Doom (2016): 10 Essential Tips for Beating Ultra-Nightmare Mode

Introduction

Ultra-Nightmare is the toughest difficulty in Doom (2016)—one death wipes your entire save file. Only the most skilled and patient demon slayers have conquered it. Whether you're aiming for the achievement or just want to test your mettle, these 10 essential tips will give you the edge you need to rip and tear through Hell without ever respawning.

1. Master the Movement: Never Stop Moving

In Ultra-Nightmare, standing still equals death. Enemies are faster, more aggressive, and hit harder. Continuously strafe, jump, and use the double jump to avoid projectiles. The chain of glory kills and flame belch restores health and armor, but you can only capitalize if you're on the move. Practice bunny hopping and mastering the SSG (Super Shotgun) + Meathook to zip around arenas.

2. Prioritize Armor Over Health

Health pickups are plentiful early on, but armor is scarce. Use the Flame Belch often to stagger enemies and collect armor shards from burning demons. Upgrade your armor capacity as soon as possible. In tough fights, you can survive a few hits if you have high armor, but low health is a risk. Manage your armor like a second health bar.

3. Weapon Upgrade Order Matters

Not all weapons are equal in Ultra-Nightmare. Focus on the Super Shotgun first—it’s your best all-purpose tool. Then upgrade the Rocket Launcher with the Remote Detonate mod to handle groups and heavy targets. After that, the Heavy Assault Rifle with Micro Missiles provides sustained damage. Avoid upgrading the Pistol or Plasma Rifle until you have these core weapons maxed.

4. Use Glory Kills Strategically

Glory kills are your primary source of health. Never let a staggered enemy live if you’re low on health, even if it’s a small imp. However, don’t rush into crowds for a glory kill—assess the situation first. Use the Rune of Strength to increase damage after a glory kill, and time your kills to maximize health drops.

5. Learn the Arenas: Pre-Plan Your Routes

Each encounter in Doom (2016) is a contained arena. Before engaging, scan the room for armor shards, health packs, and weapon stashes. Know where the heavy demons spawn (like Barons of Hell or Cyber Mancubi). Plan a path that lets you circle-strafe while collecting resources. Use the map layout to funnel enemies into choke points for your Rocket Launcher or Gauss Cannon.

6. Manage Your Resources: Don't Waste Ammo

Ultra-Nightmare limits ammo significantly. Pick up every weapon mod, and rely on the chainsaw to generate ammo from smaller demons. Reserve your heavy weapons (Rocket Launcher, Gauss Cannon) for large threats like Mancubi, Revenants, and Barons. Use the Combat Shotgun and Heavy Assault Rifle for mid-tier enemies. Always keep a chainsaw fuel tank ready for emergencies.

7. Master the BFG: Save It for the Worst

The BFG-9000 is your panic button. Don’t waste it on small enemies. Save it for room-clearing situations when you’re overwhelmed, such as the final fight in the Argent Tower or against a horde of Barons. When you fire the BFG, aim at the ground near a group of enemies to maximize splash damage. One well-placed shot can end a difficult encounter instantly.

8. Runes: Equip the Holy Trinity

Three runes are essential for Ultra-Nightmare:

• Rich Get Richer: Armor shards fill ammo when armor is full. Pair with Flame Belch to keep armor topped up.
• Saving Throw: Automatically survive a fatal hit with 1 HP once every 60 seconds. This can save your run if you mess up.
• In-Flight Mobility: Move at full speed while using weapon mods like the Gauss Cannon scope or the Repeater. Vital for staying mobile.

Unlock these runes as early as possible and upgrade them fully.

9. Patience is Key: Slow Down When Needed

Ultra-Nightmare can make you panic, but staying calm is crucial. In the early levels, take your time. There is no timer. Use the Battlemode skill check: if you die in the first two levels (UAC Facility and Resource Operations), you've wasted hours. Practice each level on Nightmare first until you can clear it without dying. Memorize enemy spawns and trap locations.

10. Know When to Run

Sometimes the best tactic is retreat. You don’t have to kill every enemy immediately. Use the environment to create distance, then pick off enemies one by one. If you’re low on health and armor, find a safe spot to use the Chainsaw on a small demon for ammo, or wait for a glory kill opportunity. Survival over glory.

Final Thoughts

Beating Ultra-Nightmare in Doom (2016) is a monumental achievement that requires practice, discipline, and mastery of the game’s systems. Use these tips to build your strategy, and remember: every death is a lesson. With enough persistence, you too can become an unstoppable Doom Slayer.