DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods Part One

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 116 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 78 out of 116
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 116
  3. Negative: 15 out of 116

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  1. PanteraHouse
    Oct 21, 2020
    10
    This DLC is brutally difficult compared to the main game, which is a great thing. I find myself having to up my game so much to get through some of these fights on Nightmare. New areas are great. Highly recommend if you're up for a challenge
  2. Onioncreature
    Oct 24, 2020
    9
    A competent DLC campaign; the music, visuals, and gameplay are comparable in scope and quality to the base game. Unfortunately, ID's zealousness to deliver a challenging experience has gone a bit out of control here, resulting in a fairly exhausting playthrough. Some design choices are questionable, and end up compromising the flow and pacing. Still, it remains very fun, so I can'tA competent DLC campaign; the music, visuals, and gameplay are comparable in scope and quality to the base game. Unfortunately, ID's zealousness to deliver a challenging experience has gone a bit out of control here, resulting in a fairly exhausting playthrough. Some design choices are questionable, and end up compromising the flow and pacing. Still, it remains very fun, so I can't complain too much.… Expand
  3. DopaminE
    Oct 29, 2020
    9
    DOOM Eternal x 2, Great Level Design, Amazing Combat, new OST is good and Challenging. Great DLC for DOOM Eternal fan.
  4. umutpolatguler
    Oct 23, 2020
    10
    I don't know what to say actually, it was a bit short but the experience was very unique. The music is a banger, the gameplay is a banger. Hell, everything is a banger.
  5. big_chonky
    Oct 21, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i have not finished this but it is still amazing. i'm almost done with the 2nd level. it picks up right where doom eternal left off. you have all the stuff you had at the end of doom eternal (except the crucible because its in the icon of sins head) but the combat is even harder the environments are even more diverse. you have to fight 2 marauders at once. it is very hard for people who aren't the best at the game (like me) but it is still very fun and very fast. the support runes where a cool idea and are also very good to help with the even more challenging difficulty. i am playing this on hurt me plenty because as i mentioned i'm not the best. this will push to use your entire arsenal of weapons and move faster then light. final verdict 9/10.… Expand
  6. DoomPerson
    Oct 22, 2020
    10
    This game is Doom Eternal campaign on steroids. The enemy AI feels slightly tuned to higher difficulty and the arenas are more claustrophobic, thereby making the combat more intense and dodging harder but even more critical. The DLC picks up where the final level of DOOM Eternal Campaign left off and the weapons and all enemies are back within the first 1/4 of the first level. While theThis game is Doom Eternal campaign on steroids. The enemy AI feels slightly tuned to higher difficulty and the arenas are more claustrophobic, thereby making the combat more intense and dodging harder but even more critical. The DLC picks up where the final level of DOOM Eternal Campaign left off and the weapons and all enemies are back within the first 1/4 of the first level. While the game is harder, it is possible to manage these levels if you play it enough times.… Expand
  7. Toastedcrayon12
    Mar 12, 2021
    10
    i usually like to post joke reviews but this game is to good for that there's so much depth to the combat, the movement is great, the guns feel fantastic, the environments look fantastic, and it is very very well optimized. on my GTX 1650 it runs at 80-120 FPS on high settings and 120-144 on low settings not to mention the game still looks great at low settings. The platforming is prettyi usually like to post joke reviews but this game is to good for that there's so much depth to the combat, the movement is great, the guns feel fantastic, the environments look fantastic, and it is very very well optimized. on my GTX 1650 it runs at 80-120 FPS on high settings and 120-144 on low settings not to mention the game still looks great at low settings. The platforming is pretty decent it's not amazing platforming but it's simple enough to never interrupt the pacing, it actually helps the pacing by working together with the exploration in between fights to give you something to do in between arenas rather than just walking. great game don't listen to the games journalists who claim it's boring. (also the ancient gods dlc's are good too)… Expand
  8. SwnSng
    Oct 27, 2020
    10
    The Ancient gods has the most engaging combat of any DOOM game.

    We all agree that the game is harder but so was Eternal when you first played it. I mean would you rather the game not challenge Slayers and all we got was just new environments to play through because to me I think that would have been disappointing. I think the game is generous to players with BFG ammo all around if you    The Ancient gods has the most engaging combat of any DOOM game.

