During today’s Xbox Developer Direct, the id Software team unveiled an exclusive preview of DOOM: The Dark Ages, the highly anticipated prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, and the most ambitious entry in the series so far
Combat
Of course, DOOM is still all about guns, and the new game delivers with an impressive array of ranged weapons. There’s a heavy double-barrel shotgun, an energy weapon that paralyzes foes, and a machine gun that literally fires skulls to create high-speed rounds—ideal for taking on the biggest demons.
Among the new weapons showcased are the Shield Saw, which can block attacks, decapitate enemies from a distance, or help with mobility; a giant spiked flail; an electric gauntlet designed to shock and subdue enemies; and a brutal spiked mace. Each weapon comes with unique combos and upgrade paths. Game Director Hugo Martin describes the goal as creating an engaging combat loop that’s both intuitive and deep—a power fantasy that feels both fresh and familiar, like being an armored tank in a medieval battle against Hell.
In line with these larger battles, DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces the Atlan, a giant mech that allows players to engage in massive, kaiju-like combat. One scene shows the Atlan battling a demon as tall as a building, taking DOOM’s epic combat moments to a whole new level.
To top it off, the game also includes a CYBERNETIC DRAGON equipped with gatling guns. Players can take to the skies, unleashing devastation from above. Both the Atlan and the dragon can be upgraded over time, becoming even more powerful and effective as you progress.
Exploration
This time around, exploration is a key focus, offering more freedom than ever before. Unlike previous DOOM games, the levels are less linear, giving players the choice to explore different areas and decide which objectives to tackle. It’s a DOOM sandbox, where you can unleash chaos at your own pace in the largest world the series has ever seen.
Story
In DOOM: The Dark Ages, the team is putting a major focus on the narrative, aiming to make the story more accessible and impactful. The story will feature engaging cutscenes that bring deeper lore to life, moving beyond the usual codex entries.
The plot kicks off with the Slayer imprisoned, with the balance of good and evil tipping as time runs out. The Slayer is a feared outcast, his power controlled by the gods in a world under siege by an ancient evil. While the full story is being kept under wraps, we can expect to meet new characters, reunite with familiar allies, and face terrifying new foes. This narrative will also serve as an origin story, connecting directly to the events of DOOM (2016).
The game launches on May 15 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5, and will be available on day one through Game Pass.
