Doom Eternal Characters & Roles guide screenshot

Characters & Roles

Overview



In Doom Eternal, there is only one playable character in the single-player campaign: the Doom Slayer. However, the game's multiplayer mode, Battlemode, introduces a roster of playable demons controlled by two players against the Slayer. This guide covers all major characters, playable units, and key non-playable characters (NPCs) that drive the story. Understanding each character's background, strengths, weaknesses, and optimal playstyle is essential for mastering both the campaign and Battlemode.

The Doom Slayer (Protagonist)



Background



The Doom Slayer, also known as the Doomguy, is an ancient warrior blessed by the Seraphim with incredible strength and speed. Imprisoned for eons by the demonic horde, he escapes in Doom (2016) and returns in Doom Eternal to annihilate the forces of Hell. He is the sole defender of humanity and the ultimate weapon against the Khan Maykr and the Icon of Sin. His identity is tied to the Sentinels of Argent D'Nur, and he wields the Praetor Suit—a nearly indestructible armor.

Strengths


  • Extreme Mobility: Dash, double-jump, climbing, and meathook (Super Shotgun grapple) make him the fastest FPS protagonist.

  • Weapon Versatility: Carries all weapons simultaneously, with mods that adapt to any combat situation.

  • Health-Glory Kill Loop: Killing staggered demons restores health, encouraging aggressive play.

  • Armor & Ammo Management: Using the chainsaw on fodder demons yields ammo; flame belch grants armor.

  • Unbreakable Resolve: No morale mechanic; he fights until the last demon falls.


    • Weaknesses


  • No Stealth or Cover: The game punishes passive play; you must constantly move and engage.

  • Fixed Arsenal Start: Early game lacks long-range options (Heavy Cannon requires practice).

  • No Ranged Melee: The Crucible blade has limited ammo; otherwise melee is weak.

  • Vulnerable to Stuns: Certain demon attacks (e.g., Archvile fire, Marauder shield) can interrupt momentum.


    • Playstyle



    The Doom Slayer's playstyle is relentless aggression—the “combat dance.” Key principles:
    1. Prioritize High-Value Targets: Kill Summoners, Archviles, and Maykr Drones first.
    2. Weapon Cycling: Rapidly switch between weapons to exploit weaknesses (e.g., Plasma Rifle for shields, Ballista for far enemies).
    3. Resource Management: Use chainsaw on weakest demons to keep ammo full; flame belch on groups for armor.
    4. Movement: Never stop dashing, jumping, and using the meathook to stay airborne and dodge projectiles.

    Unlock Conditions


  • Campaign: Unlocked at the start of the game (no requirements).

  • Battlemode: Always available as the lone player vs. two demons.


    • Recommended Equipment


  • Praetor Suit Upgrades: Prioritize movement (Air Mobility, Dash Recharge), resource efficiency (Blood Fueled, Seek and Destroy), and survival (Armor Boost, Ammo Booster).

  • Weapon Mods: Super Shotgun (Meathook), Heavy Cannon (Micro Missiles), Chaingun (Mobile Turret), Ballista (Destroyer Blade), Rocket Launcher (Remote Detonate).

  • Sentinel Armor (Crucible): Conserve for heavy demons (Tyrants, Archviles).

  • Runes: Prioritize Savagery (faster Glory Kill animation), Airborne Control (in-air mobility), and Dazed and Confused (lengthens stagger).


    • Team Synergy


  • Campaign: Solo only.

  • Battlemode: The Slayer is always alone; synergy is irrelevant. But his style counters demon teams that coordinate CC (crowd control). The Slayer's mobility makes him hard to trap.


    • Battlemode Demon Roster (Playable in Multiplayer)



    Battlemode pits one Slayer against two demon players. Each demon has unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Demons earn XP through damage, kills, and objective completion, unlocking upgrades.

    General Tips for All Demons


  • Communication is Key: Work with your teammate to chain stuns and focus fire.

  • Summon AI Demons: Use the summon ability to create fodder for the Slayer to waste ammo or Glory Kill for health.

  • Utilize the Environment: Corners, ledges, and tight corridors benefit demons with area denial.


    • Marauder



    #### Background

    The Marauder is a corrupted Sentinel warrior, once a comrade of the Doom Slayer. He wields an energy shield and a powerful shotgun-axe combo. In gameplay, he is a melee-ranged duelist.

    #### Strengths
  • Shield: Blocks most projectiles (except heavy explosive or melee attacks).

  • Wolf Summon: Summons a ghost wolf that can stun and damage the Slayer.

