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bradharding/doomretro

Free

The classic, refined DOOM source port. For Windows PC.

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source
Company
Brad Harding

About bradharding/doomretro

DOOM Retro is a classic, refined DOOM source port for Windows PC, created by Brad Harding. It aims to deliver a dark and gritty, unapologetically pixelated version of DOOM that respects the original experience while adding a cohesive set of compelling features. The port is built on SDL2 and SDL2_mixer, supports limit-removing, Boom/MBF, and MBF21 standards, and is licensed under GPLv3. It requires the original DOOM and DOOM II WAD files to play.

Key Features

Free and open source under GPLv3
Built on SDL2 and SDL2_mixer
Limit-removing engine with Boom/MBF compatibility
Supports DOOM, DOOM II, and MBF21 extensions
Dark and gritty, unapologetically pixelated visual style
Cohesive set of features enhancing the classic experience
Developed with love in Western Sydney, Australia

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Respects the original game while adding modern conveniences
  • Active development with 191 releases as of 2026
  • Fully open source with permissive GPLv3 license
  • Comprehensive support for many DOOM source port standards (Boom, MBF, MBF21)
Cons
  • Officially supports only Windows PC (though source can be compiled for other platforms)
  • Requires original DOOM or DOOM II WAD files (not included)
  • Not an AI tool – primarily a game engine enhancement

Best For

Playing classic DOOM and DOOM II with enhanced compatibility and modern featuresRunning custom maps and mods adhering to Boom/MBF standardsPreserving the nostalgic DOOM experience on modern Windows systems

FAQ

Is DOOM Retro free?
Yes, DOOM Retro is free software licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.
What operating systems does DOOM Retro support?
DOOM Retro is officially designed for Windows PC, but the source code is available for compilation on other platforms.
Do I need the original DOOM game to use this?
Yes, DOOM Retro requires the original DOOM and/or DOOM II WAD files to play, as it is a source port, not a standalone game.