Unleash Your Inner Doom Slayer: Top GZDoom Alternatives
GZDoom, a powerful source port for modern hardware, has long been the go-to for many looking to customize and enhance their classic Doom, Heretic, Hexen, and Strife experiences. Its vast array of user options, advanced mapping features, and the ZScript language make it incredibly versatile for both playing and creating mind-bending user-created mods. However, even with its robust features, some users might seek out a GZDoom alternative for various reasons, whether it's a different gameplay style, multiplayer focus, or simply exploring new experiences within the retro FPS genre. This guide explores the best alternatives to GZDoom, helping you find your next favorite demon-slaying platform.
Top GZDoom Alternatives
Looking to shake things up? Here are some fantastic alternatives to GZDoom that offer unique twists on the classic FPS formula, from faithful recreations to modern interpretations.

Doom
Doom, the legendary science fiction horror first-person shooter, is the progenitor of the genre GZDoom elevates. While GZDoom is a source port for the original Doom engine, the various commercial Doom titles themselves offer the core experience. Available across Commercial platforms like Windows, Steam, Nintendo Switch Online, Xbox, and Stadia, Doom delivers classic First Person Shooter (FPS) action with single-player and multiplayer modes, deep sci-fi lore, and a first-person view, making it the ultimate foundational GZDoom alternative for purists.

Quake
Another iconic series from id Software, Quake offers a different flavor of fast-paced First Person Shooter (FPS) action. Set in maze-like, medieval environments with sci-fi elements, Quake provides a distinct atmosphere and gameplay style. Available commercially on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Steam, it's an excellent GZDoom alternative for those who enjoy the classic id Software feel but want to explore a different universe and engine.

Zandronum
For players primarily interested in multiplayer Doom, Zandronum is a premier GZDoom alternative. This free and open-source port, based on Skulltag, is specifically designed for online multiplayer, bringing classic Doom and Doom II into the 21st century. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, Zandronum focuses on Free to Play, Gaming, Multiplayer, Online-Gaming, Shooting, and Single player modes, making it ideal for those seeking competitive or cooperative retro FPS action.

Freedoom
Freedoom offers a unique GZDoom alternative for those looking for a complete free content game built on the Doom engine. It's not an engine itself but provides entirely original game data, replacing the proprietary content of Doom. As a free and open-source project available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, Freedoom delivers First Person Shooter (FPS) Gaming that is also Portable, offering a truly open-source and customizable experience for players and modders alike.

Project Warlock
Project Warlock is a must-play GZDoom alternative for fans of classic shooters like Doom, Hexen, and Wolfenstein. This commercial title, available on Windows, serves up an explosive cocktail of bullets, spells, and monsters, capturing the retro FPS feel with modern flair. It's a pure First Person Shooter (FPS) experience that embraces the fast-paced, action-packed gameplay that defined the genre.

DUSK
DUSK offers a gritty and intense GZDoom alternative that channels the spirit of 90s FPS games. Players battle through mystical cultists and darker forces in a single-player First Person Shooter (FPS) with a distinct first-person view. This commercial title, available on Mac and Windows, provides a compelling Gaming experience that evokes the horror and visceral action of classic Doom, but with its own unique dark fantasy setting.

Wrack: Exoverse
Wrack: Exoverse, the follow-up to the 2014 shooter Wrack, is a fast-paced, arcade-style First Person Shooter (FPS) with heavy influences from classic shooters, making it an excellent GZDoom alternative for those seeking pure action. This commercial title on Windows offers Gaming, Multiplayer, Sci-fi, and Shooting elements, providing a vibrant and energetic experience reminiscent of the golden age of FPS games.
Whether you're looking for a pure multiplayer experience, an open-source game, or a modern title that captures the classic FPS spirit, these GZDoom alternatives offer a wide range of options. Explore each one to find the perfect fit for your next retro-inspired gaming adventure!