DOOM: The Dark Ages - Everything We Know About the Medieval DOOM Prequel

I. Introduction: Entering the Medieval Hellscape

DOOM: The Dark Ages marks a bold new chapter for the iconic shooter franchise. It serves as a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. The game explores the origins of the Slayer's brutal legacy. Players will experience a dark medieval war against Hell for the first time. This journey reveals how the Slayer earned his fearsome reputation.

Setting and Premise

The game puts you back in the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer. This time, you serve as a weapon for gods and kings. The world blends dark fantasy with sci-fi elements in a medieval setting. You'll tear through the game's signature combat with overhauled visuals powered by the latest idTech engine. Explore ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, and ancient hellscapes across expansive levels.

II. DOOM: The Dark Ages - Core Gameplay Philosophy: Stand and Fight

New Combat Approach

DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces a major shift in gameplay. The new tagline "Stand and Fight" captures this change. This approach differs dramatically from the constant movement emphasized in DOOM Eternal.

Movement Changes

The game features heavier movement, but don't worry—it's not slow. Instead, you'll now strategically plant your feet during combat. This works especially well against larger enemies. As a result, the rhythm of play feels different from earlier titles.

Shield Mechanics

At the heart of this new design is the versatile shield. With it, you can block, parry, and reflect enemy attacks effectively. In fact, the shield transforms how you'll approach combat scenarios throughout the game.

III. DOOM: The Dark Ages - Key Gameplay Mechanics

Shield System

The shield stands out as the game's defining new feature. You'll have constant access to this versatile tool. It offers several powerful functions:

• Block incoming attacks with standard defense
• Create shockwaves with slam attacks or shield bashes
• Throw it like Captain America with the "delightful" saw mod to impale enemies

Parrying Mechanics

Parrying becomes crucial to your survival. Time your parries perfectly against glowing green enemy attacks. This reflects projectiles back at enemies, dealing massive damage and stunning them. Later in the game, successful parries activate shield runes for extra kills.

Combat Integration

The shield feels just as important as guns in many encounters. You'll need it especially for tougher enemies and bosses that require regular parries. Beyond combat, the shield also solves environmental puzzles, smashes barriers, and helps you grapple or propel forward.

Melee Combat

In addition to ranged weapons, melee combat plays a major role in your arsenal now. Kill enemies with melee attacks to make them drop universal ammo for all weapons. Although melee attacks have cooldowns, pickups can instantly recharge them. Chain attacks together for powerful combos with devastating final hits. Overall, developers describe the impact, sound, and gore as "top tier."

Glory Kill System

The fan-favorite Glory Kill system returns with enhancements. First, stagger enemies, and then execute them to get health drops. While details remain limited, the game certainly expands on this beloved system.

Movement and Resource Management

Despite heavier movement than Eternal, you still have mobility options. For instance, the Shield Dash works more easily than Eternal's meat hook and isn't tied to specific weapons. Additionally, landing from heights creates damaging shockwaves against nearby enemies.

Throughout gameplay, managing your resources remains vital. Therefore, keep track of health, armor, and ammo while positioning yourself strategically.

Difficulty Settings

The game welcomes all player skill levels with flexible difficulty options:

• Beginners can start with Aspiring Slayer
• Veterans can challenge themselves with Nightmare
• Extreme players can attempt Pandemonium and Ultra-Nightmare runs

For further customization, additional Difficulty Modifiers let you tailor the experience to your preferences.

IV. DOOM: The Dark Ages - Weaponry

Starting Arsenal

Without question, DOOM: The Dark Ages packs an impressive arsenal of weapons. You'll begin with the Combat Shotgun and unlock more as you progress through the campaign.

New Weapons

The game introduces several new "bone-chewing" weapons to demolish your enemies:

• Shield Saw: A versatile tool for close-quarters combat
• Flail and Dreadmace: Melee weapons with devastating impact (plus a third hinted melee weapon)
• Chainshot: Launch a cannonball attached to a chain to knock down enemies
• Pulverizer: Fire skull bits horizontally for excellent crowd control
• Impaler: A bolt gun/stake gun that rewards headshots with extra damage
• Accelerator: Works like a plasma rifle that electrocutes enemies
• Cycler: Details currently limited
• Ravager: Details currently limited
• Ballistic Force Crossbow: The medieval equivalent of the BFG

Returning Classics

Fans will rejoice to see the iconic Super Shotgun return alongside other classics.

Weapon Variants

Generally speaking, most weapons feature two variants. You can swap between them with a button press to adapt to different combat situations.

Upgrade System

To enhance your capabilities, improve your weapons, shield, and melee tools at shops/altars using various currencies:

• Gold (most common)
• Amulets
• A third, unspecified currency

In the early game, upgrades mainly use Gold, whereas advanced improvements require rarer materials. When upgrading, you'll often choose between two distinct perks.

