We Love It's Guide to…
As the Slayer in a medieval war against Hell, blast demon hordes with guns, a shield-saw, and close-range parries.
Released 14 May 2025
Parry With The Shield
Throw The Shield Saw
Ride A War Dragon
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. Players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
Developed by id Software · Published by Bethesda Softworks
This single-player prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal casts you as the Doom Slayer, a superweapon serving gods and kings in a medieval war against Hell. As demonic forces threaten the realm, you fight across the battlefield and into otherworldly realms.
Combat is a first-person mix of firearms, melee, and shield use. Wield weapons such as the Super Shotgun and Shield Saw, and block, parry, or bash enemies as you meet demon hordes in a more grounded style of fighting.
Explore levels set among ruined castles, battlefields, forests, and hellscapes, searching for secrets and rewards while upgrading weapons and abilities. Dragon-riding and giant-mech encounters offer alternatives to fighting on foot.
In this sample, players who enjoy the game often praise its weighty, forceful combat and the shield-parry system, along with the decision to give this DOOM entry a distinct style rather than repeat earlier games. The dark-fantasy visuals and weapon combinations also come up positively. Reactions are mixed: some find the parrying and slower pace satisfying, while others feel they interrupt combat; opinions on the dragon and mech sections, story, and soundtrack also vary. Many reviewers criticize the full price.
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.
| Platforms | Windows |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 38 |
| Age ratings |
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| Controller support | PlayStation, Xbox |
| Controller required | No |
| DLC / extras | 3 listed on Steam |
| DRM / EULA |
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| Content notices |
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| Website | Official website |
