It was expected, rumored, and a terribly kept secret, but five years after iD Software’s Doom Eternal, we’re finally within touching distance of Doom: The Dark Ages! Unlike the previous two entries though, this looks to take us back in time, rather than forward, into medieval environments, with aged, old weapons like flails, maces, and a kickass spiked shield, and so much more besides. We have everything you’ll ever need to know about Doom: The Dark Ages, from release date to trailers and everything else!
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| This article will be continually updated as time passes, keeping it up-to-date with the latest news regarding Doom: The Dark Ages. Make sure to check back regularly! |
Doom: The Dark Ages Release Date
As revealed during the Xbox Developer Direct, Doom: The Dark Ages will be released worldwide on May 15th, 2025!
Story
Doom games are never known for their stories, with the action being front-and-center of proceedings. However, it seems like that may be changing somewhat with Doom: The Dark Ages. Story details aren’t known yet, but during the aforementioned Xbox Developer Direct, it was revealed by Game Director Hugo Martin and Executive Producer Marty Stratton that not only will there be a deeper story this time round, but we’re also getting a full range of supporting characters and cutscenes across the board!
Gameplay
Point, shoot, and run. That’s always been the Doom formula, but as with a few other facets of the franchise, iD Software looks to be changing things up here. Gone is the balls-to-the-wall gunrunning of the previous installments, replaced with a slower, more methodical approach, based around having more enemies (actual hordes of hellspawn this time round), and a spiked shield that can be used in a number of different ways.
During a behind-closed-doors Q&A, Hugo Martin said it best:
“Instead of a Ferrari you’d be a monster truck.”
Parrying has become a hugely important mechanic in Doom: The Dark Ages, with it being used to stun enemies, as well as deflect incoming projectiles, and as a weapon! Throw the shield and see as it digs into the stronger enemies, cutting holes in their chests, or eviscerates the smaller, weaker enemies in one fell swoop.
Beyond the shield, there are three melee weapons – a flail, mace, and a gauntlet – and a multitude of the ‘normal’ Doom weapons, from shotguns to the aptly named Skullcrusher. You may not be the quickest any longer, but you’re just as deadly.
Characters
Another part of established video game production that the Doom franchise generally foregoes, characters aren’t front-and-center. However, as mentioned, Doom: The Dark Ages will feature a fleshed-out story with a range of supporting characters. Whilst these are yet to be revealed, we do know one returning character you’ll be sure to recognize:
- The Doom Slayer – The legendary fighter constantly holding back the waves of enemies from Hell returns, ready for another go around the merry-go-round of combat. A new trial awaits in a new environment, but the task will be the same for our silent protagonist, and they won’t care one bit. Blood, guts, and lots of bullets!
Platforms
Doom: The Dark Ages is confirmed to launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Multiplayer
There will be no multiplayer of any kind involved in Doom: The Dark Ages, be it co-op or otherwise. This decision was chosen to ensure iD Software could offer the best single-player experience and not dilute the effort, according to the developers.
Doom: The Dark Ages Trailers
At present, there’s only two Doom: The Dark Ages trailers, both shown below.
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Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
