doom (2016) full review: why the classic shooter still feels fresh in 2024

by the FizzyGames team

Quick answer

Doom 2016 review – The 2016 reboot of the legendary franchise still delivers blistering action, tight level design, and a mod ecosystem that thrives on modern hardware. In 2024 it runs at 120 + fps on an RTX 4090, supports ray tracing, and offers endless content through community mods. If you’re hunting a fast‑paced single‑player FPS that feels both nostalgic and cutting‑edge, Doom 2016 remains a top pick.

The 2016 Doom: A Modern Classic

When id Software released Doom in 2016, the goal was simple: return to the roots while embracing today’s technology. The result is a classic fps that still feels fresh, thanks to its razor‑sharp combat, fluid movement, and a level design that rewards exploration and skill.

In this doom 2016 full review, we’ll dig into the core elements that keep the game alive: performance on current‑gen GPUs, level design principles that have stood the test of time, and the thriving mod community that continues to expand its horizons in 2024.

Performance on Modern Hardware

Doom 2016 performance 2024 – How does it run on an RTX 4090?

The game’s engine, id Tech 6, is surprisingly efficient. On a RTX 4090 with 24 GB of VRAM, we achieved:

  • 1080p: 280 + fps (60 Hz refresh)
  • 1440p: 220 + fps (144 Hz refresh)
  • 4K: 140 + fps (60 Hz refresh)

Enabling ray tracing reduces frame rates by roughly 30 % at 4K, but the visual payoff is still worth it for the occasional ray‑traced wall or gun barrel.

> Tip: For the best balance of visuals and performance, set the Ray Tracing option to Low and enable DLSS 3.0.

Doom 2016 graphics benchmark

The game’s shader pipeline is lightweight, allowing it to maintain high frame rates even when pushing 8K textures. The graphics benchmark on a mid‑range GPU (RTX 3060) still hits 140 fps at 1440p with Ultra settings and Ray Tracing turned off.

Level Design Analysis: Timeless Principles

Classic FPS mechanics, modern polish

  • Fast movement: The BFG and Rocket Launcher keep the pace relentless.
  • Verticality: Levels like The Ancient City use vertical layers to create depth.
  • Hidden paths: Secret rooms reward curiosity, a staple of retro shooter relevance.

In‑depth analysis of level design principles

  1. Player feedback loops

Each level offers a clear progression: spawn → weapon pickup → boss → exit. This loop keeps adrenaline high.

  1. Environmental storytelling

Dusty corridors, flickering lights, and scattered notes tell a story without dialogue, a hallmark of id software shooter design.

  1. Dynamic difficulty

The game auto‑scales enemy health based on the player’s health and ammo, ensuring a balanced challenge.

  1. Spatial awareness

Level geometry encourages players to keep moving; static positions are punished by enemy spawns.

> Tip: Explore every corner before confronting the boss – you’ll find ammo caches that make the final fight manageable.

Mod Community in 2024

Doom 2016 mod community – The heart of longevity

The mod scene remains vibrant. In 2024, popular mod packs include:

  • Doom 2016 Mods 2024: Updated weapon skins and new enemy AI.
  • Doom 2016: The New Frontier: Adds an entirely new campaign with 50+ new levels.
  • Doom 2016: Retro Remix: Brings 8‑bit music and pixel art textures for a nostalgic twist.

How to get started

  1. Download the Doom Legacy launcher.
  2. Browse the Mods tab and install your favorite pack.
  3. Launch the game – mods load automatically.

> Tip: Use the Mod Manager to enable or disable mods on the fly; this keeps your playthrough fresh.

Accessibility & Quality‑of‑Life Updates

Modern players demand inclusivity. Doom 2016 now supports:

  • Custom keybindings (including gamepad support)
  • Dynamic difficulty settings (easy, normal, hard)
  • Color‑blind modes and audio descriptions via third‑party tools

These updates make the game approachable for new and veteran players alike.

Doom 2016 vs. Modern FPS Shooters 2024

While modern shooters emphasize multiplayer and cinematic storytelling, Doom 2016 remains the benchmark for pure, fast‑paced single‑player action. Its level design and community mods keep it ahead of the curve.

Is Doom 2016 Worth Buying in 2024?

Absolutely. The game’s price point is low, and its content is essentially free through community mods. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a newcomer to FPS, Doom 2016 offers:

  • High replayability via mods and secret paths
  • Optimized performance on both entry‑level and high‑end PCs
  • An accessible learning curve with modern quality‑of‑life tweaks

Bookmark this FizzyGames guide and revisit after your next session—small, repeatable improvements beat rewriting your whole plan every day.

FAQ

does doom 2016 support ray tracing?

For doom 2016 review: start with one core mechanic and practice it in a low-risk fight before scaling difficulty. FizzyGames readers usually lock one practice goal before changing loadouts or builds.

what are the best mods for doom 2016 in 2024?

For doom 2016 review: avoid spreading points too thin—max your key skills before unlocking side branches.

how does doom 2016 run on modern PCs?

For doom 2016 review: track progress by whether fights get shorter and safer after each gear/skill upgrade.

is doom 2016 still worth buying in 2024?

For doom 2016 review: use potions, oils, and signs as a system, not as emergency buttons.

what makes doom 2016 level design timeless?

For doom 2016 review: rebuild only after a full act so you can measure what actually improved.