Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages marks the latest chapter in the iconic Doom franchise, released on May 15, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, this single-player action masterpiece serves as a prequel to the 2016 Doom reboot, plunging players into a medieval-inspired war against Hell. With its expansive campaign and innovative gameplay, the game redefines the series’ legacy.

Gameplay Experience

Doom: The Dark Ages shifts to a slower, more grounded combat style compared to Doom Eternal, drawing inspiration from the original Doom with most battles occurring on foot. Players can ride a dragon and pilot Atlans, adding variety to the experience. The campaign spans 22 open-ended levels, allowing flexible objective completion, and emphasizes exploration with revisitable areas blending linear combat zones and vast open spaces. Returning features include Glory Kills, enhanced with a parry system, while a new mechanic introduces the Doom Slayer fighting alongside friendly NPCs for the first time. Difficulty sliders offer customization, adjusting gameplay speed, projectile behavior, enemy aggression, and damage taken by both the Slayer and foes.

Narrative Depth

Set centuries before the 2016 reboot, The Dark Ages transports the Doom Slayer to Argent D’Nur, where he integrates into Argenta society amidst a centuries-long war with Hell. The antagonist, Prince Ahzrak, unleashes a devastating invasion, challenging the Slayer’s resolve. Unlike its predecessor, the story avoids ending with the Slayer’s sealing, hinting at a “Medieval arc” with more games to come. Described as darker and grittier than Doom Eternal, the narrative takes center stage through cinematic cutscenes, with optional item descriptions enriching the lore for those who seek it.

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Arsenal and Armaments

The game introduces a diverse weapon set, including:

• Power Gauntlet: A charged melee fist.
• Flail: A swinging chain weapon.
• Dreadmace: A heavy spiked mace.
• Shield Saw: A versatile shield for blocking and attacking.
• Combat Shotgun and Super Shotgun: Classic firepower.
• Rail Spike Shredder and Impaler: Ranged piercing tools.
• Plasma Accelerator and Cycler: Energy-based options.
• Skullcrusher Pulverizer and Ravager: Bone-shard launchers.
• Reaver Chainshot: A chained projectile.
• Rocket Launcher, Grenade Launcher, and Ballistic Force Crossbow: Explosive and medieval-inspired ranged weapons.

Enemies and Challenges

The monster roster is expansive, categorized as:

• Ambient: Tentacle, Giant Tentacle.
• Fodder: Zombie, Soldier variants, Imp, Stone Imp, Lost Soul, Maykr Drone.
• Heavy: Imp Stalker, Pinky Rider, Hell Knight, Mancubus, Arachnotron, Ballistatron, Revenant, Cacodemon Hybrid, Whiplash.
• Super Heavy: Vagary, Cyberdemon, Agaddon Hunter, Komodo, Acolyte, Cosmic Baron.
• Titan Class: Titan, Armored Titan, Cyclops Titan, Giant Cacodemon.
• Bosses: Bishop Kreed, The Old One, The Witch, Prince Ahzrak.

Additional threats include Vehicles (Hell Ship, Hell Carrier, Hell Tanks), Siege Weapons (Hell Siege Tower, Hell Siege Cannon), and Mounts (Atlan, Serrat, Turret).

Levels and Exploration

The 22 levels span diverse locales: Village of Khalim, Hebeth, Barrier Core, Sentinel Barracks, Holy City of Aratum, Siege Parts 1 and 2, Abyssal Forest, Ancestral Forge, The Forsaken Plains, Hellbreaker, Sentinel Command Station, From Beyond, Spire of Nerathul, City of Ry’uul, The Kar’Thul Marshes, Temple of Lomarith, Belly of the Beast, Harbor of Souls, Resurrection, Final Battle, and Reckoning.

Development Insights

Originally codenamed “Year Zero,” development began in 2020, inspired by the original Doom’s gameplay. Hugo Martin crafted the narrative, drawing scale inspiration from The Return of the King’s Siege of Minas Tirith. The focus on a single-player campaign led to the exclusion of multiplayer. Leaks emerged in 2023 via FTC documents, with rumors intensifying in 2024 via a Bethesda trademark and media reports, culminating in the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase announcement. Finishing Move Inc. took over music composition, marking Mick Gordon’s absence post-Doom Eternal. The game leverages the new id Tech 8 engine for enhanced visuals and performance.

Reception and Impact

The difficulty sliders sparked debate, with some labeling the game “Woke Ages,” though Hugo Martin defended their dual-purpose design. Early reception highlights the game’s bold combat and story, setting the stage for its cultural footprint.

Additional Notes

Future DLC is confirmed, and a Lovecraftian Cosmic Realm introduces hybridized enemies like the Cacodemon, expanding the series’ universe.

Conclusion

Doom: The Dark Ages delivers a cinematic, medieval twist to the Slayer’s saga, blending nostalgia with innovation. Released on May 15, 2025, it stands as a testament to id Software’s evolving vision, promising more epic tales to come.