Master the Doom HUD! Learn what Ammo, Health, Keys, Armor, and your Face icon mean. Understand weapon slots and environmental hazards like Barrels and Slime Pits.
This guide explains the various elements of the Doom Heads-Up Display (HUD) and other in-game indicators.
| HUD Element | Description |
| Ammo | Indicates remaining ammunition for the currently equipped weapon. |
| Health | Shows your current health points. |
| Keys | Displays acquired Red, Blue, and Yellow keycards or skull keys. |
| (Your Face) | Visually indicates the direction of incoming damage. Your face will also show signs of injury as your health decreases. |
| Armor | Shows your current armor points. |
| Arms | Lists the weapons you possess. Numbers 1-8 correspond to specific weapons (1: Fist/Chainsaw, 2: Pistol, 3: Shotgun, 4: Super Shotgun, 5: Chaingun, 6: Rocket Launcher, 7: Plasma Gun, 8: BFG). Only weapons with assigned numbers are available. |
Environmental Hazards & Items
- Barrels: Exploding barrels can damage enemies when shot, but also pose a threat to the player if detonated too close.
- Crushing Ceilings: Found in Doom II, these hazards descend from the ceiling and can inflict severe damage or death.
- Slime Pits: Areas of green or red ooze that cause health loss upon contact. Damage can vary, and a Radiation Suit negates its effects.
Gameplay Tips
- Strafe: Moving sideways can increase speed and aid in dodging enemy attacks.
- Conserve Ammo: Observe enemies fighting each other and let them deplete each other's health to save your own ammunition.
- Write Down Passwords: Since the game uses passwords for saving progress, record them on paper to resume at a specific level with your current stats and inventory.
- Scavenge Before Exiting: Thoroughly search each level for leftover ammo, health, weapons, and power-ups before proceeding to the next. This ensures you are well-equipped and minimizes potential threats from remaining enemies.
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