Doom: The Dark Ages is id Software's prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, released on 15 May 2025 for Windows, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S by Bethesda Softworks. It is single-player only. The Slayer fights Hell's forces in a medieval-flavoured setting, and Wikipedia describes the combat as heavier and more grounded than the acrobatic style of the two previous games.
The Shield Saw is the central tool: it lets you block, parry and attack from a single input. Alongside it you get firearms, melee weapons (a gauntlet, an iron mace and a flail), and the first vehicles in a Doom game: a 30-story Atlan mech and a cybernetic dragon, each used in certain sections.
The story follows the Night Sentinels' war against Hell on Argent D'Nur, with Prince Ahzrak leading the demonic forces; Wikipedia notes more cutscenes and character development than in earlier entries. Critics praised the combat and setting. A story expansion, Revelations, was released on 7 July 2026.
A single tool for blocking, parrying and attacking, and the core of the game's defensive and offensive play.
Pilot a 30-story Atlan mech in certain sections, the first vehicle sections in a Doom game.
A dragon you ride in certain sections, adding aerial play between ground levels.
A gauntlet, an iron mace and a flail sit alongside the firearms; the Skull Crusher fires bone fragments.
Release facts, mechanics and boss details on this page were checked against these sources on 12 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.