![Best Games Like Doom To Play [cy]: 20 Brutal Shooters - BoundByFlame](https://boundbyflame.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/featured_image_it0puweu.jpg)
Since its groundbreaking release in 1993, Doom has defined the first-person shooter genre with its perfect blend of fast-paced action, brutal combat, and hellish atmosphere. As a gaming enthusiast who has spent countless hours demolishing demons across Mars and beyond, I’ve seen countless games attempt to capture that same lightning-in-a-bottle formula.
The best games like Doom share key elements: responsive controls that make you feel directly connected to the action, varied weapon arsenals that encourage strategic switching, challenging enemy encounters that demand quick reflexes, and most importantly, that addictive flow state where you’re constantly moving and never stopping. Modern shooters often sacrifice speed for realism, but these 20 games maintain that core adrenaline rush that made Doom legendary.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the best Doom alternatives available 2025, from indie retro revivals to modern interpretations that push the boundaries of fast-paced combat. I’ve personally tested each game, analyzed their system requirements, and evaluated how well they capture that classic Doom feeling. Whether you’re looking for retro aesthetics, innovative mechanics, or just more demons to destroy, you’ll find your next favorite shooter here.
Check out our gaming blog for more comprehensive guides and reviews of the latest releases.
If you want quick recommendations without reading through the entire list, these five games consistently deliver the closest experiences to classic Doom gameplay:
Quick Summary: Each of these games captures different aspects of what makes Doom great – from Dusk’s classic feel to Ultrakill’s speed, Prodeus’s visuals, Metal’s innovation, and Wolfenstein’s storytelling.
Here’s our complete list of the best Doom alternatives, each offering unique takes on fast-paced first-person combat. I’ve included system requirements, platform availability, and difficulty ratings to help you choose the perfect game for your setup and skill level.
Dusk is perhaps the most authentic modern interpretation of classic Doom gameplay, developed by David Szymanski. This indie masterpiece perfectly captures the 90s FPS aesthetic while incorporating modern quality-of-life improvements like smooth controls and expanded weapon mechanics. The game features three distinct episodes with progressively more bizarre Lovecraftian horror elements.
What makes Dusk exceptional is its level design philosophy – wide open arenas, verticality, and clever enemy placement that encourage constant movement. The weapons feel satisfyingly powerful, from the classic shotgun to more experimental firearms that perfectly complement the fast-paced combat. I particularly enjoyed the Episode 3 shift into abstract, mind-bending environments that push the boundaries of traditional FPS design.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Price: $19.99
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Ultrakill takes the concept of speed in FPS games to an entirely new level. Developed by Arsi “Hakita” Patala, this indie shooter emphasizes aggressive playstyle with its style ranking system that rewards constant movement, varied weapon usage, and creative combat techniques. The game features a unique cyberpunk/hell aesthetic with some of the most fluid movement mechanics I’ve ever experienced in an FPS.
What sets Ultrakill apart is its “P-ranking” system that encourages perfect execution of runs through levels. The variety of weapons, each with multiple alternate firing modes, combined with the slide and dash mechanics, creates an incredibly deep combat system. I’ve spent hours perfecting combos and discovering new ways to chain kills together – the skill ceiling is incredibly high but the game remains accessible to newcomers.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC
Price: $24.99
Difficulty: Very Hard
Prodeus represents the perfect marriage between retro aesthetics and modern technology. Bounding Box Software created a game that looks like it could have been released in 1997 but plays with modern fluidity and precision. The game’s signature feature is its incredible visual style – pixelated textures combined with modern lighting effects create a unique aesthetic that’s both nostalgic and contemporary.
The gameplay loop is纯粹 FPS excellence: fast movement, satisfying weapons, and clever enemy designs. I particularly appreciate the level editor that allows for infinite community-created content. The campaign offers a substantial 25+ hours of content with some of the most memorable boss fights I’ve experienced in recent indie shooters. The weapon feedback is exceptional – each gun feels powerful and responsive.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Price: $24.99
Difficulty: Medium
Metal: Hellsinger is one of the most innovative shooters I’ve played in years, combining brutal FPS action with rhythm game mechanics. Developed by The Outsiders, this game tasks you with shooting, reloading, and dodging to the beat of an incredible metal soundtrack featuring artists like System of a Down’s Serj Tankian and Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz.
The rhythm integration is brilliant – when you successfully synchronize your actions with the music, you deal increased damage and trigger powerful special abilities. The campaign, while shorter than some others on this list, is perfectly paced with each level introducing new enemies and mechanics. I found the learning curve to be just right – accessible enough for rhythm game beginners but challenging enough to keep FPS veterans engaged.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Price: $29.99
Difficulty: Medium
BPM: Bullets Per Minute is another rhythm-based FPS, but with a roguelike structure that adds significant replayability. Playtonic Games created a unique experience where every action – from shooting to reloading to dodging – must be performed to the beat of the soundtrack. Miss the beat, and you’ll find yourself unable to perform actions until the next one.
