Welcome, fellow demon slayers and speedrunning enthusiasts, to GamingSpeedrun.com! Today, we're diving deep into a legendary feat: the world's first full playthrough of Doom (2016) on the unforgiving Ultra-Nightmare difficulty. This isn't just a casual playthrough; it's a single-segment run where every single death means starting from scratch. Imagine the sheer nerve and precision required to tackle id Software's brutal campaign without a single mistake. This run, completed shortly after the game's release, stands as a testament to what's possible when skill, patience, and a little bit of luck converge.
Table of Contents
The Ultra-Nightmare Gauntlet
Tackling Doom (2016) on Ultra-Nightmare is a different beast entirely. The developer's note confirms that it mirrors the challenge of a single-segment speedrun on Nightmare, meaning one death and it's game over. This player achieved the monumental task of being the first to see the credits roll under these brutal conditions post-release. The clock in the video at the end shows a playtime of 5/14/2016 8:50:48 PM, pinpointing the exact moment this historic run concluded.
A Runner's Perspective
Speaking directly from the experience, the runner notes that they played the game on low settings with a minimal Field of View (FOV). This is a crucial detail for anyone aiming to replicate or understand the run. If you're curious about how the game looks with higher fidelity, you'd be better off checking out other videos.
"I run the game on low settings with minimal FOV, so I would recommend a different video if you are curious how it looks at better settings."
This self-awareness about the presentation is typical of a dedicated runner who prioritizes performance and completion over visual flair. It’s all about hitting the frames, managing resources, and surviving the onslaught.
The Visual Compromise
The decision to play on low settings and a restricted FOV is a strategic one. In high-pressure situations, especially during an intense speedrunning attempt, maximizing frame rates and minimizing visual clutter can be paramount. A higher FOV, while immersive, can sometimes obscure crucial enemy movements or environmental details at the periphery. Lowering settings ensures the system can keep up, preventing any stuttering that could lead to a fatal error.
Moments of Near-Peril
The sheer length of this run – almost 4 hours and 45 minutes – is mind-boggling. It's an endurance test as much as a skill test. The runner admits that towards the end, fatigue certainly set in. This exhaustion likely contributed to why some secrets were left untouched. Collecting every item, especially when a single mistake resets hours of progress, isn't always the primary goal for a survival-focused run. The priority is survival and completion, not necessarily 100%.
Runes, Weapons, and Playstyle
The runner highlights a key strategic element: the runes that grant infinite ammo when armor is at 100 (or 75). This is a game-changer, especially on higher difficulties. On a first playthrough, these might not be as crucial or as accessible, but for a marathon run like this, they allow for more aggressive play and resource management, enabling the player to maintain distance or simplify difficult encounters.
The intense pressure of a 4+ hour run where death means starting over fundamentally alters one's playstyle. Every decision is magnified. The runner deliberately avoids over-explaining their choices, understanding that different players will develop unique strats and preferences. What works for one might not work for another.
"Also when you are 4+ hours in and death means you have to do it all over again, it changes your playstyle."
The 100% Question
The absence of a 100% completion might deter some, but for this particular achievement – the first Ultra-Nightmare completion – it’s perfectly understandable. The runner explicitly states that 100% runs aren't their "kind of thing." This leaves the door open for other dedicated players to tackle the challenge of a perfect, all-secrets-collected playthrough.
The Specter of the Final Boss
Perhaps the most agonizing moment for any Ultra-Nightmare player is the approach to the final boss. This runner experienced this dread firsthand, dying just before the final encounter in a previous, unrecorded attempt. The video even offers a fleeting glimpse of their helmet – a visual cue of that near-disaster at the 4:35:20 mark. While disappointing, the lack of practice on the final boss means they aren't overly disheartened. It's a stark reminder that even the best players can falter at the final hurdle, especially when so much is on the line.
"Had some moments where I should have died late in this run too, but sometimes you get lucky!"
Luck does play a role, even in the most skill-based challenges. Those moments of RNG (Random Number Generation) going your way can be the difference between success and starting over.
Kudos to id Software
The runner expresses immense gratitude to id Software for crafting such an engaging campaign. The sentiment is clear: Doom (2016) is an incredibly fun game, and they highly recommend it to anyone looking for a visceral and satisfying shooter experience. This appreciation for the source material is a hallmark of true gamer passion.
Exploring Different Approaches
Intrigued by the pursuit of perfection on Ultra-Nightmare but perhaps not ready for the full commitment of a no-upgrades run? The runner provides a link to an alternative playthrough featuring higher settings and an FOV of 105, without using any upgrades: youtu.be/RR1G05e0bjs. This offers a different perspective on tackling the game's challenges.
This world-first run on Doom (2016) Ultra-Nightmare is more than just a video; it's a piece of gaming history. It showcases incredible dedication, mastery of the game's mechanics, and the sheer willpower to overcome one of the toughest challenges in modern gaming. It’s a true inspiration for anyone interested in gaming, speedruns, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultra-Nightmare difficulty in Doom (2016)?
Ultra-Nightmare is the highest difficulty setting in Doom (2016). It combines the enemy aggression and damage of Nightmare difficulty with the permadeath mechanic, meaning if you die even once, you must restart the entire game from the beginning.
Why did the runner use low graphical settings?
The runner opted for low settings and a minimal FOV to maximize frame rates and ensure smooth performance, crucial for avoiding any technical hitches during a long and demanding speedrun attempt. This prioritizes gameplay stability over visual fidelity.
Is it possible to do a 100% run on Ultra-Nightmare?
While the runner of this specific world record did not aim for 100% completion, it is theoretically possible. However, it would require an extraordinary level of skill, patience, and near-perfect execution to collect all items and secrets without dying.
How long did the world's first Ultra-Nightmare playthrough take?
The playthrough lasted nearly 4 hours and 45 minutes, highlighting the immense time commitment and endurance required for such a challenge.
What makes this run a "World First"?
This run is considered the "World First" because it was the first documented instance of a player successfully completing the entire Doom (2016) campaign on Ultra-Nightmare difficulty from start to finish in a single segment after the game's release.
This legendary run serves as a beacon for the speedrunning community and a testament to the enduring appeal of Doom (2016). What are your thoughts on this incredible achievement? Did you attempt Ultra-Nightmare yourself? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below! Join our Discord to discuss this and other hardcore gaming challenges.