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Does Doomguy Have a Son? DOOM Eternal’s Lore Explained

The Icon of Sin is tied to Commander Valen’s son in DOOM Eternal lore, not to Doomguy. Here’s what the codex says and where the confusion comes from.
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No—not according to the DOOM Eternal lore at issue. The game identifies the Icon of Sin as the transformed son of Commander Valen, the Betrayer, not as Doomguy’s son. Doomguy and the DOOM Slayer are names used for the same central figure in the modern series.

Who is the Icon of Sin’s father?

Commander Valen, known as the Betrayer, is the father in the story. The DOOM Eternal Icon of Sin codex text, reproduced by the DOOM Wiki, says the Icon was “Born from the tortured spirit of the Betrayer’s son.”

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The codex describes Valen making a bargain in the hope of bringing his dead son back to life. The result was not the return of his son as a human: the son’s tortured spirit became the Icon of Sin. Its heart is described as the remaining connection to its former humanity.

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Why do people connect Doomguy to the Icon?

The confusion comes from two separate storylines appearing in the same game: the DOOM Slayer’s identity and the Betrayer’s grief over his son. The codex passage links the Icon to Valen. It does not identify the Slayer as the boy’s father.

#1 Best Overall
DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4
  • Gain access to the latest demon-killing Tech with the DOOM Slayer's advanced praetor suit, including a shoulder-mounted flamethrower and the retractable wrist-mounted DOOM Blade
  • Upgraded guns and mods, such as the Super shotgun's new distance-closing meat hook attachment, and abilities like the double Dash make you faster, stronger, and more versatile than ever
  • You can't Kill demons when you're Dead, and you can't stay alive without resources. These tools are the key to your survival and becoming the ultimate demon-slayer
  • A new class of (destructible) demon
  • Battle mode is the new 2 versus 1 multiplayer experience built from the ground up at id software

What the evidence establishes

The clearest cited evidence is the DOOM Eternal codex transcription, reproduced by a fan-maintained reference rather than an official transcript. It supports the distinction between Valen’s son and the Slayer, but this conclusion is limited to the lore evidence cited here; it does not establish what every DOOM publication, unused line, or future installment may say.

Bethesda describes DOOM: The Dark Ages as a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal on its official game page. That places DOOM Eternal in the modern series, but the page does not address the characters’ family relationships.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4
DOOM Eternal: Standard Edition - PlayStation 4
A new class of (destructible) demon
$27.49
Bestseller No. 2
Doom: Eternal (PS4)
Doom: Eternal (PS4)
As the DOOM Slayer, return to take your vengeance against the forces of Hell
$24.92
Bestseller No. 4
SaleBestseller No. 5
Best Value
Sale
DOOM Eternal (ASIAN/English)
  • We're Not on Mars Anymore - Rip and tear across epic, never-before-seen worlds. Witness the tumbling skyscrapers of Hell on Earth; battle through an invasion of the mammoth BFG 10,000 on Phobos; and discover the ancient secrets of the DOOM universe. With idTech7, every environment is brought to life in unprecedented detail.
  • All-new Invasion - As the Slayer, allow real players to invade your campaign as demons for a dramatic and unpredictable twist anytime you're playing the campaign. Or join the ranks of the damned yourself as you become a demon and invade a friend or other player's campaign. Invade others either by yourself or with another player, as part of a hunting party, to give the Slayer a true taste of Hell.
  • Rip More, Tear More - Obliterate more demons than ever before, each with their own attacks and abilities. Fan-favorite classics such as the Pain Elemental, Archvile, and Arachnotron make their return, while a horde of totally-new demons join the roster including the DOOM Hunter and corrupted Marauders. DOOM Eternal's "destructible demons" system takes your power fantasy to new levels by ensuring that every trigger pull has never felt better
  • Slayer 2.0 - Unleash the overwhelming power of the DOOM Slayer. With updated armor and an arsenal of new and improved equipment, including a shoulder-mounted cannon with flamethrower, extendable blade, and a new dash ability, you're faster and deadlier than ever. Destroy every demon in your path with an upgraded array of guns and mods, including the Super Shotgun's new Meat Hook attachment to pull yourself point blank with the faces of hell.
Rank #4
Doom: Eternal (Xbox One)
  • Slayer Threat Level at Maximum - gain access to the latest demon-killing tech with the DOOM Slayer's advanced Praetor Suit, including a shoulder-mounted flamethrower and the retractable wrist-mounted DOOM Blade. Upgraded guns and mods, such as the Super Shotgun's new distance-closing Meat Hook attachment, and abilities like the Double Dash make you faster, stronger, and more versatile than ever
  • Unholy Trinity - you can't kill demons when you're dead, and you can't stay alive without resources. Take what you need from your enemies: Glory kill for extra health, incinerate for armor, and chainsaw demons to stock up on ammo. These tools are the key to your survival and becoming the ultimate demon-slayer
  • A New Class of (Destructible) Demon - obliterate more demons than ever before, each with unique attacks and abilities. Fan-favorite classics such as the Pain Elemental, Archvile, and Arachnotron make their return, while a horde of totally-new demons join the roster including the DOOM Hunter, Marauder, and the Gladiator. Rip apart your favorite demons to the core with DOOM Eternal's "destructible demons" system and take your power fantasy to new levels
Rank #3
DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5
  • Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
  • In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
  • A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
  • As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
  • Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.
Rank #2
Doom: Eternal (PS4)
  • Experience the ultimate combination of speed and power with the next leap in push-forward, first-person combat
  • As the DOOM Slayer, return to take your vengeance against the forces of Hell
  • Set to an all-new pulse pounding soundtrack composed by Mick Gordon, fight across dimensions as you slay new and classic demons with powerful new weapons and abilities

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