Doom: The Dark Ages Waiting Room Playlist

Doom: The Dark Ages is fast approaching its May 15 release date. The eighth major entry in the first-person shooter franchise that created a revolution back in 1993, Doom: The Dark Ages looks to expand upon the top-shelf gameplay id Software has put forward with the franchise’s reboot entries. Notably, this will also serve as the first Doom game to be released since Microsoft’s acquisition of series publisher Bethesda, meaning Xbox fans will get to play the game through Xbox Game Pass on launch day (though PlayStation fans will still get to enjoy this new game on Sony’s console).

As any new game approaches its release, gamers may feel the natural desire to play some comparable games to build excitement for the next one. Luckily, fans have plenty of options for games to play in the lead-up to Doom: The Dark Ages. Naturally, jumping into titles within the Doom series can help fans get excited, but there are several titles outside of the series worth trying out as well.

Doom The Dark Ages Slayer Against Demons

How Doom: The Dark Ages’ Gameplay Differs From Doom Eternal

In a The Best War Games interview, Doom: The Dark Ages' game directors explain the fundamental difference between this title and Doom Eternal.

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By Jack Peachey

There’s Plenty To Play Before Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom’s Previous Reboots Should Be In The Rotation

Naturally, being that Doom: The Dark Ages is the next entry in the Doom series, fans who are sitting in the waiting room for the game can pass the time with id Software’s most recent Doom games. 2016’s Doom served as a full reboot of the franchise, while 2020’s Doom Eternal was the follow-up. Both games brought plenty of fast-paced action and demon-slaying madness to the series, bringing the classic shooter to a new generation with plenty of flair.

Fans may also not have to worry about Doom: The Dark Ages blending in too much with its predecessors. After all, the game will serve as a prequel to the events of these two games, while the gameplay appears to take a more grounded approach than their more acrobatic gameplay. Thus, fans can play the previous titles back-to-back without fear of the new game feeling redundant as a result.

Id Software’s Other Shooters Are Great To Play In Advance

Of course, fans who want a more comprehensive Doom experience can play the classic titles while they wait for Doom: The Dark Ages. All five of the major Doom titles before 2016’s reboot are available across modern platforms for low prices, and the first two titles (along with Final Doom) received a further enhanced re-release last year in the form of Doom + Doom 2. Playing the entire series will give fans an idea of how the franchise innovated the classic first-person shooter style that is now referred to as the “boomer shooter.”

Gamers can also look beyond the Doom series if they want their fill before Doom: The Dark Ages. Id Software has also created the Quake series, a franchise whose first two iconic entries are also available on modern platforms at very good prices. Quake and Quake II bring plenty of the classic, fast-paced shooting gameplay that the old-school Doom games were known for, with enough improvements to the formula to set themselves apart.

Boomer Shooters Are All The Rage These Days

It’s worth pointing out that there are plenty of other “boomer shooters” to choose from, as the indie gaming scene has exploded with these kinds of titles in recent years. Games such as Dusk, Ultrakill, Prodeus, and Mullet Madjack are just some of the many “boomer shooters” fans can find across gaming stores today.

Doom: The Dark Ages is one of 2025’s most anticipated titles, and gamers are less than a month away from experiencing id Software’s newest first-person shooter epic. As the release date inches closer and closer, fans have some great titles to try out while they bide their time. Whether inside or outside the Doom series, the first-person shooter market has plenty to offer before The Dark Ages takes center stage.

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