DOOM: The Dark Ages - Medieval Mayhem Arrives May 15, 2025

id Software's highly anticipated prequel DOOM: The Dark Ages launches May 15, 2025, promising to deliver the epic origin story of the DOOM Slayer's legendary rage with revolutionary medieval-themed demon slaying.

A Return to DOOM's Brutal Roots

DOOM: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, chronologically taking place after DOOM 64 when the Slayer chose to remain in Hell. The game tells the cinematic origin story of how the DOOM Slayer's rage was forged during the ancient war between the Night Sentinels of Argent D'Nur and Hell's forces.

This single-player-only experience marks a deliberate shift from DOOM Eternal's lightning-fast pace to a more grounded, strategic approach reminiscent of the original DOOM. Players will explore never-before-seen realms including ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, and ancient hellscapes as they witness the Doom Slayer's transformation into the legendary demon-killing machine.

Revolutionary Weapon: The Shield Saw

The game's most innovative addition is the Shield Saw, a versatile weapon that fundamentally changes DOOM's combat dynamics. This medieval-inspired tool allows players to:

• Block and parry incoming attacks
• Launch devastating offensive strikes
• React dynamically to different enemy types (flesh, armor, energy shields)
• Combine offense and defense in a single input

The Shield Saw represents id Software's "Only in DOOM" philosophy, providing both tactical depth and visceral satisfaction as players adapt their combat style to each encounter.

Expanded Medieval Arsenal

Beyond the Shield Saw, The Dark Ages introduces an impressive array of medieval-inspired weaponry:

• Skull Crusher - Fires devastating bone fragments
• Gauntlet - Powerful melee strikes for close combat
• Iron Mace - Crushing blows against armored foes
• Flail - Sweeping attacks for crowd control
• Super Shotgun - The beloved classic returns with enhanced power

Each weapon feels uniquely satisfying while maintaining the bone-crunching impact DOOM fans expect from the franchise.

Epic Scale Combat: Mechs and Dragons

For the first time in DOOM history, players can pilot massive vehicles that match the series' over-the-top action:

• Atlan Mech - A towering 30-story war machine capable of taking down Hell's largest demons
• Cybernetic Dragon - Aerial combat platform for devastating attacks from above

These vehicle segments promise to deliver spectacular set pieces that push the boundaries of what DOOM combat can achieve, while maintaining the visceral satisfaction of demon-slaying action.

Open-Ended Exploration and Sandbox Design

The Dark Ages introduces sandbox-style areas with open-ended objectives that players can tackle in any order. This represents a significant evolution from the linear progression of previous entries, offering:

• Multiple approach strategies for each encounter
• Hidden secrets and rewards in every environment
• Dynamic battlefields that react to player choices
• Enhanced replayability through varied completion paths

Platform Availability and Performance

DOOM: The Dark Ages launches simultaneously across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on May 15, 2025. Xbox Game Pass subscribers will enjoy day-one access, making it immediately available to millions of players.

PC players can prepare for launch with the recently released system requirements, ensuring optimal performance for the game's stunning medieval hellscapes and intense combat sequences.

The Return of Pure DOOM

Early hands-on impressions praise The Dark Ages for successfully balancing innovation with the core DOOM experience. The slower, more tactical combat feels natural rather than restrictive, while the medieval setting provides fresh visual variety without losing the series' signature brutality.

With its focus on single-player storytelling, revolutionary Shield Saw mechanics, and epic vehicle combat, DOOM: The Dark Ages appears poised to deliver both the origin story fans have been waiting for and the next evolution of demon-slaying excellence.

Mark your calendars for May 15, 2025—Hell's medieval invasion awaits your response.