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.
DOOM features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order: what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Resource Operations | Mission 2 of 13 | Early weapon mods, first Rune Trials, Praetor Tokens from Elite Guards | Super Shotgun Brawler |
| 2 | Kadingir Sanctum | Mission 6 of 13 | Hell themed secrets, classic map fragments, Argent Cells | Super Shotgun Brawler |
| 3 | Lazarus Labs | Mission 9 of 13 | Cyberdemon boss fight, major story data logs, late game weapon upgrades | Glory Kill Rusher |
| 4 | The Necropolis | Mission 11 of 13 | Hell Guard boss fight, late Rune Trials, Praetor Suit completion | Glory Kill Rusher |
| 5 | Argent D'Nur | Mission 13 of 13 | Spider Mastermind boss fight, the campaign ending, final collectibles | Glory Kill Rusher |
Resource Operations: Starting Area
The second mission and the first proper arena teaching level, where Gore Nests and the wave system are introduced properly. It also hands over the Combat Shotgun mods and the first Rune Trials worth chasing.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mission 2 of 13 |
| Key Rewards | Early weapon mods, first Rune Trials, Praetor Tokens from Elite Guards |
| Recommended Role | Super Shotgun Brawler |
| Key Weapons | Combat Shotgun |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of Glory Kills. This is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first weapons upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Kadingir Sanctum.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Kadingir Sanctum: Early Game
The first full Hell level, all bone architecture and open drops, and a sharp difficulty increase over the Mars facilities. Hell Knights and Summoners appear in numbers here for the first time.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mission 6 of 13 |
| Key Rewards | Hell themed secrets, classic map fragments, Argent Cells |
| Recommended Role | Super Shotgun Brawler |
| Key Weapons | Combat Shotgun |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering Chainsaw ammunition economy. It's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Combat Shotgun if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Lazarus Labs.
Lazarus Labs: Mid Game
The UAC research wing where Olivia Pierce's work is laid out in data logs, and the mission that ends in the Cyberdemon fight. The arena is large and circular, which is the only reason the fight is survivable.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mission 9 of 13 |
| Key Rewards | Cyberdemon boss fight, major story data logs, late game weapon upgrades |
| Recommended Role | Glory Kill Rusher |
| Key Weapons | Combat Shotgun |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Super Shotgun becomes accessible here. Prioritize getting it.
- Master Weapon mods and Field Drones for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
The Necropolis: Late Game
A vertical Hell fortress built around the Hell Guard encounter, first one and then two at once. It is the point where a build that neglected Armour and Ammo capacity stops working.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mission 11 of 13 |
| Key Rewards | Hell Guard boss fight, late Rune Trials, Praetor Suit completion |
| Recommended Role | Glory Kill Rusher |
| Key Weapons | Super Shotgun |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Super Shotgun should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- Praetor Suit and Argent Cells mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Argent D'Nur.
Argent D'Nur: Endgame
The final mission, set in the ruined homeland of the Night Sentinels, and it closes on the Spider Mastermind. Everything before it is preparation for one long arena with no cover and no retreat.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mission 13 of 13 |
| Key Rewards | Spider Mastermind boss fight, the campaign ending, final collectibles |
| Recommended Role | Glory Kill Rusher |
| Key Weapons | Super Shotgun |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Chainsaw Economy Runner for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order: Resource Operations → Kadingir Sanctum → Lazarus Labs → The Necropolis → Argent D'Nur. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner: Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your weapons: Some areas favor different weapons types.
- Read the walkthrough: Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush: Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
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 Crafting Guide
- DOOM Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy DOOM, check out these related guides:
- Counter-Strike 2 Maps & Locations: fps game with similar mechanics
- Apex Legends Maps & Locations: fps game with similar mechanics
- Rainbow Six Siege Maps & Locations: fps game with similar mechanics
