Doom: The Dark Ages is set to release on May 15, 2025, for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, with early access available on May 13 for Premium Edition owners. This installment serves as a prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, concluding the modern trilogy. LOS40+2Windows Central+2Polygon+2
🛡️ Core Gameplay: Grounded Power and Brutal Combat
Departing from the acrobatic style of Doom Eternal, The Dark Ages emphasizes a heavier, more grounded combat experience. The Doom Slayer is portrayed as an “iron tank,” focusing on close-quarters combat with a blend of medieval and futuristic weaponry. Windows Central+2Polygon+2Wikipedia+2GamerBraves+3Wikipedia+3Game Rant+3
Key Combat Features:
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Shield Saw: A multifunctional weapon that allows for blocking, parrying, and ranged attacks. It can be thrown to damage enemies and used to solve environmental puzzles.
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Melee Weapons: Includes an electrified gauntlet, a spiked mace, and a flail, each offering unique combos and upgrade paths. INDIE GAMES DEVEL+4GamerBraves+4Game Rant+4
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Ranged Weapons: Features the Super Shotgun, Plasma Rifle, Stake Launcher, and the Skull Shooter, which fires bone fragments. gameland.gg+5INDIE GAMES DEVEL+5Wikipedia+5
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Parry System: Timing-based parries can stun enemies and open them up for devastating counterattacks. Game Rant+9INDIE GAMES DEVEL+9Xbox Wire+9
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Glory Kills: Revamped to include slow-motion sequences, allowing for more control during executions. Wikipedia
🐉 Epic Set Pieces: Mechs and Dragons
The Dark Ages introduces large-scale combat scenarios:Polygon+7Times News Global+7CGMagazine+7
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Atlan Mech: A 30-story mech used to battle colossal demons, featuring melee attacks and a triple Gatling gun. Wikipedia+3GamerBraves+3INDIE GAMES DEVEL+3
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Cybernetic Dragon: A rideable dragon equipped with fire-breathing capabilities and mounted weapons, offering aerial combat experiences. INDIE GAMES DEVEL
🧩 Exploration and Customization
The game offers sandbox-style levels with a focus on exploration and narrative depth. Players can customize their experience through various difficulty sliders, adjusting elements like enemy speed and parry windows. Times News GlobalArs Technica+1Game Rant+1
🎮 Editions and Availability
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Standard Edition: Base game.gameland.gg+3LOS40+3Polygon+3
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Premium Edition: Includes early access, DLC, digital soundtrack, and artbook.Windows Central
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Collector’s Edition: Features a Slayer statue and Steelbook case. Windows Central
The game will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.
