How to run Doom on Raspberry Pi without emulator

Want to enjoy some great retro games, alone or with friends? Back in 1997, id Software released the source code for Doom, a first-person shooter (FPS) in 1993. With the source code available, many new forms of the game appeared, including sessions. Version for Raspberry Pi.

Today's article will show you how to run Doom on a Raspberry Pi (without an emulator).

What you need to run Doom on the Raspberry Pi

To run this classic retro version on a Raspberry Pi, you won't need emulators (like RetroPie or Recalbox) or game ROMs. Doom can be run on Pi by installing game tools and simple WAD files.

They contain actual game data (levels, monsters, weapons, etc.) and are available in many different themes.

However, before getting started, here's what you will need for PiDoom:

1. Raspberry Pi 2 and above (article tested on Raspberry Pi 2, Raspberry Pi 3 and Raspberry Pi 4 8GB)
2. Raspbian or Raspberry Pi OS (depending on Pi model) is installed and ready to use
3. Any USB gaming controller
4. A suitable screen
5. Doom source code

Several versions of the Doom source code are available. The article will use the Chocolate Doom variant, compatible with most WADs.

How to install Doom on Raspberry Pi

Start by connecting the Raspberry Pi to the monitor, plugging in the keyboard and booting into the desktop.

You need to install the game via the command line, so this phase can be done via SSH if needed. Most Linux operating system archives include Chocolate Doom.

In the command line, start by installing the Chocolate Doom dependency:

sudo apt install chocolate-doom

Wait for the installation to complete, follow any prompts on the relevant screen.

Wait for the installation to complete, follow any prompts on the screen

Install the WAD Doom file on the Raspberry Pi

With the Doom tool installed on the Pi, it's time to install the WAD file.

There are many WAD files available and the article will look at some of the best alternatives later. For now, let's learn how to install WAD using the standard Doom data file. This will add regular Doom maps and weapons to the game.

First, navigate in Terminal to / usr / games. Here, run this wget command to download the file DOOM1.WAD:

sudo wget http://www.doomworld.com/3ddownloads/ports/shareware_doom_iwad.zip

Since this is a zip file, extract it with the unzip command:

sudo unzip shareware_doom_iwad.zip

You will end up with a file called DOOM1.WAD, which means you are ready to play Doom on the Raspberry Pi!

Configure Doom to play on Raspberry Pi

If you've previously run commands over SSH, now is the time to plug your keyboard into the Raspberry Pi. Alternatively, you can connect via VNC or RDP, but the game will be a bit choppy. Be sure to stop using the remote connection before you start playing!

Before you can play the game, you will need to configure Doom with the command:

chocolate-doom-setup

Use this screen to configure the screen, sound, keyboard, mouse and gaming controller.

Use this screen to configure the screen, sound, keyboard, mouse and gaming controller

You can even start or join a game over the Internet (although these options can be easily controlled from the command line).

When you are done configuring, select Save parameters and launch DOOM .

Launch Chocolate Doom in the Raspberry Pi command line

It is important to note that you do not need to run Doom from the configuration tool each time. Instead, there's an easy command line guide you can use:

chocolate-doom -iwad DOOM1.WAD

This will launch the game in full screen mode. However, it can be stressful for older motherboards (such as Raspberry Pi 2) with this screen resolution. In this case, you may prefer to run Doom in windowed mode:

chocolate-doom -iwad DOOM1.WAD -window 640x480

These settings can also be set to permanent in the configuration tool, using the Configure Display option .

You can also launch Chocolate Doom from Menu> Games on the Raspberry Pi OS screen.

You can also launch Chocolate Doom from Menu> Games on the Raspberry Pi OS screen

How to play Doom on Raspberry Pi

How to play Doom on your Raspberry Pi is up to you. A big screen TV with an Xbox gaming controller might be your preference. Perhaps you used to turn your Pi into a handheld game console, complete with an integrated controller.

Or you may prefer a traditional desktop experience, controlling your warriors with a mouse and keyboard, the same way gamers did in the 1990s.

In the accompanying screenshots, the author has used the official Raspberry Pi Touchscreen and Xbox 360 USB controller. Just connect the selected controller before running the setup tool, then select Configure Gamepad / Joystick.

Select Configure Gamepad / Joystick

Thanks to the compact size of the touch screen and the included stand, it will fit on shelves, tables, etc . or anywhere!

Search for new WAD for PiDoom

If you want to find a Doom gaming experience different from the original, you need to keep track of some WAD files. Many of these files are available online, but you have to know how to find them.

Some places to find Doom WAD are:

1. Doom WADs Wikia has a large selection of downloadable files.
2. DoomWADStation provides customizations for Chocolate Doom installations. 

http://www.doomwadstation.net/

1. Doomworld WADs forum offers the largest collection of Doom related documents online.

Meanwhile, Doom II can also be played in Chocolate Doom with the appropriate WAD files. Many of these options can be found in the idGames Archive. The options you can find here are:

1. Alien TC inspired by aliens.
2. Doctor Who Doom, a shooting game based on the British TV series Doctor Who.

http://www.doomwadstation.net/main/drwho/

Finally, if you know of specific DAD WADs, just try searching for files directly on the web.

Set up the Deathmatch Doom multiplayer

Chocolate Doom can be played on the Internet and via local network. However, the simplicity (and ability to play without problems) indicates that all players in Deathmatch mode should run Chocolate Doom and the same WAD file before starting.

Even if you choose the multiplayer option, a computer must act as a server to host the game. Before proceeding, make sure that UDP 2342 port is open on all players' routers and / or firewalls. TipsMake.com 's guide to Port Forwarding may be helpful here.

Hosting a Deathmatch is very simple with the following command:

chocolate-doom -server -privateserver -deathmatch

Anyone on the same network with you can connect to Deathmatch by running Chocolate Doom as explained above, plus the -autojoin switch :

chocolate-doom -WAD DOOM1.WAD -autojoin

Meanwhile, players who want to join Deathmatch from outside your network should run:

chocolate-doom -connect [IP_ADDRESS]

They will need to replace [IP_ADDRESS] with your public IP address (you can find this information via whatismyip.com or by checking the router's web interface).