The Baron of Hell is a type of demon from the DOOM video game series. These creatures are among the most powerful enemies in the series, serving as the frontline commanders of Hell's armies. They appear as large humanoid creatures with a physiology similar to that of a satyr, sporting horns on their heads and legs like those of a goat, with unguligrade legs ending in cloven hooves. As well as possessing unparalleled brute strength, they can also cast magical plasma blasts that deal tremendous damage.
DOOM[]
In the original game, a pair of Barons (also referred to as "Bruisers") appear as the bosses of the game's first episode. They are tall, humanoid demons with red skin and brown hair covering their goat-like legs. They attack by casting balls of green fire at the player, or by using their fists if they get in close. With 1000 HP, they can be difficult to put down without the proper firepower. The Plasma Rifle and Rocket Launcher are the ideal weapons to use against the Barons whilst maintaining distance and circle-strafing to avoid their fireballs. The Super Shotgun is effective at close range, but makes the player vulnerable to melee strikes.
DOOM (2016)[]
As with its classic counterpart, the Baron of Hell is a large humanoid monster with red skin and tan fur covering its legs. It has glowing green eyes and curved black horns. Its physiology seems to be an evolution of the Hell Knights, which the Barons rule over in Hell.
According to the UAC's files relating to the Lazarus Project, the Barons act as the royal guard to whatever dark entity holds dominion over Hell. Efforts were made in an attempt to capture a Baron specimen, but these attempts all ended with failure.
During gameplay, Barons are typically encountered in pairs and command over lesser demons as they attack the Doom Slayer. Like their counterparts from the original series, they attack from a distance by casting magical plasma blasts. At close range, they will either swipe with their claws or perform a devastating ground-pound attack that damages anything, player or demon, within range. This can be exploited to trick demons into fighting each other.
The most effective weapons to use against a Baron are the Railgun and Rocket Launcher. Firing whilst backing away and/or circle-strafing can be highly effective and firing upon the Baron's head deals extra damage. The Baron will make no effort to dodge the player's fire and will instead just power through it to reach the player. The Baron can also be killed in one hit with either the Chainsaw (provided the player has five fuel cells) or one shot from the BFG.
DOOM Eternal[]
See Fireborne Baron.