DOOM: The Dark Ages - Latest Updates

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DOOM: The Dark Ages News

2025

April 1

• In an interview with GamesRadar+, Hugo Martin, director of the Doom series, shared insights into the development of Doom Eternal. He explained that the decision to omit multiplayer was made early on to focus on delivering a refined campaign. Martin highlighted that this choice was influenced by the game's scope and resource allocation.

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 X (formerly Twitter) account for DOOM announced that new gameplay footage and press hands-on impressions for DOOM: The Dark Ages will be released on March 31. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for the latest updates and insights on 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 unveiled the DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in a recent merchandise unboxing video. Priced at $175 USD, this detailed replica is now available for pre-order. It's part of a broader merchandise rollout ahead of the game's release and 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 X Page)

March 12

• Doom: The Dark Ages is set to launch on May 15, offering a medieval-inspired prequel to the modern Doom saga. This new title builds on the success of Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, retaining the franchise's core elements while introducing fresh gameplay dynamics. The game expands on underexplored concepts from Doom Eternal, such as the Wintherin dragons, which seem to 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 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 game's expanded melee and parry mechanics. Martin suggested that a melee-only playthrough would be slightly out of bounds, but still feasible for dedicated players. Stratton added that such a run might result in a less enjoyable, janky experience, similar to the pistol-only Ultra Nightmare challenge 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)

• In another segment of the PC Gamer interview, Doom: The Dark Ages developers Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton revealed new details about the game's conclusion. Contrary to expectations, the story won't end with the Slayer being locked in a coffin, as seen at the start of Doom 2016. Martin explained that such an ending would close off future medieval-era stories, noting that The Dark Ages is intended to be part of a broader Chronicles of the Slayer saga. The ending will instead leave room 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.), Doom: The Dark Ages game director Hugo Martin and producer Marty Stratton discussed the game's weapon lineup. Martin revealed that, aside from the shotguns, most of the arsenal in The Dark Ages is entirely new, with even the plasma weapon undergoing significant redesign. He emphasized that this was a deliberate choice to give 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 live on January 23. The showcase, featuring updates from studios like id Software, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive, is being streamed on platforms including Twitch and YouTube. The event started 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 X)

January 9

• Bethesda confirmed its participation in the upcoming Developer Direct event, scheduled for January 23, 2025. The showcase will feature updates from multiple studios, including 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, including a shield and flail for melee combat.

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