The gates of Hell are creaking open once again, and this time, they lead straight into a twisted, medieval nightmare. id Software has officially announced DOOM: The Dark Ages, a bold and brutal prequel to the fan-favorite DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. Launching worldwide on May 15, 2025, with early access already underway for premium edition holders, this newest chapter in the DOOM saga trades futuristic firepower for dark fantasy horror—and it’s absolutely glorious.
A Medieval Twist on Classic Carnage
Say goodbye to space stations and say hello to ruined castles, scorched forests, and ancient hellscapes. In DOOM: The Dark Ages, players step into the armored boots of the Doom Slayer, now reimagined as a medieval juggernaut—more brutal than ever. This is no fairy tale. It’s a dark fantasy world fused with gritty sci-fi, filled with grotesque demons and nightmarish realms never before seen in the franchise.
The game's visual style channels the brutality of the Middle Ages, offering fans a fresh but fitting take on the DOOM universe. Expect gothic architecture, grim skies, and blood-soaked battlefields.
Wielding Steel and Fury: New & Classic Weapons
The soul of DOOM is its high-octane combat, and The Dark Ages cranks the violence up a notch. The fan-favorite Super Shotgun returns, now dressed for the Dark Ages with even more kick.
But the real star? The Shield Saw—a brutal, versatile tool of destruction that can:
- Block and parry attacks
- Deflect incoming projectiles
- Be thrown like a buzzsaw to shred demons
- Smash barricades and uncover hidden secrets
New medieval melee weapons include:
- The Flail – chain your carnage
- Spiked Mace – crush enemies while restoring resources
- Electrified Gauntlets – perfect for up-close punishment
Plus, the upgraded Glory Kill system delivers even more bone-crunching finishing moves.
Scale & Spectacle: Mechs, Dragons, and Colossal Combat
DOOM: The Dark Ages is not just about foot soldiers and corridors—it's bigger and bloodier than ever. Players can now:
- Pilot the Atlan, a 30-story mech, and go toe-to-toe with demon titans
- Ride a cybernetic dragon, complete with guns and boosters, for intense aerial battles
These larger-than-life sequences bring a whole new scale to DOOM, creating jaw-dropping moments of cinematic destruction.
A Slayer's Origin: Story-Driven, Lore-Deep
Unlike previous entries, DOOM: The Dark Ages brings a more cinematic story, diving deeper into the mythology of the Slayer and the origins of Hell’s war. For new players, it’s a great starting point. For longtime fans, it offers rich insight into the legend they’ve come to revere.
You’ll battle ancient demonic leaders, uncover secrets of the DOOM universe, and become the legend that echoes through eternity.
Explore the Largest DOOM Levels Yet
Built using the idTech 8 engine, DOOM: The Dark Ages features:
- Expansive, sandbox-style levels
- Dark temples, brutal forests, and hellish realms
- Rewarding exploration with hidden upgrades, lore pieces, and powerful gear
Each area is crafted with stunning detail and encourages players to roam off the path, discover secrets, and customize their loadouts.
Highlights:
- Launch Date: May 15, 2025 (early access live now for premium edition holders)
- Setting: Medieval dark fantasy meets sci-fi DOOM brutality
- New Weaponry: Shield Saw, Flail, Spiked Mace, Gauntlets + returning classics like Super Shotgun
- Cinematic Storytelling: Uncover the origins of the Doom Slayer and Hell’s war
- Epic Combat: Pilot mechs, ride dragons, and fight colossal demons
- Exploration: Massive sandbox levels full of secrets and upgrades
Prepare to Unleash Hell
With DOOM: The Dark Ages, id Software isn't just releasing another sequel—they’re redefining what DOOM can be. This medieval mayhem delivers raw combat, stunning scale, and a deeper narrative, all wrapped in the franchise’s signature savagery.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to Hell’s frontlines, this is one journey you don't want to miss. Grab your Shield Saw, mount your dragon, and get ready to raise Hell like never before.
