have access to the “meat hook,” a grappling hook attached to the Slayer’s shotgun that can pull him toward enemies for easier dispatching. When the hook gets players up close, they’ll have new melee options, like DOOM Eternal’s Crucible sword and the Doom Slayer’s arm-mounted, Glory Kill-assisting blade. DOOM Eternal gameplay footage has shown off other gear, too, such as various shoulder-mounted weapons, further building out the Slayer’s arsenal.

The sequel’s core gameplay loop will see players venturing out from the Slayer’s space station hub area into the game’s various levels. They’ll use the weapons at their disposal to dismember and disarm demons – a new feature in DOOM Eternal – and will need to use the flame thrower, Glory Kill, and chainsaw to get armor, health, and ammo pickups from downed enemies, creating a resource-juggling minigame at the heart of DOOM Eternal’s gameplay. Just like the 2016 DOOM’s many secrets, there will of course be hidden items to find throughout the world, as well as a number of unlockable armor sets, like a DOOM Classic-inspired look.

Finally, there’s multiplayer. Rather than the 2016 DOOM’s lackluster Slayer vs. Slayer modes, id Software opted for an asymmetric approach to DOOM Eternal PvP. In DOOM Eternal’s BattleMode multiplayer, two players take on the role of powerful demons and face off against a single Doom Slayer player. The demon team can choose from a number of different demons, and they can spawn in AI demons to help take the Slayer down. The Slayer, on the other hand, has a full kit of weapons and can regain health with Glory Kills. The developer framed the mode as a “strategy vs. skill” affair, where the demons use wits to take down the sheer might of the Slayer. Additionally, id Software has teased that DOOM Eternal will have a Dark Souls-like invasion mechanic, which will be added in a free update after the game’s launch.

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Camden Jones
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