Five years after the franchise's last chapter, Doom: The Dark Ages brings the series back in a completely fresh light. A brand-new arsenal, dragons, more exploration-focused maps, and a cyber-infused medieval setting make Doom: The Dark Ages a special entry in the franchise.
Being such an iconic staple in gaming, Doom: The Dark Ages was a big leap for developer id Software. This time around, the Doom formula got a variety of massive changes that were quite risky, but the studio managed to pull them off. So far, Doom: The Dark Ages has been praised by both critics and many players, adding the game to the growing list of strong launches that have happened this year. 2025 has been filled to the brim with big releases, and Doom: The Dark Ages has managed to set itself apart in a busy calendar. With all the exciting changes introduced in Doom: The Dark Ages, there's one fun throwback that brings the game back to its roots; the Slayer's HUD avatar.
Doom: The Dark Ages: 8 Best New Demon Designs
The latest entry in the Doom franchise features some terrifying new demons for players to face off against.
Doom: The Dark Ages' HUD Pays Tribute to the Franchise's Early Days
A Classic Feature Reimagined For a Modern Chapter
The Doom franchise began on December 10, 1993, and in the 30+ year period since the original Doom hit the scene and marked a turning point for the industry, Doom has grown into a truly beloved franchise. When Doom (2016) was revealed to be the beginning of a reboot, many fans were excited to see what id Software had planned for a brand-new story. Doom (2016) and its sequel, Doom Eternal, were a big success, but when it came to the HUDs of both games, many felt they lacked the classic charm of the original.
Doom: The Dark Ages' story takes place on the planet of Argent D'nur.
Thankfully, Doom: The Dark Ages has changed that. Even better, the HUD in this fresh installment showcases how to balance nostalgia with a more modern design. When playing, the Slayer's head can be seen in the middle of the status bars. The avatar even reacts, depending on what's happening in combat. For those who have been fans of Doom for years, this small feature is a fun nod to the game that started it all.
Doom: The Dark Ages was a big leap for developer id Software.
Not only is it a clever way to call out the franchise's beginnings, but it can also immerse players more into the role of the Slayer. Getting to see the avatar move around as the Slayer interacts with the spawns of Hell adds an extra layer of humanity to the seemingly unstoppable demon killer.
In Doom: The Dark Ages, the Slayer's HUD avatar can even be customized. When going into the game's HUD settings, players can choose between None, Normal and Classic.
Doom: The Dark Ages is an Exciting Step Forward For the Franchise
While not every Doom fan is going to love all the changes made in Doom: The Dark Ages, the route id Software has gone has opened an exciting new door for the series. With its unique medieval blend, there's no telling how Doom: The Dark Ages will influence further chapters. Doom has an impressive history, but its future could hold even more great surprises in the coming years.
Right now, the next Doom chapter is likely years away at this point, but it's thrilling to see just how far the series has come since 1993. As the franchise continues to grow, id Software hopefully has more plans to honor the original games in subtle ways that show how Doom is still in touch with its humble beginnings.
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.
- Engine
- id Tech
- Genre(s)
- FPS, Action, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
