DOOM: The Dark Ages - Latest Updates

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DOOM: The Dark Ages News

2025

April 1

⚫︎ In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, Hugo Martin, the director of the Doom series, shared insights into the development process behind DOOM: The Dark Ages. He explained that the decision to exclude multiplayer from Doom Eternal was made early on to focus entirely on crafting a rich, single-player campaign. Martin highlighted that the game's scope and resources were key factors in this decision, ensuring a refined and immersive experience for players.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages doesn't have multiplayer because it would definitely come at the expense of the campaign (Games Radar)

March 30

⚫︎ Exciting news for DOOM fans! The official X account (formerly known as Twitter) for DOOM announced that new gameplay footage and hands-on impressions for DOOM: The Dark Ages will be released on March 31. Stay tuned for these latest updates and gain fresh insights into what to expect from this highly anticipated title.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages: keep an eye here tomorrow for press hands-on impressions and new gameplay (Official Bethesda X Page)

March 15

⚫︎ Bethesda has unveiled the DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in their latest merchandise unboxing video. Priced at $175 USD, this meticulously detailed replica is now available for pre-order. It's part of a broader merchandise rollout in anticipation of the game's release, and it's currently in stock with shipping scheduled once all items in an order are ready.

Read more: Bethesda Reveals DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in Latest Merch Unboxing Video (Official Bethesda X Page)

March 12

⚫︎ DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to launch on May 15, promising a thrilling medieval-inspired prequel to the modern DOOM saga. This new title builds on the success of Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, maintaining the franchise's core elements while introducing innovative gameplay dynamics. Notably, The Dark Ages expands on underexplored concepts from Doom Eternal, such as the Wintherin dragons, which seem to have inspired the semi-mechanical dragon players will pilot.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages May Level Up One of Eternal's Best Additions (Game Rant)

March 10

⚫︎ In an exclusive interview for PC Gamer's upcoming print issue 408 (396 in the U.S.), DOOM: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin and producer Marty Stratton discussed how the game's enhanced melee and parry mechanics could lead to unique challenge runs. Martin suggested that a melee-only playthrough, while "slightly out of bounds," would be achievable for dedicated players.

Stratton added that such a run might result in a less polished experience, akin to the challenging pistol-only Ultra Nightmare mode in Doom 2016.

Read more: You can theoretically beat Doom: The Dark Ages without using a gun, but 'You'd have a hard time, that's for sure,' says the game's director (PC Gamer)

⚫︎ Further revelations from the same PC Gamer interview shed light on the game's narrative conclusion. Contrary to what some fans might expect, DOOM: The Dark Ages will not end with the Slayer being locked in a coffin, a scenario that opened Doom 2016. Hugo Martin emphasized that such an ending would limit future medieval-era stories, noting that The Dark Ages is part of a larger "Chronicles of the Slayer" saga. The ending is designed to leave room for potential prequels.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages won't end with the Slayer in a coffin waiting for the start of Doom 2016: 'That would mean that we couldn't tell any more medieval stories' (PC Gamer)

March 9

⚫︎ In another segment from the PC Gamer interview, Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton discussed the weapon lineup for DOOM: The Dark Ages. Martin revealed that, aside from the shotguns, the game's arsenal is entirely new or significantly redesigned, including a fresh take on the plasma weapon. This deliberate choice aims to offer players new tools to master and enhance their gameplay experience.

Read more: 'I think only the shotguns are the same,' says Doom: The Dark Ages director, otherwise the guns are brand-new or significantly transformed (PC Gamer)

January 23

⚫︎ Bethesda announced that the Developer Direct 2025 event is now live on January 23, featuring updates from studios like id Software, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive. The showcase, which began at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT, is streaming on platforms including Twitch and YouTube.

Read more: id Software Reveals DOOM: The Dark Age’s Release Date During the Xbox Developer Direct (Official Bethesda X)

January 9

⚫︎ Bethesda confirmed their participation in the upcoming Developer Direct event, set for January 23, 2025. This showcase will include updates from multiple studios, including those working on DOOM, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive. The event will stream live at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT across YouTube and other platforms.

Read more: id Software Confirms Participation in the January 2025 Xbox Developers Direct (Official Bethesda X)

2024

June 11

⚫︎ DOOM: The Dark Ages was officially unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase, promising a bold reimagining of the iconic shooter series. The trailer showcased dragon riding, mech battles, and a darker, heavier visual style, while introducing significant gameplay changes such as a shield and flail for melee combat.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages Could Be the Series’ Boldest Reinvention Yet (IGN)