Yes, you need an internet connection to set up the original DOOM, but only the first time you start it.
Bethesda dropped the original DOOM trilogy on all platforms. But if you want to play the game on Nintendo Switch, you might need to do a little extra work to play the game.
Like most companies that produce third-party games, Bethesda has a unique account system. Players register with to access to these accounts use them to open up extra content, connect to game servers, and download mods for games like Fallout 4 and Skyrim. But for the older style games of DOOM, DOOM II, and DOOM 3 – players have to sign in to access the primary content of the game. DOOM 3‘s content is the most confusing to locate.
Looks like DOOM 1 and 2 require you to login to your Bethesda account before you can play.
After your initial login, you can play it offline as well
DOOM 3 requires you to login into your BNet account “to access certain features and/or content” pic.twitter.com/OOYcUEaRi5
— Nibel (@Nibellion) July 26, 2019
According to Nibellion on Twitter, players will need to login to their Bethesda account immediately after launching both DOOM and DOOM II.
However, the rumor of the games requiring an internet connection has proven false. Many fans were first outraged by this rumor.
While you need an internet connection to sign in or create a Bethesda account, after that, each game is playable offline outside of the prominent online functions. These do require a Nintendo Online subscription and an internet connection to use.
The only remaining question revolves around DOOM 3, and just what content is playable without access to the internet. DOOM 3 requires players to log in to their Bethesda account like the others, but this time, it is to access “certain features and/or content.” We won’t know what content can players can do while offline until someone documents it, or Bethesda makes a statement about it.
Okay. So… if you log in and keep being logged in to Besthesda Net, then you can play offline. Okay, not as bad I as I feared. I had to log on to the game TWICE before it authenticated me. What a confusing mess.
— Daan Koopman (@NintenDaan) July 26, 2019
We do know for sure that Doom 1 and 2 do require a single login to access all content while after. If you’re worried about getting locked out of the games, focus on playing these great, classic titles. All three titles are available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, while only DOOM and DOOM II have made it over to Android and iOS.
