Doom: The Dark Ages release window, gameplay & everything we know so far
Id SoftwareDoom: The Dark Ages was announced as the prequel to Doom 2016 at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024, and here is everything you need to know about the release window, gameplay, and more.
Alongside fresh looks into the new Fable, Gears of War, and Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred, Doom burst in with a gory new look The Dark Ages. Set as a prequel to Doom 2016, the next addition to the legacy of Doom is looking to be the boldest one yet.
So, here is everything you need to know about Doom: The Dark Ages, including a possible release window, new gameplay, platforms, and everything else we know.
Doom: The Dark Ages release window
Doom: The Dark Ages is set to release sometime in 2025, as revealed in the trailer at the Xbox Games Showcase.
It’s been a while since we saw the last entry to the rebooted Doom series, with the last release being in 2020. There is no set date or month for The Dark Ages yet, but we will be sure to let you know once more information has been released.
Doom: The Dark Ages platforms
Doom: The Dark Ages will be available to play on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
It was one of the only reveals at the Showcase to not be exclusive to Xbox consoles, alongside Black Ops 6, which is good news for PS5 players. Otherwise, it’s available on Steam for wishlisting right now.
Will Doom: The Dark Ages be on Game Pass?
Yes, Doom: The Dark Ages will be available to play on Game Pass.
In fact, players who have Game Pass will be able to play The Dark Ages from day one. Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal are also both on the platform, so you can catch up on the story so far before The Dark Ages releases next year.
Doom: The Dark Ages gameplay changes & story
In the Doom: The Dark Ages reveal trailer, it looks like some big changes are coming to gameplay, including a new shield that the Doom Slayer wields.
Id SoftwareWith each Doom iteration, we have seen big changes to gameplay to try and make it bigger and better than the last. It’s a fitting philosophy for a franchise like Doom, and The Dark Ages looks like it’s going to be very different from what we saw in Doom Eternal.
Firstly, the Doomslayer now has a shield that he wields – adorned with blades, of course – and it looks like it’s going to form a pretty big part of gameplay.
Additionally, Id Software may be looking to make the gameplay a little more melee-focused than it has been previously, considering the sneak peek at a new flail the Doom Slayer used to rip through enemies.
This isn’t to say that guns aren’t a major focus, as the trailer starts with the reveal of the classic Super Shotgun and a new look at a BFG-style gun that uses the skulls of your enemies as ammo. Overall, it seems to be in true Doom fashion, just made in a grimdark style for medieval times.
In line with this medieval style the game is taking, the trailer revealed that we’ll be able to ride dragons. And, in true Doom style, it’s also looking like Doom Slayer will be able to turn into a giant mech to fend off giant demons – as they did in days of yore.
In terms of story, not much has been revealed just yet, but we do know that Doom: The Dark Ages is a prequel to Doom 2016 and is meant to be the origin story of the Doom Slayer’s rage.
Doom: The Dark Ages trailer
Check out the reveal trailer for Doom: The Dark Ages, which was released at the Xbox Games Showcase:
Doom: The Dark Ages wasn’t the only exciting announcement from the Xbox Showcase, so be sure to check out everything we know about Starfield Shattered Space, Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater for more.