Doom Eternal's Story Expansion Doesn't Require The Main Game

Doom Eternal is getting a hefty story expansion called The Ancient Gods, and we got our first extended look at Gamescom Opening Night Live. If you'd like to intervene in a heavenly conflict even though you don't own the full game, that option is open too. Ancient Gods will be a standalone expansion that you can buy a la carte.

“When we look at how many people have played through the game we have a large percentage--higher than 2016--that have completed it, so you're always looking at that and seeing how far players make it through your game," executive producer Marty Stratton told PCGamesN. "It's important as we want the DLC to reach as many people as possible. In fact, you don’t even need to own Doom Eternal to buy the DLC and play it."

Aside from not needing to own the game, his comments confirm that you can play the Ancient Gods without having finished the campaign. As he says, the studio is looking to make it available to as wide a player base as possible.

The first look at gameplay showed some changes from the base game in this DLC. The Doom Slayer was seen using a grappling hook to move parallel to points, and we got a look at some glowing spirits that look to fit the heavenly theme. We also saw a massive demon and a submarine. This is said to be part one of the Ancient Gods, so there should be at least one more story expansion. You may want to catch up with Doom Eternal's lore.

Of course, given how excellent Doom Eternal is, you may want to consider buying the base game, as well. In our Doom Eternal review, Phil Hornshaw praised the level design and thrilling combat, though he did find the story too confusing for its own good. With Battlemode allowing you to even control the demons you have slaughtered in the campaign, there is plenty of replay value, and a future update will let you invade others' games and act as an enemy.

Bethesda has announced that Doom Eternal (and Elder Scrolls Online) will come to PS5 and Xbox Series X, with free next-gen upgrades.