Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel to the modern run of Doom games, promises to combine the old and new with its gameplay. To hearken back to classic Doom in a unique way, Doom: The Dark Ages will also chart a much different course compared to its predecessor, Doom Eternal.
Announced in June 2024 with an explosive trailer reveal, Doom: The Dark Ages releases on May 13. This marks a return to the mainline franchise after 5 years of absence, with the previous game in the modern line being 2020's Doom Eternal. In an interview with The Best War Games, game directors Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton went into detail about how the upcoming Dark Ages will craft a unique identity for itself, distinguishing the game from Doom Eternal.
Five Years Ago, Doom Eternal Put the Pedal to the Metal
Doom Eternal is now five years old, and it continues to be a showcase of how developer iD Software is not afraid to take chances.
Doom: The Dark Ages Will Be More Grounded Than Doom Eternal, But Just As Intense
The Dark Ages' "Stand And Fight" Approach
Martin summed up the change in identity between Doom Eternal and Dark Ages by pointing to the difference in weight. He argues that, compared to the frenetic combat of Doom Eternal, the Slayer will feel "heavier and more powerful" in Dark Ages. As he explained,
"In Doom Eternal, you were an F22 fighter jet; in Dark Ages, you're going to be an Abrams tank. It's like going from a Ferrari to a monster truck—so you're heavier and more powerful, but every bit as fast. That's really the main shift, and you feel it when you play. That was very much inspired by the original Doom, which is a very grounded experience. Movement is still a critical part of the game, but it's more about weaving your way through a maze of projectiles, just like in the original Doom, than it is flying around a jungle gym arena with multiple platforms.
Playing into the more medieval take on Doom, The Dark Ages' emphasis on greater heft only makes sense. A lot of the marketing has focused on the message "Stand and Fight," which is important with the Slayer's new shield as well. A more grounded combat identity will greatly aid the game's approach to the Slayer, positioning him as a knightly figure wielding unthinkable power. It also better fits in with the fanbase's understanding of who the Slayer is. Speaking to this new Doom: The Dark Ages' gameplay direction, Stratton added,
"I think, in a weird way, it makes you feel more powerful. I was talking to our gameplay systems director last night, and we were both kind of agreeing on how, when you play the game, the design that Hugo describes makes the Slayer feel heavier than in any of our other games. You think about the Slayer as this heavy, powerful hero, but it's really this cool thing when you play the game and you feel that weight—where the design that has made the game, from a combat perspective, feel the way it has. All of that comes back and really reflects so well in the development of this Slayer as a heavy, badass hero with unbelievable power, because you really feel your power in a more grounded way."
That's not to say that The Dark Ages will leave Doom Eternal behind. While a new gameplay identity will be pursued, Stratton mentioned that fans will finally be able to play through set pieces from the lore of prior Doom games, stating that players will "get to play through that by piloting the best Atlan and taking on those giant demons."
DOOM: The Dark Ages
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 86 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- May 15, 2025
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda Softworks
WHERE TO PLAY
BECOME THE SLAYER IN A MEDIEVAL WAR AGAINST HELL
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer’s legend. In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine.
REIGN IN HELL
As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw. Players will stand and fight on the demon-infested battlefields in the vicious, grounded combat the original DOOM is famous for.
STAND AND FIGHT
Experience an epic story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this cinematic and action-packed story. Bound to serve as the super weapon of gods and kings, the DOOM Slayer fends off demon hordes as their leader seeks to destroy the Slayer and become the only one that is feared. Witness the creation of a legend as the Slayer takes on all of Hell and turns the tide of the war.
DISCOVER UNKNOWN REALMS
In his quest to crush the legions of Hell, the Slayer must take the fight to never-before-seen realms. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond. Armed with the viciously powerful Shield Saw, cut through a dark world of menace and secrets in id's largest and most expansive levels to date.
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Action, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