    We all agree that the game is harder but so was Eternal when you first played it. I mean would you rather the game not challenge Slayers and all we got was just new environments to play through because to me I think that would have been disappointing. I think the game is generous to players with BFG ammo all around if you want to make an encounter easier. The game is not unfair -- everytime you die, you know what you did wrong or what you need to improve on. Whether it's movement, positioning, monster priority or pumping out more dps it's all there for you to analyze. Also, it's not a bad ide a to play the game in a lower difficulty on the first run-through to learn the mechanics and limit any frustration that you may have. Every Slayer can improve some part of their game and that is when any skilled base game feels the most satisfying.    … Expand
  9. SiKKxKiD
    Nov 19, 2020
    10
    Gid Gud Noobies. This is the best FPS game ever made and nothing for morons.
  10. FuriousAegon
    Oct 31, 2020
    8
    Amazing DLC!Gorgeous locations,interesting story and great continue of main story,but theres few conses some arenas in Urdak,soul demons are too strong,and music is worse than main soundtrack.
  11. Frgtuw
    Nov 4, 2020
    10
    Отличное дополнение к шикарной игре. Doom Eternal была восхитительной игрой, а дополнение предлагает гораздо большее испытание, теперь стало действительно сложно.
  12. scarygirraffe98
    Nov 1, 2020
    10
    The ancient gods is exactly what I wanted from a campaign expansion. Instead of ignoring the main campaign's combat philosophy and trying to appeal to a wider demographic, the ancient gods doubles down on what made the base game so good to begin with. These are some of the best levels in any FPS ever. It may only be three levels, but it definitely feels like a whole lot more than that. TheThe ancient gods is exactly what I wanted from a campaign expansion. Instead of ignoring the main campaign's combat philosophy and trying to appeal to a wider demographic, the ancient gods doubles down on what made the base game so good to begin with. These are some of the best levels in any FPS ever. It may only be three levels, but it definitely feels like a whole lot more than that. The locations you explore are incredibly unique, and each level looks nothing like the last. The new demons are fantastic. The turret makes for an incredibly threatening pressure unit when amidst the heat of battle. The spirit starts out kind of underwhelming, but proves it worth later on, specifically when you first fight the possessed baron. The blood maykr is in a similar boat. when you first fight them, they don't really put up much of a threat. I mean, they die in one hit. But trying to land that headshot in the middle of a heated battle can be extremely difficult, not to mention the consequence for missing the shot, that being an extremely powerful attack that is very hard to dodge. As you probably have already heard, the ancient gods is way, way harder than the base game. This is immediately evident as soon as the first level. You'll constantly be bombarded by revenants, invisible whiplash's, pinky's, and cyber mancubi. LOTS of cyber mancubi. at one point you fight four barons in one arena, one after another. And also expect to see a whole lot of marauders. At one point, you even fight two of them at once! In execution, the constant fights and sadistic difficulty can render the player a bit exhausted. Thankfully, the ancient gods offer some variety in the way you go about these fights, mainly in the blood swamps. (Which is just one of the many reasons why it's the best level in the game) There's a point where you must follow a green ghost dog who will guide you through the toxic air that has consumed the area. There's a part where you have to fight a possessed arachnotron, a doom hunter, and a whole lot of spectres in an area shrouded in fog, which prevents you from being to see for the most part. There's a couple of parts where you have to complete a platforming segment fast enough to evade the rising poisonous fog. There's two areas where you have to fight a tentacle the size of Mongolia, which is just funny to me. The plot is definitely there, but not shoved in your face, as it should be. But I found the plot to be incredibly interesting and well thought out, and it answers a lot of questions I heard during the main campaign. The soundtrack is absolutely incredible and should be remembered with the same love as Mick Gordon's work on the main campaign's soundtrack. Overall, this expansion succeeded any and all expectations, and is well worth the price.… Expand
  13. Halfmuh
    Nov 8, 2020
    8
    This DLC is mostly more of the same content and a bit of new lore. More monsters, more arenas, more hardcore. But it seems that content was released in hurry and has certain problems but first thigs first.

