id Software shelves Doom Eternal’s Invasion mode, making Horde mode instead

Doom Eternal’s multiplayer Invasion Mode, which would have let players invade other players’ campaigns as demons, has been shelved, according to an update from id Software executive producer Marty Stratton. Instead, id is focusing its efforts on a new single-player Horde Mode for Doom Eternal and a “refresh” of Battlemode, the 2v1 multiplayer experience that pits two player-controlled demons against the Doomslayer.

Stratton said that remote work as a result of the pandemic slowed development of Invasion Mode. Other factors, including how already released updates for Doom Eternal resonated with players, influenced the decision to put Invasion Mode on the back burner.

From Stratton’s development update, posted Friday on the Bethseda Softworks website:

As many are aware, we intended to release a free Invasion Mode update for the game; however, the unforeseen consequences of the pandemic and remote working impacted the progress of development for this addition. Over this time, we have also seen and heard how many of you enjoy the range of gameplay and combat available in the expansions and master levels. With these factors in mind, we have decided to redirect our focus from Invasion Mode to creating a totally new single-player horde mode. We’re confident this horde mode will offer you more of the diversity and challenge you’re looking for in the game. In addition, the team continues to work on a refresh of BATTLEMODE that includes a more competitive, rank-based structure, a number of gameplay and balance updates and another new map. We expect to share more information at QuakeCon in August.

Doom Eternal’s Invasion Mode was first announced at QuakeCon 2018. Originally planned for release at launch, id Software later said that Invasion Mode would be released as a free, post-launch update. Since then, id Software has released a variety of updates for Doom Eternal, including the addition of Empowered Demons, a Nintendo Switch port, a two-part expansion called The Ancient Gods, and a free upgrade for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

Players can also now dress their Incubus demons in a hot dog suit.