DOOM: The Dark Ages

DOOM: The Dark Ages, developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, is a first-person shooter set to launch on May 15, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. It will also be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. This title serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, making it the third installment in the modern series and the eighth main entry in the overall franchise. The game delves into an earlier period in the life of the Doom Slayer, chronicling his rise as he becomes the ultimate weapon against the forces of Hell in a dark, medieval-inspired setting. This "techno-medieval" world is a key aspect of The Dark Ages, influencing everything from the environments to the weapon design. The narrative explores the war between the Night Sentinels of Argent D'Nur and their Maykr allies against Hell, long before the invasions of Mars and Earth. The Doom Slayer, empowered by the Maykrs, fights to turn the tide, though his will is suppressed by a device called the Tether, controlled by his master, Kreed Maykr. Meanwhile, Hell's leader, Prince Ahzrak, seeks the Heart of Argent, opting to avoid direct confrontation with the formidable Slayer. The story is described as an epic cinematic experience that aims to flesh out the Doom universe, including the history of the human-demon conflict and the factions of the Sentinels and Maykrs. Gameplay in DOOM: The Dark Ages shifts towards a heavier, more grounded combat experience compared to the fast-paced acrobatics of its predecessors. The Doom Slayer is portrayed as an "iron tank," with an emphasis on strategic engagements and enhanced melee options. A significant new addition is the Shield Saw, a versatile tool used for blocking, parrying, and attacking. Players can also wield new weaponry like the Skull Crusher, a gun that fires bone fragments, alongside melee weapons such as a gauntlet, an iron mace, and a flail. Familiar firearms like the Super Shotgun also return. A notable first for the series is the introduction of pilotable vehicles. Players will be able to control a cybernetic dragon and a massive 30-story Atlan mech in certain game sections. These vehicles come with their own suite of abilities and are not one-off gimmicks. The game promises id Software's largest and most expansive levels to date, encouraging exploration of realms like ruined castles, dark forests, and ancient hellscapes. The narrative will feature more cutscenes and character development to provide deeper insight into the Doom Slayer's origins. DOOM: The Dark Ages is built on the id Tech 8 engine, featuring advanced game physics and destructible environments. The developers have aimed to make combat more approachable and flexible with a new difficulty system and sliders that allow players to tune aspects like game speed and parry windows to their preference. Several difficulty presets will be available, ranging from a more laid-back experience to a challenging permadeath mode. The game also offers various accessibility options, including text size scaling, extensive controls remapping, and a high contrast mode. The soundtrack is being composed by the team at Finishing Move, aiming for a metal soundscape with medieval influences. Pre-production for the game began after the completion of DOOM Eternal's DLC, "The Ancient Gods," in 2021, with full production starting by August 2022. The game, initially rumored under the title "Doom: Year Zero," was officially announced in June 2024. Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft Gaming, explained that the decision for a multi-platform release, including PlayStation 5, stemmed from the Doom series' history on various platforms, stating that "everyone deserves to play." A Premium Edition of the game will offer early access, a digital artbook and soundtrack, a skin pack, and future campaign DLC.