    For those critics who said "gameplay is already ideal" designers made it even more perfect. Now Shielded zombies become cannon fodder spawnng in some waves in large counts and    This DLC is mostly more of the same content and a bit of new lore. More monsters, more arenas, more hardcore. But it seems that content was released in hurry and has certain problems but first thigs first.

    For those critics who said "gameplay is already ideal" designers made it even more perfect. Now Shielded zombies become cannon fodder spawnng in some waves in large counts and respawning after death. This brings a some cind of rotation of cannon fodder in fights, in some arenas and for some combinations of large demons with this thesh monsters it made passing level really tought for me (i played original from launch only on Nightmare dificulty as well as dlc).
    New enemy "angel" is really hardhitting but really he is only improved makyr drone making aim challenge tougther. New enemy "ghost" is really hard while possessing some kinds of demons. THe way they force you to ghostebuster them is hard restriction on your playstyle but i love developers tries to make people use forgotten modification.

    First boss didnt gave me a lot of a challenge but i like style involved in arena and fight design there.
    As for last one i really would like to see this arena in some sort of custom editor. It was more quake than doom on last phase. Ah the last phase made me suffer. in good way. After finishing i felt physical statisfaction all over the brain. It really made me understand plasma beam and how to ghostbust right. It had to develop a most effective plan and then hard try it "unil it is done".

    Levels are currently hardly filled by a lot of small arenas. That is not bad, some times even good giving your skill a new challenge. What is really bad is QA work on those arenas. character oftenly gets stuck in luggage on the floor. Some times gets stuck in platform he should climb. At some places doesnt climb where he should climb with easy: first place i remember UAC Atlantica fight before getting keycard (red i suppose) where you can jump 1) on large crate -> 2) to the rod from wall -> 3)quad damage, first encounter with quad i suppose. well crate is broken dommguy climbs to it 1 time out of 10.

    As for lore. Well who really cares. Its doomguy, he do not listens talking heads.

    Finally 8/10 compared to 10/10 for original. Good ideas, Lack of polisment and QA work on level design    … Expand
  14. SNVKE
    Apr 16, 2021
    10
    Great DLC. It was much more difficult until second DLC came out, some areas and arenas was nerfed because it was difficult for some less experienced players.
    Well, Hugo said this nerf will be reverted in future.
    Anyway, as i already said, this DLC is great, mustplay for everybody who love challenge and alot of intense fighting. New composers done great work, my favourite track is Blood    Great DLC. It was much more difficult until second DLC came out, some areas and arenas was nerfed because it was difficult for some less experienced players.
    Well, Hugo said this nerf will be reverted in future.
    Anyway, as i already said, this DLC is great, mustplay for everybody who love challenge and alot of intense fighting.

    New composers done great work, my favourite track is Blood Swamps by Andrew Hulshult - its heavy and meaty.

    this game is incredible.    … Expand
  15. TheShellsAround
    Oct 27, 2020
    10
    Honestly fantastic, everything that you want, more doom eternal, great music, and fluid combat blew me away for dlc
  16. DoomSlayer3030
    Oct 28, 2020
    10
    Great addition to the story with awesome level design and a way to make the combat even faster!
  17. ldj
    Nov 22, 2020
    10
    This expansion offers one of the most phenomenal combat encounters in any DOOM game. The greater challenge from the base game is a welcome addition. All of the new enemies added to this expansion requires even greater attention than the more aggressive demons. For example, a heavy or super-heavy demon possessed by a spirit is a number one priority that will wreak havoc if you do not dealThis expansion offers one of the most phenomenal combat encounters in any DOOM game. The greater challenge from the base game is a welcome addition. All of the new enemies added to this expansion requires even greater attention than the more aggressive demons. For example, a heavy or super-heavy demon possessed by a spirit is a number one priority that will wreak havoc if you do not deal with it quickly. This kind of engagement creates openings for the lesser demons to attack. Also with the increase of fodder demons, they pose more of a threat and you have to choose which enemies to prioritize first.

    The Ancient Gods Part One has three lengthy levels with several intense combat encounters and interesting platforming to break up each fight. As with the base game, aggression is the only way to survive but skilled weapon-switch combos are almost mandatory in the more intense or claustrophobic encounters. I also love the fact that The Ancient Gods introduced more of what the haters hated, not only to piss them off, but also to challenge experienced players. You will fight two marauders at the same time, a buffed marauder, and giant tentacles. This additions add to the challenge of the game and defeating them makes the victories ever more satisfying. This expansion was made for skilled players who loved the mechanics of DOOM Eternal.

