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 behind the Doom series, shared insights into the decision to omit multiplayer from Doom Eternal. The choice was made early in the development process to focus on perfecting the campaign. Martin highlighted the game's expansive scope and the need to allocate resources effectively as key reasons behind this decision.

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

⚫︎ The official DOOM X account (formerly known as Twitter) announced exciting news on March 30, promising new gameplay footage and hands-on impressions from the press for DOOM: The Dark Ages to be released on March 31. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for the latest updates and insights on this eagerly awaited title.

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

March 15

⚫︎ Bethesda delighted fans with a new merchandise reveal on March 15, showcasing the DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in a captivating unboxing video. Priced at $175 USD, this meticulously crafted replica is now available for pre-order. It features a design inspired by the upcoming game and is part of a larger merchandise launch planned before the game's release. The helmet is currently listed as in stock, with shipping to commence 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 Twitter Page)

March 12

⚫︎ Doom: The Dark Ages is steadfastly on track for its May 15 release date, promising a thrilling medieval-inspired prequel to the modern Doom saga. The game builds upon the successes of Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, maintaining the franchise's core elements while introducing innovative gameplay dynamics. The Dark Ages delves deeper into underexplored concepts from Doom Eternal, such as the Wintherin dragons, which have inspired the semi-mechanical dragon that players will pilot during gameplay.

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 expanded melee and parry mechanics could influence challenge runs. Martin suggested that while a melee-only playthrough might be considered "slightly out of bounds," it remains possible for dedicated players.

Stratton noted that such a run, while achievable, would likely result in a less enjoyable and somewhat janky experience, drawing comparisons to the challenging pistol-only Ultra Nightmare mode from 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)

⚫︎ During another interview for PC Gamer's upcoming print issue, Doom: The Dark Ages developers Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton revealed intriguing details about the game's conclusion. Contrary to what many might expect, the story will not conclude with the Slayer being locked in a coffin, a scene depicted at the start of Doom 2016.

Martin explained that ending the game in this way would effectively close off future medieval-era narratives, noting that The Dark Ages is intended to be part of a larger "Chronicles of the Slayer" saga. The ending will be crafted to allow for potential future 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 a detailed interview for PC Gamer's upcoming issue 408 (396 in the U.S.), Doom: The Dark Ages game director Hugo Martin and producer Marty Stratton shed light on the game's weapon lineup. Martin disclosed that, aside from the shotguns, most of the arsenal in The Dark Ages is entirely new, with even the plasma weapon undergoing a significant redesign. This deliberate choice aims to equip players with fresh tools to master.

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 went live on January 23, featuring updates from studios including id Software, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive. The event was streamed across platforms like Twitch and YouTube, starting at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT.

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

January 9

⚫︎ Bethesda confirmed its involvement in the upcoming Developer Direct event, set for January 23, 2025. The showcase will include updates from multiple studios, such as DOOM, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive, streaming live at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT on YouTube and other platforms.

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

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, including a shield and flail for melee combat.

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