Doom: The Dark Ages Launches Today!

Doom: The Dark Ages, the next entry in id Software’s legendary first-person shooter series, is set to release worldwide on May 15, 2025. Acting as a dark and brutal prequel to Doom (2016), the game takes players into a grim, medieval-inspired setting that redefines what it means to rip and tear.

A New Direction for Doom

For fans of the fast-paced, demon-slaying chaos the series is known for, Doom: The Dark Ages offers a fresh spin. Unlike the lightning-quick mobility of Doom Eternal, this title brings a heavier, more grounded combat style. Players are encouraged to get up close and personal with enemies using new melee weapons, including a Shield Saw capable of both blocking and decapitating in a single move.

The game also leans heavily into dark fantasy and techno-medieval aesthetics. Expect massive battlefields, monstrous enemies, and one jaw-dropping twist: players can ride a fire-breathing cybernetic dragon and even pilot a towering mech in select sequences.

Built by the Best

Doom: The Dark Ages is being developed by id Software, the original creators of the franchise, and published by Bethesda Softworks under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella. Longtime Doom creative director Hugo Martin returns at the helm, alongside lead artist Johnson Tung and a new soundtrack by Finishing Move, a composer duo known for their work on Halo 2 Anniversary.

The game is powered by id Tech 8, the studio’s latest engine, which offers a visual upgrade and supports features like ray tracing and enhanced lighting systems across current-gen platforms.

Years in the Making

Following the success of Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods DLC in 2021, id Software quietly entered pre-production on this new chapter. Full development began in August 2022, with the team building a more cinematic, story-driven experience while retaining the brutal edge that defines the Doom franchise.

Single-Player Slaughter

Unlike its predecessor, The Dark Ages is strictly a single-player experience. The campaign spans 22 sprawling levels filled with secrets, lore, and relentless combat. The narrative dives into the origins of the Doom Slayer, revealing how this mythical warrior became humanity’s last hope against Hell’s armies.

Weapons are as creative as they are devastating. From maces and electrified gauntlets to bone-launching ranged weapons, the arsenal is designed to encourage tactical aggression. The Shield Saw adds a layer of defensive strategy, letting players parry and counter attacks in high-stakes brawls.

Editions, Pricing, and Bonuses

Doom: The Dark Ages will be available in several editions:

Standard Edition: $70 / £60 / €80
Premium Edition: $100
- Includes early access starting May 13
- Digital soundtrack and artbook
- First-year DLC access
Collector’s Edition: $200
- Everything from the Premium Edition
- A detailed Slayer statue
- Steelbook case
- Exclusive skins for the dragon, mech, and armor

The game is also launching day one on Xbox Game Pass (Console and PC), giving subscribers full access at no additional cost.

Platforms and Performance

At launch, Doom: The Dark Ages will be available on:

Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation 5
Windows PC (Steam, Xbox App, Battle.net)

The game is optimized for current-gen hardware and takes full advantage of high-end PCs, offering stable 60 FPS performance with ray-traced visuals and dynamic lighting.

Early Impressions and Critical Reception

Early reviews suggest that The Dark Ages is a bold shift for the franchise. While some longtime fans might miss the blazing speed of Doom Eternal, many praise the game’s commitment to strategic combat, lore-driven storytelling, and unforgettable boss encounters.

Critics have applauded the melee system and cinematic presentation, calling it a "modern reinvention of medieval carnage." However, others caution that the slower pacing may not appeal to everyone, particularly fans who prefer relentless speed over tactical depth.

Final Thoughts

Doom: The Dark Ages is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most anticipated titles. By blending visceral action with gothic storytelling and experimental gameplay, id Software is giving the franchise room to evolve while staying true to its core: carnage, chaos, and a protagonist who never backs down.

Whether you're a veteran Slayer or new to the series, The Dark Ages promises an unforgettable ride through Hell—on the back of a cyber dragon, no less.

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