    I also want to point out how amazing the soundtrack is. The music in the game is composed by Andrew Hulshult and David Levy. The tracks used in each level fit the environments and combat aggression perfectly. They stuck to their own style and adapted it to their own version of what DOOM sounds like, instead of copying Mick Gordon. I am glad that id Software was able to find two talented composers after Mick Gordon's departure from the franchise.    … Expand
  18. Vshred7330
    Mar 6, 2021
    10
    Very fun and stimulating. The ancient gods dlc was a great addition and challenge to the game. Can't wait for part 2
  19. Ruf_bee_zy701
    Mar 7, 2021
    10
    One of the most well optimized games I've ever played! Always awesome to slay some demons. Beautiful world and character design. Only thing is even with the DLC its a bit short. Still a blast though!
  20. Kajolica395
    Mar 21, 2021
    10
    There are pros and cons with Doom Eternal. I really enjoy the story arc of Doom eternal and the map design is well done. The missions challenge the player to come back and continue to gain more skill as well as to explore the levels. I also enjoyed the challenge of the Ancient Gods Part 1 expansion pack. However, When I played the Ancient Gods Part 2, It was not as challenging as I hadThere are pros and cons with Doom Eternal. I really enjoy the story arc of Doom eternal and the map design is well done. The missions challenge the player to come back and continue to gain more skill as well as to explore the levels. I also enjoyed the challenge of the Ancient Gods Part 1 expansion pack. However, When I played the Ancient Gods Part 2, It was not as challenging as I had hoped. Especially the final mission and boss fight. I was expecting much more of a challenge for what the objective was. I encourage the team at Bethesda to increase the difficulty of the second campaign expansion.… Expand
  21. Chelovek320
    Mar 23, 2021
    10
    Фанатичная игра, мне она нравится. Моя любимая игра в дум со времен второй судьбы. Большой человек.
  22. Misterbelvede64
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    Doom 2016, Doom Eternal, and the Ancient Gods DLCs are some of the best games I've ever played. I've enjoyed every minute of the time I've put into them. These games are shining examples of what happens when highly skilled developers take the time to truly understand their audience. Highly recommended.
  23. Poopmachine1364
    Apr 23, 2021
    10
    One of the best FPS ever created. High skill ceiling. High replayability. Next step in the genre. Checkout @UnderTheMayo on youtube, amongst others, for becoming a badass demon slayer. You will probably be yawning while playing other (generic/mainstream) shooters after playing this. Worth every penny including the DLCs. Stop reading and buy this now!
  24. Inferno1256
    May 4, 2021
    10
    This DLC is a perfect continuation of Doom Eternal. It takes everything that makes Doom great and ramps it up to an eleven.
  25. Saluman7
    Apr 4, 2022
    10
    Çok zorlu DLC, ancak oyunda daha iyi olduğunuzda oynamak için çok ödüllendirici bir adam.

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best PC Game of 2020
67
#67 Most Discussed PC Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. CD-Action
    Feb 8, 2021
    85
    It’s the same Doom Eternal we know and love, but the DLC managed to make it even more frenetic. The onslaught of demons is actually so intense that it can easily get overwhelming, especially if you haven’t played Doom for a while or never mastered it. It’s a shame the developers were quite skimpy with new content, so we only got three new enemies (of which one is not even worth mentioning), three new runes, and three new maps (huge and well-designed though). [13/2020, p.49]
  2. GameCritics
    Nov 17, 2020
    90
    While it’s easy to nitpick, it’s even easier to rave about how great the rest of the The Ancient Gods is. I’m not sure this is the best place to jump into Doom Eternal given its initial difficulty, but picking up the whole package is absolutely recommended. The Ancient Gods consistently delivers some of the best combat ever seen, and delivers it in spades.
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  3. Games.cz
    Nov 12, 2020
    80
    A solid expansion that will test even the hardest Doomguys around. It’s almost the same as the basic game, with one exception: It’s even harder. And, regretfully, the music isn’t as amazing as before.
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