DOOM Eternal is releasing tonight for PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, and Google Stadia. We provide you with all the information about the release of the new shooter, the exact times, and the new multiplayer mode.
When is the release? DOOM Eternal will be released tomorrow night, from Thursday, March 19th to Friday, March 20th, 2020. The release times are slightly different for the platforms:
- PS4 and Xbox One: DOOM Eternal should launch at 12:01 AM
- PC (Steam and Bethesda.net): DOOM Eternal should launch at 1:01 AM
- Google Stadia: DOOM Eternal should launch at 5:01 AM
The times mentioned already correspond to the converted details in German time (GMT+1).
Is there a preload? Yes. A preload started 48 hours before release for all systems. You can download and install DOOM Eternal in advance to be ready to play.
The release trailer of DOOM Eternal
On March 12th, publisher Bethesda released the launch trailer for DOOM Eternal in German. We have embedded it here for you:
The original trailer in English has received significantly more positive ratings than previously the released TV spot – It was criticized for its music. The soundtrack in the new trailer (and also in the finished game) should appeal much more to longtime fans.
How well are Metacritic and reviews?
Many representatives of the international press were able to play DOOM Eternal before release and publish their reviews on March 17th. Many of these reviews have already been recorded by the rating page Metacritic and are extremely positive:
- PS4 Metascore: 88/100
- PC Metascore: 89/100
- Xbox One Metascore: 90/100
We have summarized and listed the reviews of DOOM Eternal here in a bit more detail. If you want a deeper preview of the new DOOM, check out our colleagues:
- “A shooter like champagne” – Review by GameStar for DOOM Eternal
- “Bloodier, better” – Review by GamePro for DOOM Eternal
- Or watch the review video by GameStar, which we have embedded here for you:
Purchase and contents of the Deluxe and Collector’s Editions
For DOOM Eternal there are three different versions: Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Collector’s Edition. While the Standard Version includes only the game, you get some bonuses in the other editions.
What does the Deluxe package include?
- the Year-One Pass with 2 campaign add-ons
- a skin for the Slayer (demonic Slayer)
- the Classic Weapons Sound Pack
About the shops:
- PS4 version of the Deluxe Edition for DOOM Eternal* for €99.99
- DOOM Eternal - Deluxe Edition [PC]* for €84.99
- DOOM Eternal - Deluxe Edition [Xbox One] | kostenloses Upgrade auf Xbox Series* for €89.99
What does the Collector’s Edition include?
- the Deluxe Edition in an exclusive steelbook
- a life-sized DOOM Slayer helmet replica
- an playable music cassette and download codes for lossless versions of the original soundtracks for (2016) and DOOM Eternal
- the DOOM Lore Book with special artwork
- a “The Gift of Argent Power” lithograph
About the shops:
- DOOM Eternal - Collectors Edition [PlayStation 4]* for €229.99
- DOOM Eternal inkl. Metal Plate (Exkl. bei Amazon) [PC] [Exklusiv bei Amazon]* for €229.99
- DOOM Eternal - Collectors Edition [Xbox One]* for €229.99
*The links are affiliate links. We receive a small commission when you purchase through these links.
All versions also include DOOM 64 and pre-orderers will receive some additional bonuses. You can find out more in our special about the 5 things you should know before buying DOOM Eternal.
Is there a multiplayer?
Yes, DOOM Eternal comes with a multiplayer mode: The Battlemode. The Battlemode is quite different from multiplayer shooters you might know and serves as one of the features to keep you entertained for a long time.
For a better picture of the multiplayer, we have embedded a one-hour gameplay presentation from PAX East for you. The video is longer, but shows several matches and many facets of the Battlemode:
How does the multiplayer work? In Battlemode, two players act as demons (the “bad guys”) against one Slayer (the “good guy”) in an arena. The goal of the demons is to kill the Slayer, while the Slayer must simultaneously kill both demons.
The first party to achieve three victories wins the match, and individual rounds can last indefinitely. The demons respawn as long as both do not die one after the other within 20 seconds, and the Slayer can replenish his health, armor, and ammunition by killing NPC enemies.
With a variety of abilities, weapons, and even different demons, each match plays out differently, and there are many ways to defeat the opponents. You can find out more about the multiplayer mode of DOOM Eternal here:
Can I play immediately? The Battlemode should be available right at the release of DOOM Eternal and is independent of the campaign. You have immediate access to all weapons and skills of the Slayer and do not need to prepare anything.
The only advantage of playing the singleplayer is possibly cosmetics, which you can use to enhance your demons, the Slayer, or your podiums that you appear on. Bethesda has already provided some examples of skins:
What does the future look like?
With the release on March 20th, the game is not done with its development yet. DOOM Eternal is set to receive content like an MMO and will apparently also have seasons during which players can earn special rewards.
Further features are also planned, of which we currently only know one for sure: The invasions.
What are invasions? Invasions are another PvP feature where players can make your campaign harder as demons. If you participate in the mode, others can join your game session at any time and cause chaos.
The demons are supposed to have the same abilities as in Battlemode, and thus defeating them can be quite challenging. Since you also have to complete the campaign tasks, this can lead to some pretty tough situations.
Is DOOM Eternal also coming for the Nintendo Switch?
A release for DOOM Eternal on the Switch has already been confirmed. However, since the release of the game has already been delayed, the Switch version will come a bit later. However, there is still no release date.
The game director, Hugo Martin, stated in a podcast that DOOM Eternal for the Switch will come “a little later.” The release is supposed to have “no huge delay” (via hitc.com).
