DOOM: The Dark Ages - Latest Updates

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DOOM: The Dark Ages News

2025

April 1

⚫︎ In an exclusive interview with GamesRadar+, Hugo Martin, the director behind the Doom series, shed light on the decision to omit multiplayer from Doom Eternal. Early in the development process, the team made a strategic choice to channel all their efforts into enhancing the single-player campaign. Martin emphasized that the scope and resources needed for a robust multiplayer mode would have detracted from the campaign's quality.

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 (formerly Twitter) account shared exciting news on March 30, announcing the release of new gameplay footage and hands-on impressions from press on March 31. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into what DOOM: The Dark Ages has in store.

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 unveiled the DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in a captivating merchandise unboxing video. Priced at $175 USD, this meticulously crafted replica is now available for pre-order. It showcases intricate details inspired by the game and is part of a larger merchandise launch leading up to the game's release. The helmet is currently in stock, with shipping planned 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 set to launch on May 15, offering fans a medieval-inspired prequel to the modern Doom saga. This new installment builds on the successes of Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, preserving the franchise's core elements while introducing innovative gameplay mechanics. The game delves deeper into concepts introduced in Doom Eternal, such as the Wintherin dragons, which have inspired the semi-mechanical dragon that players will pilot.

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

March 10

⚫︎ In an insightful 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 the potential for challenge runs using the game's expanded melee and parry mechanics. Martin hinted that a melee-only playthrough, while "slightly out of bounds," is feasible for dedicated players. Stratton added that such a run might be challenging and less enjoyable, likening it to the infamous pistol-only Ultra Nightmare challenge 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)

⚫︎ In another segment of the same PC Gamer interview, Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton revealed new details about the game's ending. Contrary to fan speculation, the story will not conclude with the Slayer being locked in a coffin, as seen at the start of Doom 2016. Martin explained that such an ending would limit future medieval-era narratives, as The Dark Ages is meant to be part of a larger "Chronicles of the Slayer" saga. The ending will instead set the stage 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 an interview for PC Gamer's upcoming issue 408 (396 in the U.S.), Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton discussed the weapon lineup for DOOM: The Dark Ages. Martin disclosed that, aside from the shotguns, the game's arsenal is entirely new or significantly transformed, including a revamped plasma weapon. This deliberate choice aims to offer players 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 is now live, starting today, January 23. The showcase features updates from studios like id Software, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive, and is being streamed on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. The event kicked off 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 participation in the upcoming Developer Direct event, set for January 23, 2025. The showcase will include updates from multiple studios, including DOOM, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive. The event will be streamed 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, along with significant gameplay changes, including the introduction of a shield and flail for melee combat.

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