Doom 2016 was one surprising release. All the lead up to the game, the rumoured cancellation of Doom 4, the first gameplay of the reboot looking not as faithful as Doom fans expected, and a tepid reception to the multiplayer beta. Despite all that, the single-player campaign was rather good, really good in fact. But the multiplayer still needed some work.
With the new update, hilariously designated as update 6.66, the multiplayer suite is getting a major overhaul. The progression is switched from unlocking items via random loot boxes to the tried and true method of unlocking items through reaching new levels and doing specific challenges. This will reset the levels of all players- but veteran players can retain what they have unlocked and just follow the new progression to continue unlocking gear, or start fresh should you choose to.
The Hack Module System, essentially consumable perks, are now replaced with a Rune System which are now persistent perks. The in-game UI is getting some changes as well to show better info on how you got killed in a match, better challenge progress tracking and revised post-match summaries.
Also, all the paid DLCs, which added more content to the multiplayer, is now free.
Bethesda’s FPS was the odd man out for still charging a premium for more multiplayer content. Most games have moved on from charging for maps, characters and weapons to charging for cosmetics. So it’s good to see them catching up.
If this sounds good but you haven’t bought Doom yet, there is a free trial coming on the PS4, PC and Xbox One next weekend. The new 6.66 update is out now for existing players.