Mastery Challenges

After fully upgrading a weapon, you can tackle one of eleven weapon mastery challenges. Complete these during the main story or farm them in specific chapters like Harbor of Souls and Reckoning. In addition to this, finishing chapter challenges also rewards you with upgrade materials and new weapon skins.

V. DOOM: The Dark Ages - Vehicles

Atlan Mech

For the first time in the series, DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces large-scale vehicles. The massive Atlan mech lets you battle demons at a whole new scale. Players describe it as feeling "really good" with "insane impact." You'll unleash heavy melee attacks and special moves against larger demons.

Mecha Dragon

The fierce Mecha Dragon offers both transportation and aerial combat capabilities. Take flight and engage airborne enemies from a fresh perspective.

Vehicle Combat Mechanics

Both vehicles feature a dodge mechanic against incoming attacks. Time your dodge perfectly to slow down time and unleash devastating counterattacks.

The dragon combat has unique elements. You'll dodge Hell Surge blasts based on their shape—horizontal, vertical, or three-directional. Successful dodges empower your Autocannon and help destroy enemy shields.

Reception of Vehicle Sections

Early impressions of the vehicles are mixed. Players widely praised the mech sections for adding satisfying variety. However, one reviewer called the dragon combat the "floaty" and the "weakest link" of the demo. Developers continue to fine-tune this aspect before launch. Thankfully, dragon sections appear in only a few chapters.

VI. DOOM: The Dark Ages - Story and Lore

Narrative Focus

The Dark Ages features a much stronger story than previous DOOM titles. This prequel explains how the Slayer earned his fearsome reputation and why Hell fears him.

Story Structure

The narrative unfolds through longer, detailed cutscenes with named characters. Developers paced the story to pull players through the game, drawing inspiration from 80s and 90s action films.

Plot Elements

The game begins with the Slayer under control of alien space Catholics/interdimensional robo-barons. A shackling device makes his eyes glow and forces him to follow orders. Initially, he serves as their "tool" but struggles to break free.

Throughout the adventure, you'll encounter various factions including Hell, the Makers, and the Sentinels. The game features proper villains to fight against.

Lore Integration

The story's extensive nature represents a change from previous games. Some early reviewers wondered how it would feel across the full experience. For players less interested in lore, the core combat remains the central focus.

Codex Entries

Collect all 26 codex entries scattered across the game's 22 chapters to learn more about the world. These entries provide deep worldbuilding and additional context for the main storyline.

VII. DOOM: The Dark Ages - Game Structure and Content

Chapter Organization

The game contains 22 chapters in total. Most chapters take about thirty minutes to complete. The sources include a complete chapter list.

Game Length

You can unlock all achievements in under 15 hours. Some players consider this length short for a full-price game. However, others note that maps and environments feel larger than in previous games, even if total playtime isn't longer.

Level Design

The game mixes traditional linear levels with large, open-zoned sandbox environments. These open areas contain enemy camps that function as mini-levels. They provide a more freeform approach to combat and exploration.

Exploration Elements

Look for secrets and collectibles hidden throughout the levels. You can revisit completed chapters to find missed collectibles or finish remaining challenges.

Chapter Challenges

Most chapters from Chapter 4 onward feature specific challenges. Complete these to earn upgrade materials like Gold and Rubies, along with new weapon skins.

Optional Encounters

The game includes optional encounters like closing Gore Nests (red portals). These tie into achievement progression and some upgrades. In open environments, you'll face intense "Commander" fights against mini-bosses. These enemies remain invincible until you defeat surrounding enemies to lower their morale.

DLC Plans

Beyond the main campaign, developers have confirmed Campaign DLC included with the Premium Edition. Unfortunately, details about content or release dates remain unknown.

VIII. DOOM: The Dark Ages - Upgrades & Collectibles

Character Progression

DOOM: The Dark Ages features an expanded character-upgrade system. Improve the Slayer's capabilities through a shop/altar interface. You'll need different currencies to purchase upgrades:

• Gold
• Amulets
• A third, unidentified type

Upgrade Categories

You can upgrade your shield, individual guns, and melee weapons. Some specific upgrades like Shield Base, Shield Rune, and Melee Weapon upgrades tie directly to achievements.

Demonic Essences

Hunt for Demonic Essences throughout the game to permanently boost your maximum stats:

• 10 Health Essences increase maximum health
• 10 Armor Essences increase maximum armor
• 12 Ammo Essences increase maximum ammo capacity

Find these in specific chapters or by completing optional Gore Nests.

Other Collectibles

Search for additional collectibles to enhance your experience:

• Codex entries (26 total) reveal important lore
• Toys provide fun collectibles
• Gold funds basic upgrades
• Rubies purchase advanced improvements
• Wraithstones unlock special upgrades

To achieve 100% completion and fully upgrade your equipment, collect all these items during your playthrough.

