PWAD

PWAD stands for Patch WAD, a type of WAD file used by Doom-engine games to add or replace game content. The acronym is commonly understood as Patch WAD, though it is sometimes humorously expanded as Play With A Wad. WAD files are archives that store game resources as lumps, with an IWAD containing the base game data and PWADs serving as user-created patches or additions loaded on top of it.

PWADs are loaded after the IWAD. In many Doom engines, players specify PWADs on the command line with -file or through a port's mod launcher. The load order matters: data from later-loaded PWADs can override data from earlier ones. This enables replacing maps, textures, flats, or sounds defined in the base game, or adding entirely new maps and resources.

A PWAD's contents are organized into lumps and files. Maps are typically labeled MAPxx, and other resources include textures (TX_ names), flats, sprites, and sounds. PWADs are used to distribute complete level packs, texture packs, or gameplay modifications. They are commonly created with editors such as SLADE, Doom Builder, or other WAD-authoring tools, and shared through community archives.

Port compatibility varies; some PWADs rely on features available only in certain ports. Because PWADs modify or extend core data, some combinations can cause conflicts or incompatibilities.

See also: IWAD, WAD, Doom engine, Doom editing tools, mods.