Doom The Dark Ages game is a 2025 first-person shooter developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. Serving as a prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal (2020), it delves into the origins of the Doom Slayer, set in a dark, medieval-inspired world where humanity faces the threat of Hell’s legions. Released on May 15, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC, the game is also available on Xbox Game Pass
A Medieval Twist on Classic Doom
Departing from the fast-paced, acrobatic combat of its predecessors, Doom: The Dark Ages offers a heavier, more grounded experience. Players embody the Doom Slayer as an “iron tank,” utilizing a blend of brutal melee weapons and powerful firearms. The introduction of the Shield Saw—a versatile tool for blocking, parrying, and attacking—adds a strategic layer to combat. New melee options like the electrified gauntlet, spiked mace, and flail enhance close-quarters encounters.
The game’s arsenal combines medieval-inspired weaponry with futuristic firepower. Weapons such as the Skullcrusher, which fires bone fragments, and the Rail Spike, capable of impaling enemies, provide diverse combat options. The inclusion of a 30-story Atlan mech and a cybernetic, fire-breathing dragon mount introduces large-scale battles and aerial combat sequences.
Expansive Exploration and Secrets
Doom: The Dark Ages features the largest levels in the series, encouraging exploration through interconnected environments like dark forests, ancient battlefields, and towering fortresses. The Shield Saw doubles as a traversal tool, allowing players to cross gaps, scale walls, and uncover hidden areas.
Secret areas reward players with weapon upgrades, lore entries, and unique challenges. For instance, the “Layover” challenge in Chapter 5 involves discovering secret landing spots for the dragon mount, leading to battles against Titans and valuable rewards.
Narrative Depth and Accessibility
The game places a greater emphasis on storytelling, offering cinematic cutscenes and character development that explore the Doom Slayer’s motivations beyond vengeance. Players encounter new characters and delve into the lore of the Argenta culture and Hell’s hierarchy.
Accessibility options have been expanded, allowing players to adjust settings such as enemy aggression, parry windows, and game speed. These features cater to a wide range of skill levels, ensuring an inclusive experience for all players.
Critical Reception
Doom: The Dark Ages has received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its intense combat, expansive level design, and narrative depth. OpenCritic reports that 96% of critics recommend the game.
DOOM: The Dark Ages – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Platforms & Availability
Q: On which platforms is DOOM: The Dark Ages available?
A: The game is available on:
- Xbox Series X|S
- PlayStation 5
- PC via Microsoft Store (Xbox PC), Steam, and Battle.net
Q: Is the game included in any subscription services?
A: Yes, it’s available on:
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (including PC Game Pass and xCloud)
- NVIDIA GeForce NOW
- Coming soon to Boosteroid
Q: Can I preload the game before launch?
A: Yes, preloading is available for all platforms to ensure immediate access upon release.
Language & Accessibility
Q: Which languages are supported?
A: Full voice and text support in:
- English
- French
- Italian
- German
- Castilian Spanish
- Latin American Spanish
- Brazilian Portuguese
- Polish
- Japanese
- Russian
Text and subtitles with English voice in:
- Korean
- Simplified Chinese
- Traditional Chinese
- Arabic
- Turkish
Q: What accessibility features are available?
A: The game offers:
- Customizable difficulty settings
- Text size scaling for UI, HUD, and subtitles
- Extensive control remapping
- High contrast mode to distinguish enemies from the background
Gameplay & Progression
Q: How can I increase my maximum health?
A: Defeat elite enemies to collect Demonic Essence, which can be used to enhance your health capacity. These upgrades are scattered across various chapters.
Q: Are there in-game challenges?
A: Yes, the game features Mission Challenges that test combat skills and exploration. Completing them rewards players with items like weapon skins and in-game currency.
Q: What are some beginner tips?
A:
- Utilize the Shield Saw for both defense and mobility.
- Master parrying to counter powerful attacks.
- Use melee executions to regain health.
- Regularly check maps for hidden collectibles.
- Switch weapons based on enemy types for effective combat.
Technical & System Requirements
Q: What are the PC system requirements?
A: Detailed specifications are available on the game’s official website or store page. Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for optimal performance.
Q: Which GPU drivers are recommended?
A:
- NVIDIA: Driver version 576.40 or newer
- AMD: Driver version 25.5.1 or newer
Q: Is Path Tracing supported?
A: Not at launch. Path Tracing will be added in a future update.
Q: Is a Bethesda.net account required?
A: No, but linking one unlocks exclusive Slayer skins and other rewards.
Q: Does the game support cross-progression?
A: Yes, cross-progression is available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, and xCloud.
Q: Can I play the game on Steam Deck?
A: No, the Steam Deck does not meet the game’s minimum hardware requirements and is not supported.
Troubleshooting & Known Issues
Q: Are there any known technical issues?
A: Some users with NVIDIA GPUs and AMD Ryzen CPUs may experience crashes. It’s recommended to update drivers and check official support channels for solutions.
Q: Where can I find official support?
A: Visit the Bethesda Support Page for assistance with known issues and troubleshooting