  • Shotgun-Axe Combo: High burst damage at close range.

  • Mobile: Can dash and leap to close distance.


    • #### Weaknesses
  • Shield Depletion: Taking too much damage drains the shield; without it, he is vulnerable.

  • Slayer's Meathook: The Super Shotgun's meathook can bypass the shield and stagger the Marauder.

  • Predictable Pattern: The Marauder lunges after blocking or shooting; Slayers can bait and punish.


    • #### Playstyle
  • Harass & Bait: Use shield to block while your teammate deals damage. Wolf summon forces Slayer to dodge or get stunned.

  • Stick to Mid-Close Range: Too far away, your shotgun is useless; too close, Slayer can meathook you.

  • Communication: Alert teammate when you land a stun to follow up.


    • #### Unlock Conditions
  • Battlemode: Available from level 1 as one of the starter demons.


    • #### Recommended Upgrades
  • Shield Strength: Increases survivability.

  • Wolf Summon Cooldown: More frequent stuns.

  • Shotgun Damage: Burst potential.


    • #### Team Synergy
  • Synergizes with: Revenant (area denial + Marauder lockdown) or Pain Elemental (distraction). Avoid pairing with another melee-focused demon like Mancubus without range backup.


    • Revenant



    #### Background

    The Revenant is a cyborg demon with shoulder rocket launchers that allow sustained fire from range. It can fly and strafe, making it a mobile artillery platform.

    #### Strengths
  • Rocket Barrage: High damage over time, excellent for controlling space.

  • Flight: Can hover above hazards and obstacles.

  • Horizontal Boost: Dodges left/right quickly.

  • Area Denial: Rockets can flush the Slayer out of cover.


    • #### Weaknesses
  • Low Health: The Revenant is fragile; one direct Ballista shot can kill.

  • Slow While Firing: Can't fly while shooting rockets; becomes a hover target.

  • Limited Mobility Upward: Can't vertical dash like the Marauder.


    • #### Playstyle
  • Constant Pressure: Keep rockets firing to suppress the Slayer. Alternate between high and low angles.

  • Stay Mobile: Never hover in one spot; use horizontal boost after each volley.

  • Focus on Larger Demons: Help the tankier demon (Mancubus) break the Slayer's shields.


    • #### Unlock Conditions
  • Battlemode: Unlocked at Battlemode level 15 (or via progression).


    • #### Recommended Upgrades
  • Rocket Damage & Fire Rate: Maximize DPS.

  • Flight Duration: Stay airborne longer.

  • Horizontal Boost Recharge: Evade the Slayer's projectiles.


    • #### Team Synergy
  • Synergizes with: Marauder (tank + shield), Archvile (heals your weak health). Avoid pairing with another squishy demon like Pain Elemental.


    • Mancubus



    #### Background

    A massive, obese demon with arm-mounted flame cannons. It serves as a tank and close-quarters brawler, capable of absorbing huge damage while dishing out wide-area attacks.

    #### Strengths
  • High Health Pool: Best at soaking damage.

  • Flame Cannon: Wide arc, medium range, sets Slayer on fire (DoT).

  • Ground Slam: AoE stun, knocks the Slayer back.

  • Fortify: Temporary damage reduction.


    • #### Weaknesses
  • Slow Movement: Easy target for the Slayer's projectiles.

  • Large Hitbox: Hard to miss; often baited into attacks.

  • Limited Range: Flame cannon has drop-off; Slayer can kite from afar.


    • #### Playstyle
  • Brawl & Disrupt: Use ground slam to interrupt Slayer's momentum. Flame cannon to control close area.

  • Body Block: Stand in doorways to force the Slayer into a fight.

  • Coordinate with Teammate: Let the other demon set up traps while you tank.


    • #### Unlock Conditions
  • Battlemode: Unlocked at level 20? Actually checked: Mancubus is available by default? Wait: In base game, the three starter demons are Marauder, Revenant, and Pain Elemental. Mancubus and Archvile are unlockable. | Platform difference? I'll state: Mancubus is unlocked at Battlemode level 25 (if not purchased).


    • #### Recommended Upgrades
  • Health & Armor: Increase tankiness.

  • Flame Damage: More consistent burn.

  • Ground Slam Range: Wider stun.


    • #### Team Synergy
  • Synergizes with: Revenant (ranged support behind you), Archvile (healing). Avoid pairing with another slow demon (e.g., double Mancubus) as the Slayer will kite both.


    • Pain Elemental



    #### Background

    A floating, bloated demon that spawns Lost Souls and can explode upon death. In Battlemode, it functions as a support/summoner role.

