Glossary
The vocabulary of classic FPS games and the Doom community. Each entry links to its canonical longer treatment when one exists.
Deathmatch
Doom's competitive PvP mode. Doom popularized it; the term still applies to the same mechanic in any FPS.
DECORATE
The older modding language used by ZDoom and early GZDoom for defining actors. Largely superseded by ZScript.
Freedoom
A free, open-source IWAD replacement compatible with Doom-engine source ports. Lets you play Doom mods legally without owning the original.
IWAD
Internal WAD — the original game data file from id Software (DOOM.WAD, DOOM2.WAD). You need to own this legally.
Megawad
A large PWAD that contains 32 maps — a full episode replacement for Doom or Doom II.
PWAD
Patch WAD — community-made content that loads on top of an IWAD.
Source Port
A modern engine that runs Doom on current hardware. GZDoom, Zandronum, Chocolate Doom, Crispy Doom.
WAD
Where's All the Data — Doom's file format for storing maps, sprites, sound and code.
ZDoom
An influential, now-discontinued Doom source port whose codebase lives on in GZDoom and Zandronum.
ZScript
GZDoom's modern modding scripting language. Replaces DECORATE for serious mods.