id Software's 2016 reboot launched on 13 May 2016 and rebuilt the series by removing every reason to stop moving. Glory Kills drop health, the chainsaw drops ammunition, and cover does nothing at all, so the 13 campaign missions from The UAC through Kadingir Sanctum to Argent D'Nur reward forward pressure over caution. This is the reboot rather than DOOM Eternal or the 1993 original, and its pace still outruns most shooters released since.
Choosing the right role shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Role | Tier | Playstyle | Best Weapons | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glory Kill Rusher | A | Balanced | Super Shotgun | Yes |
| Super Shotgun Brawler | S | Get inside Hell Knight and Pinky range where they cannot use their charges properly, fire, dash sideways during the reload, and use the chainsaw when shells run dry. | Combat Shotgun | Moderate |
| Gauss Cannon Marksman | A | Charge Siege Mode only when the nearest demon is far enough away to matter, drop heavy targets first, and swap to Precision Bolt in the missions with tight corridors. | Gauss Cannon | Yes |
| Rocket Crowd Controller | A | Balanced | Rocket Launcher | Yes |
| Chainsaw Economy Runner | B | Saw a Possessed the moment ammunition dips, since small demons cost one fuel can, and keep the BFG for the moment an arena spawns a Baron and a Mancubus together. | BFG 9000 | No |
New player? Start with Super Shotgun Brawler. See our beginner's guide for why.
Glory Kill Rusher
Glory Kill Rusher is a strong option in DOOM.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Super Shotgun |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Glory Kills |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Super Shotgun
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Resource Operations to learn Glory Kill Rusher-specific mechanics
- Focus on Glory Kills. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Super Shotgun as your first major upgrade
- See our full Glory Kill Rusher build guide for the optimal gear progression
Super Shotgun Brawler
The Super Shotgun does more damage per shell than anything short of the BFG, and it has no mods to complicate it. This build closes distance on purpose and treats the reload as the rhythm of the fight.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Get inside Hell Knight and Pinky range where they cannot use their charges properly, fire, dash sideways during the reload, and use the chainsaw when shells run dry. |
| Best Weapons | Combat Shotgun |
| Stat Priority | Ammo capacity, then Health, then Armour |
| Core Gear | Super Shotgun, Rich Get Richer rune, Ammo capacity upgrades, Frag Grenades for the reload window |
| Key Mechanic | Chainsaw ammunition economy |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Get inside Hell Knight and Pinky range where they cannot use their charges properly, fire, dash sideways during the reload, and use the chainsaw when shells run dry.
- Pairs well with Combat Shotgun
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Resource Operations to learn Super Shotgun Brawler-specific mechanics
- Focus on Chainsaw ammunition economy. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Combat Shotgun as your first major upgrade
- See our full Super Shotgun Brawler build guide for the optimal gear progression
Gauss Cannon Marksman
Siege Mode turns the Gauss Cannon into the game's heaviest single hit, capable of killing a Baron of Hell outright. The cost is that you cannot move while charging, so it needs to be timed against arena lulls.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Charge Siege Mode only when the nearest demon is far enough away to matter, drop heavy targets first, and swap to Precision Bolt in the missions with tight corridors. |
| Best Weapons | Gauss Cannon |
| Stat Priority | Ammo capacity, then Armour, then Health |
| Core Gear | Gauss Cannon with Siege Mode, Precision Bolt as the alternative, Ammo Boost rune, maximum Ammo capacity |
| Key Mechanic | Weapon mods and Field Drones |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Charge Siege Mode only when the nearest demon is far enough away to matter, drop heavy targets first, and swap to Precision Bolt in the missions with tight corridors.
- Pairs well with Gauss Cannon
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Resource Operations to learn Gauss Cannon Marksman-specific mechanics
- Focus on Weapon mods and Field Drones. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Gauss Cannon as your first major upgrade
- See our full Gauss Cannon Marksman build guide for the optimal gear progression
Rocket Crowd Controller
Rocket Crowd Controller is a strong option in DOOM.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Rocket Launcher |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Rune Trials |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Rocket Launcher
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Resource Operations to learn Rocket Crowd Controller-specific mechanics
- Focus on Rune Trials. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Rocket Launcher as your first major upgrade
- See our full Rocket Crowd Controller build guide for the optimal gear progression
Chainsaw Economy Runner
A discipline more than a loadout, built for Nightmare and Ultra-Nightmare runs. The chainsaw is treated as a resource generator on a schedule rather than an emergency button, which keeps the heavy weapons loaded all the way through an arena.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Saw a Possessed the moment ammunition dips, since small demons cost one fuel can, and keep the BFG for the moment an arena spawns a Baron and a Mancubus together. |
| Best Weapons | BFG 9000 |
| Stat Priority | Ammo capacity, then Health, then Armour |
| Core Gear | Chainsaw with fuel capacity upgrades, Equipment Power rune, Siphon Grenade, BFG 9000 held in reserve |
| Key Mechanic | Praetor Suit and Argent Cells |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Saw a Possessed the moment ammunition dips, since small demons cost one fuel can, and keep the BFG for the moment an arena spawns a Baron and a Mancubus together.
- Pairs well with BFG 9000
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Resource Operations to learn Chainsaw Economy Runner-specific mechanics
- Focus on Praetor Suit and Argent Cells. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize BFG 9000 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Chainsaw Economy Runner build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Super Shotgun Brawler is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Glory Kill Rusher is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Super Shotgun for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Chainsaw Economy Runner offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another role.
For Group Play
Rocket Crowd Controller shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More DOOM Guides
- DOOM DOOM Overview
- DOOM Best Builds
- DOOM Tier List
- DOOM Walkthrough
- DOOM Beginner's Guide
- DOOM Tips & Tricks
- DOOM Weapons Guide
- DOOM Combat Guide
- DOOM Boss Guide
- DOOM Maps & Locations
- DOOM Crafting Guide
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