Unlockable Skins

The game offers many unlockable skins for the Slayer, weapons, dragon, and Atlan mech. Earn weapon skins by completing specific chapter challenges. The Premium Edition includes the Divinity Skin pack for the Slayer, dragon, and mech. Pre-order either edition to receive the exclusive Void Slayer skin.

IX. DOOM: The Dark Ages - Technical Performance and Presentation

Visual Quality

The latest idTech engine powers DOOM: The Dark Ages as a technical showcase. The game delivers stunning visuals, smooth performance, and Ray-Tracing features. Reviewers describe the visuals as "eye-popping" and "incredible." The over-the-top gore effects rank as "top tier" among modern games.

Performance

Early impressions show the game running "amazing" on PC at 4K60. One reviewer noted a slight sluggishness in control, possibly due to the Slayer's added heft or tuning issues. Developers will likely address this before launch. Interestingly, a separate report mentioned performance issues on PS5 Pro.

Audio Design

The soundtrack earns high praise as a "face-scrunchingly good metal soundtrack." However, some note it feels more subtle than previous titles. The music cleverly incorporates quiet moments before ramping up during intense fights.

Overall Presentation

Together, these elements create a visceral combat experience that remains true to the series' reputation for intensity.

X. DOOM: The Dark Ages - Editions and Release Details

Development and Publishing

id Software develops DOOM: The Dark Ages with Bethesda Softworks handling publishing duties.

Release Date and Platforms

Mark your calendars for May 15, 2025, when the game launches worldwide on:

• PC (Windows, Steam)
• Xbox Series S/X
• PlayStation 5

Xbox Game Pass subscribers can access the game at launch.

Available Editions

Choose between two main editions:

Standard Edition

The base game costs $69.99.

Premium Edition

For $99.99 ($30 more than Standard), you get:

• The base game
• Two-day early access (starting May 13, 2025)
• Confirmed Campaign DLC
• The Divinity Skin Pack (for the Slayer, dragon, and Atlan mech)
• A Digital Artbook
• The Soundtrack

Pre-order Bonus

Pre-order either edition to receive the exclusive Void Slayer Skin.

Merchandise

Look for additional merchandise like the wearable helmet replica and limited edition collection announced alongside the game.

XI. Early Impressions & Critical Reception

Positive Feedback

Early impressions of DOOM: The Dark Ages are largely positive. Many reviewers praise the core combat and presentation. They describe the gameplay as "exquisite and brutal" and "eye-popping" with "nonstop action."

The new shield mechanics, including parrying and the saw mod, receive particular praise. Reviewers consider them welcome additions that successfully change the combat rhythm. Despite the heavier movement, the game maintains its intense pace. The mech sections earn high marks for providing a satisfying change of pace.

Mixed Reactions

However, some new elements received mixed feedback:

Dragon Combat

One reviewer labeled the dragon combat as potentially the "weakest link" based on early play. They described it as feeling "floaty" and sometimes strange. Other reviewers acknowledged that developers continue to fine-tune this aspect before release.

Story Emphasis

The increased story focus with longer cutscenes marks a notable change. Some players enjoy the deeper lore exploration, while others prefer less narrative interruption.

Combat Philosophy

The shift toward "Stand and Fight" and the emphasis on parrying against larger enemies creates what some call a "Doom Souls" feel. This requires adjustment for players accustomed to Eternal's constant motion.

Technical Concerns

Some reviews mention a feeling of sluggishness in control. Most attribute this to tuning issues rather than fundamental design problems.

Value Proposition

The game's length raises concerns about value. Some players question whether the under-15-hour experience justifies the full price tag.

Overall Reception

Despite these concerns about new mechanics and their long-term impact, most previews end on a positive note. Many reviewers express eagerness to play the full game, recognizing the presence of "undeniable Doom magic." Proposition The game's length was considered short for its price by some players.

Overall Reception

Despite some questions about the new mechanics and their long-term impact, many came away more eager to play the full game, recognizing the presence of "undeniable Doom magic".

XII. Conclusion

DOOM: The Dark Ages stands as a significant evolution for the franchise, positioning itself as a prequel that explores the Slayer's origins within a dark medieval-inspired setting. It introduces a new core philosophy, "Stand and Fight," centered around the versatile shield and its parry mechanics, offering a different combat rhythm compared to its predecessors.

Alongside a robust arsenal of new and returning weapons, the game incorporates large-scale vehicles like the Atlan mech and Mecha Dragon, adding variety to the gameplay. The Dark Ages features a more overt narrative and expansive levels, packed with collectibles, upgrades, and challenges.

While initial impressions praise the core combat intensity, visuals, and presentation, some newer elements like vehicle combat and the increased story focus have raised questions about their execution across the full game. Set for release on May 15, 2025, with a Premium Edition offering early access and DLC, DOOM: The Dark Ages aims to deliver a brutal, action-packed experience that reinvents key aspects of the beloved series.