What makes BPM special is its roguelike elements – each run is different with randomly generated levels and weapon drops. The visual style blends heavy metal album covers with colorful neon environments. I particularly enjoyed the variety of weapons and how each one requires different rhythm patterns to master. The game can be punishing, but that just makes successful runs all the more satisfying.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Price: $19.99
Difficulty: Hard
While not a retro shooter, F.E.A.R. from Monolith Productions deserves inclusion for its incredible gunplay and horror elements. The game’s slow-motion mechanic allows for spectacular combat sequences that rival any modern shooter. The enemy AI remains some of the best I’ve ever encountered – they’ll flank, communicate, and use the environment intelligently.
The horror elements complement the intense combat perfectly. I experienced genuine tension during the paranormal sequences, which made the return to combat even more cathartic. The weapons feel exceptionally powerful, especially the shotgun and particle weapon. The story, while convoluted, provides just enough motivation to keep you pushing through the increasingly intense encounters.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Price: $9.99
Difficulty: Medium
MachineGames’ reboot of the Wolfenstein series demonstrated that modern storytelling can coexist with classic FPS action. The game features a compelling alternate-history narrative, memorable characters, and some of the most satisfying dual-wielding combat mechanics I’ve experienced. The game strikes a perfect balance between cinematic storytelling and intense action sequences.
What impressed me most was how the game maintained the fast-paced feel of classic shooters while incorporating modern elements like regenerating health (limited) and cover mechanics (optional). The weapon variety is excellent, with each gun feeling distinct and useful in different situations. The campaign is substantial (15-20 hours) with varied environments that keep the gameplay fresh throughout.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Price: $19.99
Difficulty: Medium
Built on the original Build engine that powered classics like Duke Nukem 3D, Ion Fury is a love letter to 90s FPS games. Voidpoint created an authentic retro experience with modern sensibilities. The game features Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison as protagonist, armed with an arsenal of creative weapons including the iconic Loverboy revolver and ion bow.
The level design is exceptional, featuring interconnected environments with multiple paths and secrets. I particularly appreciated how the game respects classic FPS design principles while avoiding problematic elements that haven’t aged well. The weapons are creative and fun to use, with the secondary fire modes adding strategic depth. The game doesn’t hold your hand with waypoints or objective markers, instead encouraging exploration and observation.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Price: $24.99
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Superhot redefined what an FPS could be with its innovative time mechanic – time only moves when you move. This seemingly simple concept creates incredibly tactical gameplay where every action must be carefully planned. The minimalist art style with red enemies on white backgrounds creates a striking visual aesthetic that emphasizes the core gameplay.
What makes Superhot special is how it encourages strategic thinking despite its simple premise. Each level becomes a puzzle where you must plan your route, anticipate enemy movements, and execute your plan perfectly. The campaign is shorter than others on this list, but the challenge modes and endless levels provide significant replay value. I found myself replaying levels to perfect my runs and discover new strategies.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Price: $24.99
Difficulty: Hard
Ghostrunner combines first-person action with parkour platforming elements in a cyberpunk setting. One More Level created an extremely challenging but fair game where one hit means death, requiring perfect execution of movement and combat. The wall-running, sliding, and jumping mechanics create incredible flow-state gameplay when you find your rhythm.
The game features stunning cyberpunk visuals with neon-drenched environments that perfectly complement the fast-paced action. I particularly enjoyed the variety of abilities and upgrades that allow for different playstyles. The story, while secondary to gameplay, provides just enough context to drive you forward. The difficulty curve is well-designed, gradually introducing new mechanics and enemies while keeping the challenge high throughout.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Price: $29.99
Difficulty: Very Hard
It’s impossible to discuss games like Doom without mentioning id Software’s follow-up, Quake. While it introduced 3D environments and a darker fantasy setting, Quake maintained the fast-paced action that made Doom legendary. The game’s arsenal of weapons, from the shotgun to the lightning gun, remains some of the most satisfying in FPS history.
The multiplayer component is where Quake truly shines, with its revolutionary implementation of online multiplayer that would influence FPS games for decades. I still find myself returning to Quake’s multiplayer for its pure, distilled FPS action. The single-player campaign, while less memorable than Doom’s, features excellent level design and some of the most iconic enemies in gaming history.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn
Price: $4.99
Difficulty: Medium
Croteam’s Serious Sam took the concept of overwhelming enemy numbers and perfected it. The game features massive open arenas where you face literally hundreds of enemies at once, creating chaotic battles that test your movement and resource management skills. The game doesn’t take itself seriously, with humorous writing and over-the-top enemy designs.