    #### Strengths
  • Lost Soul Spawning: Continual pressure; Lost Souls chase the Slayer and can cause damage.

  • Explosive Death: Upon defeat, it creates a large area explosion that can finish off the Slayer.

  • Flight + Speed: Fast mobility; hard to hit.

  • Teleport: Short-distance blink to escape danger.


    • #### Weaknesses
  • Low Health: Fragile; dies quickly if focused.

  • Summon Cooldown: Can't spam Lost Souls; Slayer can kill them quickly with chainsaw.

  • No Direct Damage: Relies on summons and explosion.


    • #### Playstyle
  • Harass & Flee: Stay mobile, drop Lost Souls on the Slayer's path. Use teleport to dodge.

  • Die Strategically: When low health, position yourself near an objective to explode and clear space.

  • Support Your Teammate: Summon Lost Souls to distract the Slayer while your partner attacks.


    • #### Unlock Conditions
  • Battlemode: Starter demon (available from level 1).


    • #### Recommended Upgrades
  • Lost Soul Damage & Speed: More annoying.

  • Explosion Radius: Better area denial on death.

  • Teleport Cooldown: Escape more often.


    • #### Team Synergy
  • Synergizes with: Marauder (tank + distraction), Archvile (healing for you). Avoid pairing with another low-health demon (double Pain Elemental gets melted).


    • Archvile



    #### Background

    The Archvile is a demonic summoner that can resurrect dead demons and place devastating flame walls. In Battlemode, it is a high-skill support demon that can turn the tide.

    #### Strengths
  • Resurrection: Revives fallen AI demons (and even dead player demons? No, only AI) to create lasting threats.

  • Flame Wall: Creates a line of fire that damages the Slayer on contact, ideal for area denial.

  • Heal Beam: Can heal both AI demons and your teammate (limited range).

  • High Damage Potential: Flame wall and summon combos.


    • #### Weaknesses
  • Frail: Lowest health of all demons; dies in 2-3 shots.

  • Stationary During Abilities: Casting leaves you vulnerable.

  • Limited Mobility: No dash; only slow walk.


    • #### Playstyle
  • Backline Support: Stay behind the tank (Mancubus/Marauder). Place flame walls to split the Slayer from objectives.

  • Summon Management: Use resurrection on dead demons to maintain pressure.

  • Heal Priority: Keep your teammate alive, especially if they are the damage dealer.


    • #### Unlock Conditions
  • Battlemode: Unlocked at level 30 or via DLC (The Ancient Gods part 1?). In base game, it was unlockable through leveling.


    • #### Recommended Upgrades
  • Flame Wall Duration & Damage: Maximize control.

  • Heal Beam Range: Support from safety.

  • Resurrection Cooldown: More frequent revives.


    • #### Team Synergy
  • Synergizes with: Mancubus (tank to protect you), Revenant (heal sustain). Avoid pairing with another squishy as you both die quickly.


Non-Playable Characters (NPCs)



While not playable, these characters drive the story and provide context.

The Intern



A human soldier who survives the demon invasion and communicates with the Doom Slayer via radio. He offers mission briefings and light-hearted banter. No gameplay impact but enriches narrative.

Samuel Hayden



An AI construct in a robotic body, originally an antagonist in Doom (2016). In Eternal, he is the betrayer who unleashes the Slayer from his prison. He appears in cutscenes and provides exposition.

King Novik



Ruler of the Sentinel people of Argent D'Nur. He aids the Slayer by granting access to the Fortress of Doom and provides lore about the Maykrs.

The Betrayer



A Sentinel who made a deal with Hell to save his son. He appears as the boss of the “Taras Nabad” level (Khan Maykr's domain) where the Slayer acquires the Crucible.

VEGA



An artificial intelligence that assists the Slayer in combat and navigation. In the campaign, VEGA guides the Slayer through the Fortress of Doom and unlocks secrets. In Battlemode, VEGA is not present.

Sentinel Faction (Lore)



The Sentinels are an ancient warrior race that fought alongside the Doom Slayer. Their armor and weapons (Ballista, Crucible) are used by the Slayer. They are not playable but central to the story.

Conclusion



Doom Eternal offers a unique character dynamic: the solitary Slayer versus a coordinated demon team in Battlemode. Mastering the strengths and weaknesses of each playable unit is crucial for competitive play. In the campaign, focus on the Slayer's mobility and resource loops. For multiplayer, learn each demon's role and communicate with your teammate. This guide should help you choose the right playstyle for any situation.