Stay up-to-date with all the DOOM: The Dark Ages news, including release date, platforms, gameplay mechanics, trailers, editions, and new features. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming FPS from id Software.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is shaping up to be one of the most exciting first-person shooters of 2025. Developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, this highly anticipated prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal takes the franchise in a bold new direction. Mixing medieval themes with DOOM’s signature brutality, the game brings a fresh yet familiar experience to fans of the legendary FPS series.
Unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase 2024 and confirmed for a May 15, 2025, release at the January 2025 Xbox Developer Direct, DOOM: The Dark Ages is arriving sooner than expected. It’s not just an Xbox exclusive, either—this installment is launching on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), and PlayStation 5, with full Xbox Game Pass support on day one. However, it will not be available on Xbox One or PlayStation 4, marking a shift toward next-gen exclusivity.
DOOM: The Dark Ages News Recap
A Prequel with a Purpose
Set before the events of DOOM (2016), The Dark Ages tells the origin story of the Doom Slayer. This time, the Slayer is not a lone marine stranded in Hell, but a weapon wielded by ancient kings and gods. The narrative tone and setting lean heavily into dark medieval fantasy, offering a refreshing contrast to the high-tech hellscapes of previous entries.
Creative Director Hugo Martin has stated that the goal was to give players the sense of being a “walking tank” instead of a jet-fueled missile. Compared to the lightning-fast pacing of DOOM Eternal, The Dark Ages dials things back slightly, putting more emphasis on grounded combat, classic strafing, and brutal close-quarters engagements.
Gameplay Evolution: Brutality with Depth
While DOOM: The Dark Ages retains the adrenaline-pumping DNA of its predecessors, the developers have taken a bold step toward altering the rhythm of combat. Gone is the double jump, and in its place is a return to more horizontal, grounded gameplay. The iconic sprint mechanic, absent since DOOM 3, makes a dramatic comeback—only now it’s refined for fluidity and modern responsiveness.
Players will wield a wide variety of medieval-inspired weapons, including:
- Shield Saw – A circular saw embedded in a shield that can be used defensively or hurled like Captain America’s shield.
- Skull Crusher – A weapon that grinds up skulls and shoots the fragments in a wide spread.
- Rail Spike – A giant spiked hammer that impales enemies and pins them to walls.
- Super Shotgun – The beloved DOOM staple returns for massive close-range damage.
- Melee Weapons – Players can switch between a flail, mace, and gauntlet to diversify their close-quarters approach.
New gameplay systems are also introduced, including the massive Atlan Mechs and a rideable cybernetic dragon, both of which can be piloted multiple times throughout the campaign. These aren’t just one-off set pieces—they’re core components of DOOM: The Dark Ages’ combat and traversal mechanics, adding verticality and spectacle to the brutal gameplay loop.
DOOM: The Dark Ages News: Visuals and Engine Upgrades
DOOM: The Dark Ages runs on id Tech 8, id Software’s latest proprietary game engine. With no last-gen support, the studio is free to leverage next-gen hardware to its fullest, including mandatory ray tracing, enhanced lighting effects, and massive environments described as “sandbox-like” and larger than anything previously built in the franchise.
These expansive maps allow for more exploration and freedom in how you approach each encounter. Whether you’re navigating medieval dungeons or sky-fighting atop a dragon, The Dark Ages promises a visual and experiential leap forward.
Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
Three primary editions of DOOM: The Dark Ages are available for pre-order:
- Standard Edition ($69.99 / £64.99):
Includes the base game and pre-order bonus skins for the Doom Slayer, Atlan Mech, and cybernetic dragon. - Premium Edition ($99.99 / £94.99):
Offers two-day early access (play starting May 13), plus a digital soundtrack, digital artbook, and future campaign DLC. - Collector’s Edition (limited availability):
Contains everything from the Premium Edition, along with a physical DOOM Slayer statue, red keycard replica, and a Steelbook case.
For Game Pass subscribers or those buying the Standard Edition, there’s also a Premium Upgrade Pack, which includes the early access and digital extras (but not the game itself).
Music and Soundtrack
When it comes to DOOM: The Dark Ages news, we should definitely mention the game’s soundtrack. The soundtrack for DOOM: The Dark Ages is being composed by Finishing Move, known for their work on Halo 2 Anniversary and Halo Wars 2. Their atmospheric yet heavy metal-infused score is expected to be as critical to the experience as combat itself. Music has always been a cornerstone of DOOM’s identity, and Finishing Move aims to continue that legacy with a roaring soundscape to match the medieval carnage.
Design Philosophy and Inspirations
According to the developers, The Dark Ages draws inspiration from a wide array of sources, including the original DOOM (1993), Star Wars, and Batman: Year One. The aim was to create something familiar yet daringly new. The weapon and level designs take cues from medieval torture devices, featuring chains, spikes, ropes, and raw steel.
Creative Director Hugo Martin has explained that by leaning into medieval fantasy, id Software was able to design tools and environments that feel more sinister and tactile. The team wanted a darker and grittier aesthetic that matched the new gameplay tone, while still delivering the chaos and satisfaction long-time DOOM fans crave.
Trailer Highlights and First Impressions
The reveal trailer showcases some of the most dramatic shifts in the franchise to date. From burning castles and flying dragons to demon-slaying with bone-crushing medieval weapons, DOOM: The Dark Ages makes a powerful first impression.
Notable moments in the trailer include:
- A gritty version of the Doom Slayer donning a cape.
- Massive melee battles in gothic castles.
- A cyber-dragon flying through infernos with the Slayer mounted on its back.
- Close-up action of the Shield Saw ripping through enemy hordes.
The response from fans and critics alike has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the bold direction and epic scale.
Platform Support and Game Pass Details
Unlike some recent Bethesda-published titles, DOOM: The Dark Ages will not be platform-exclusive. It’s launching day-and-date on:
- Xbox Series X|S
- Windows PC (Steam and Epic Games Store)
- PlayStation 5
Additionally, the game will be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on day one, ensuring wide access from the start. While there’s no confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 port, the possibility hasn’t been ruled out entirely.
Final Thoughts
With a captivating setting, evolved gameplay mechanics, and a willingness to take creative risks, DOOM: The Dark Ages looks poised to redefine what players expect from a modern FPS. It’s a powerful homage to the franchise’s roots, while also pushing the boundaries in terms of visuals, scale, and design.
Whether you’re a diehard fan of the original 1993 DOOM or a newcomer who discovered the Slayer in DOOM Eternal, The Dark Ages is primed to be a must-play experience in 2025.
Stay tuned for more DOOM: The Dark Ages news as we get closer to launch day.
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