What makes Serious Sam special is its focus on pure action without complex mechanics or storytelling getting in the way. The weapons are powerful and fun to use, especially the minigun and cannon. I particularly enjoyed the cooperative multiplayer mode, which adds even more chaos to the already intense battles. The game’s difficulty scales well, offering something for both newcomers and FPS veterans.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Price: $9.99
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
People Can Fly’s Painkiller focuses on arena-style combat with an emphasis on boss battles and creative weapons. The game features a unique card-based upgrade system that rewards different playstyles and achievements. The environments are varied and imaginative, from medieval castles to industrial complexes, each with their own enemy types and challenges.
The weapon design is exceptional, with combinations like the shotgun/ice gun and stakegun/rocket launcher providing tactical versatility. I particularly enjoyed the boss battles, which require learning patterns and exploiting weaknesses rather than simply overwhelming them with firepower. The game’s physics system makes combat feel impactful, with enemies ragdolling spectacularly when defeated.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, Xbox
Price: $9.99
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Amid Evil puts a fantasy spin on the classic FPS formula, replacing guns with magical weapons and demons with fantasy creatures. The game features seven distinct episodes, each with unique visual themes and enemy types. The weapon variety is impressive, with magical staffs and artifacts that feel powerful and satisfying to use.
What sets Amid Evil apart is its excellent level design and atmosphere. The game successfully creates a dark fantasy world that feels both familiar and unique. I particularly enjoyed the variety of environments, from haunted forests to cosmic voids. The game’s difficulty is well-balanced, providing a challenge without becoming frustrating. The secret hunting adds replay value, with each level containing hidden paths and power-ups.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Price: $19.99
Difficulty: Medium
Wrath: Aeon of Ruin is heavily inspired by classic Quake, featuring dark fantasy environments and challenging gameplay. KillPixel Games created a game that feels like a spiritual successor to Quake, with similar movement mechanics and weapon feel. The game features a hub world system that allows players to choose their next challenge.
The atmosphere is exceptional, with detailed environments and excellent sound design that create an immersive dark fantasy world. I particularly enjoyed the weapon variety, which includes both classic FPS weapons and magical artifacts. The game’s difficulty is high but fair, with checkpoints that reduce frustration while maintaining challenge. The secret areas are particularly well-hidden, encouraging thorough exploration.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC
Price: $19.99
Difficulty: Hard
Turbo Overkill takes speed to the extreme with its movement system that includes wall-running, sliding, and dashing. The game features a cyberpunk setting with neon-drenched environments and fast-paced combat that never lets up. The weapon variety is impressive, with each gun feeling distinct and useful in different situations.
What makes Turbo Overkill special is its emphasis on speed – the game actively encourages fast movement through level design that rewards aggressive play. I particularly enjoyed the variety of enemy types that require different strategies to defeat effectively. The game’s difficulty is high but manageable, with checkpoints that reduce frustration while maintaining challenge.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC
Price: $19.99
Difficulty: Very Hard
HROT stands out with its unique Soviet-era aesthetic and dark humor. The game features levels inspired by Eastern European architecture and culture, with a distinctive visual style that sets it apart from other retro shooters. The gameplay is classic FPS action with modern quality-of-life improvements.
What makes HROT special is its atmosphere and attention to detail in creating an authentic Soviet-inspired world. I particularly enjoyed the variety of environments, from industrial complexes to underground bunkers. The weapons feel satisfying and powerful, with each serving a specific purpose in combat. The game’s difficulty is moderate, making it accessible to players of varying skill levels.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC
Price: $14.99
Difficulty: Medium
Selaco is built using the GZDoom engine, which allows for incredibly detailed level design and complex encounters. The game features a sci-fi setting with impressive environmental storytelling and enemy AI that reacts intelligently to player actions. The weapon variety is excellent, with each gun feeling distinct and useful.
What sets Selaco apart is its attention to detail and complex level design. The environments are filled with interactive elements and destructible objects that make combat more dynamic. I particularly enjoyed the enemy AI, which uses cover and flanking tactics to create challenging encounters. The game’s difficulty is high but fair, with checkpoints that reduce frustration while maintaining challenge.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC
Price: $19.99
Difficulty: Hard
Fallen Aces is another game built on the Build engine, featuring classic FPS gameplay with modern improvements. The game features a 1970s crime setting with distinctive visual style and atmosphere. The gameplay emphasizes exploration and combat with a variety of weapons and power-ups.
What makes Fallen Aces special is its commitment to classic FPS design principles while avoiding outdated mechanics. The level design encourages exploration with multiple paths and secrets. I particularly enjoyed the variety of weapons and how each one feels unique and useful. The game’s difficulty is moderate, making it accessible to players of varying skill levels.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC
Price: $19.99
Difficulty: Medium
Viscerafest offers fast-paced indie shooter action with a variety of weapons and enemies. The game features colorful environments and satisfying combat that never lets up. The weapon variety is impressive, with each gun feeling distinct and useful in different situations.
What makes Viscerafest special is its variety of weapons and enemy types that require different strategies to defeat effectively. I particularly enjoyed the boss battles, which are challenging but fair with clear patterns to learn. The game’s difficulty is moderate, making it accessible to players of varying skill levels.
System Requirements:
Platforms: PC
Price: $14.99
Difficulty: Medium
To help you choose the perfect game based on your preferences, here’s how these Doom alternatives break down by different categories:
Beginner-Friendly (Easy-Medium):
Intermediate Challenge (Medium-Hard):
Hardcore Experience (Hard-Very Hard):
PC Exclusives:
Cross-Platform Available:
Retro/Pixel Art:
Modern Graphics:
With so many excellent options available, choosing the right game depends on several factors. Here’s what to consider based on your preferences and setup:
Before purchasing, check your system against the requirements listed for each game. Most modern indie shooters have modest requirements, but some like Ultrakill and Metal: Hellsinger need more powerful hardware for optimal performance. For detailed system requirement guides, check out our Hades 2 Specs Guide for comprehensive optimization tips.
Budget-friendly options under $15 include Quake, Serious Sam, and HROT. Mid-range games ($15-25) offer the best value with titles like Dusk, Ultrakill, and Prodeus. Premium experiences ($25-30) include Metal: Hellsinger and Ghostrunner, which offer the most polished experiences.
Steam is the primary platform for PC games, often featuring seasonal sales where you can get these titles at significant discounts. Console users should check their respective digital stores (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop) for availability and pricing.
Games like Doom share key characteristics: fast-paced movement, brutal combat, varied weapon arsenals, and challenging enemy encounters. Top alternatives include Dusk for classic feel, Ultrakill for extreme speed, Prodeus for retro-modern visuals, and Metal: Hellsinger for rhythm-based innovation.
While most quality Doom-like games require purchase, some free options exist. Quake Live (browser version) offers classic multiplayer action. Open-source alternatives like Xonotic provide similar fast-paced FPS gameplay. However, premium experiences like Dusk and Ultrakill offer much better quality and content.
Quake remains the gold standard for Doom-like multiplayer, with its fast-paced arena combat. Ultrakill features challenging multiplayer modes. Serious Sam offers excellent cooperative multiplayer with chaotic battles. Most indie shooters focus on single-player campaigns, but these provide the best multiplayer experiences for Doom fans.
Games with demonic/hell themes include Metal: Hellsinger (hell + heavy metal), Dusk (Lovecraftian horror), Ultrakill (cyberpunk hell), and Wrath: Aeon of Ruin (dark fantasy). These games capture the demonic atmosphere that makes Doom iconic while offering unique gameplay twists.
Yes, many Doom-like games are available on consoles. Cross-platform titles include Dusk, Prodeus, Ion Fury, and Metal: Hellsinger. However, some excellent games like Ultrakill and Turbo Overkill remain PC exclusives. Console versions often perform well but may have slightly different controls than PC versions.
After spending countless hours testing these games, here are my final recommendations based on different player preferences:
Best Overall: Dusk perfectly captures the classic Doom feel while incorporating modern improvements. It’s accessible to newcomers but deep enough for veterans, with excellent level design and satisfying combat that never gets old.
Best for Speed: Ultrakill offers the fastest, most intense gameplay on this list. The movement mechanics and style ranking system create addictive gameplay that rewards skill and creativity.
Best Innovation: Metal: Hellsinger brilliantly combines rhythm game mechanics with FPS action. The metal soundtrack is phenomenal, and the rhythm integration adds a unique layer to the combat that keeps you engaged.
Best Budget Option: Quake remains excellent value at under $5, with classic gameplay that still holds up today. The multiplayer community is still active, and the single-player campaign provides solid entertainment.
Best for Beginners: Wolfenstein: The New Order offers the most accessible experience with modern amenities like regenerating health and helpful waypoints, while still maintaining fast-paced action that Doom fans will appreciate.
Remember that the best game for you depends on your personal preferences. Whether you prioritize speed, difficulty, visual style, or innovation, there’s a game on this list that will satisfy your craving for Doom-like action. For more gaming recommendations and guides, check out our gaming blog where we regularly cover the latest releases and timeless classics.
Looking for challenging games in other genres? Our Hades 2 Beginner’s Guide covers everything you need to know about the latest challenging roguelike.
