2025 is shaping up to be a groundbreaking year for gamers, and leading the charge is Doom: The Dark Ages, the latest entry in id Software’s iconic shooter franchise. Stepping away from the futuristic sci-fi backdrops of its predecessors, Doom: The Dark Ages plunges players into a gritty medieval world where brute force, ancient weaponry, and towering demons rule the day.
This game is not just another installment—it’s a full-blown prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, offering a darker, more brutal look at the origins of the Doom Slayer. With new lore, innovative combat mechanics, and epic-scale battles, this title is poised to become one of the best video games coming out in 2025.
A New Era Begins: Setting and Storyline
Doom: The Dark Ages takes place centuries before the events of the modern Doom titles, in a war-torn, demon-infested medieval world. This realm is one of gothic architecture, ancient ruins, haunted cathedrals, and blood-soaked battlegrounds—designed to look like a hellish mix of Middle Ages Europe and dark fantasy horror.
Players assume the role of the Doom Slayer—not yet the techno-enhanced juggernaut of later games, but a brutal warrior molded by centuries of war. He begins as a mortal knight known only as “the Nameless One,” a legendary figure prophesied to rise when the world teeters on the edge of demonic annihilation.
This game is rich with lore, detailing the Slayer’s transformation from a vengeful mortal into the eternal force of retribution feared by Hell itself. You’ll discover ancient texts, unlock cryptic visions, and witness the foundation of the Night Sentinels and their fabled order.
Meet the Characters
Though Doom games are traditionally light on dialogue, The Dark Ages adds more narrative flavor than ever before. Each character is crafted with purpose, adding depth to the grim fantasy world.
Doom Slayer (The Nameless One)
The central figure of the game, the Doom Slayer, begins as a battle-hardened knight. He is less refined than his modern counterpart but more primal and savage. His journey through pain, betrayal, and blood forms the backbone of the game’s story.
The Seraphim
A divine-like being responsible for imbuing the Slayer with supernatural power. His motives are ambiguous, blurring the line between ally and manipulator. Players will learn more about his role in shaping the eternal war.
General Vordak
A fallen Night Sentinel turned demonic warlord, Vordak serves as one of the game’s major antagonists. Once a friend to the Slayer, he now commands legions of Hell’s army and acts as a dark mirror to our protagonist.
Queen Alastria
The high ruler of a crumbling human kingdom under siege. She represents the last flicker of hope for mankind, depending on the Slayer to reclaim lost lands and battle demonic corruption.
Gameplay: Brutality Reimagined
The heart of Doom: The Dark Ages lies in its ferocious combat. The developers have stripped away the double jumps and acrobatics of Doom Eternal to return to a more grounded, bone-crunching style of gameplay. You feel every hit, every block, and every decapitation.
Weapons of Legend
Forget futuristic rifles—this is medieval warfare with a twist of hellish engineering.
- The Shield Saw – A versatile blend of offense and defense. It acts as a shield for blocking attacks and can be hurled like a buzzsaw to shred demons mid-flight. It also acts as a traversal tool, hooking onto walls or objects to propel the Slayer forward.
- The Flail – A heavy, two-handed weapon used for crowd control and stunning larger enemies. It can crush bone and shatter armor with thunderous impact.
- The Skull Crusher – A grotesque but effective firearm that loads skulls as ammo. It’s the epitome of Doom’s “weaponize everything” philosophy.
- The Hellfire Crossbow – A long-range weapon designed for sniping demons and solving environmental puzzles. Bolts can ignite or freeze enemies, adding elemental strategy.
Each weapon has customizable upgrades and multiple fire modes, letting players experiment with their ideal demon-slaying loadout.
Epic Set Pieces and Mechs
Doom: The Dark Ages introduces a scale never before seen in the series. Expect battles not just on foot, but on massive mechanical war machines.
The Atlan Mech
Standing at over 30 stories tall, this ancient war machine allows the Doom Slayer to go toe-to-toe with skyscraper-sized demons. The Atlan is equipped with energy punches, flamethrowers, and crush mechanics, delivering Godzilla-level brawls.
The Mecha Dragon
Hell isn’t the only one with toys. The Slayer can also summon a Mecha Dragon, equipped with jet engines and advanced targeting systems. It introduces aerial combat and adds verticality to encounters, especially during siege missions against flying behemoths.
Exploration and World-Building
The levels are vast and interconnected, encouraging exploration and rewarding players for venturing off the beaten path. Hidden chambers, secret bosses, relics, and lore entries can be found across forests, crypts, and shattered cities.
Unlike the corridor-shooters of old, Doom: The Dark Ages features a semi-open world format. You’ll revisit certain areas with new tools, unlock shortcuts, and experience dynamic events like demon raids or NPC-led battles.
Customization and Accessibility
Whether you’re a veteran Slayer or new to the franchise, Doom: The Dark Ages offers something for everyone:
- Difficulty Sliders – Customize every aspect of the gameplay, from enemy health to parry windows and movement speed.
- Armor and Visual Skins – Earn new cosmetic armor pieces, many inspired by real-world medieval designs.
- Combat Challenges – Optional trials that unlock powerful upgrades or alternate weapon effects.
Accessibility features have also been expanded, including customizable controls, subtitles, colorblind modes, and cognitive assistance for puzzle segments.
No Multiplayer—And That’s a Good Thing
In a bold move, id Software is focusing entirely on single-player. There’s no co-op or multiplayer mode. Instead, all resources are being poured into a rich, narrative-driven campaign filled with cinematic cutscenes, lore-heavy collectibles, and massive, handcrafted set pieces.
Graphics, Platforms, and Performance
Powered by a next-gen optimized id Tech engine, Doom: The Dark Ages supports ray tracing, HDR lighting, and 4K textures. Expect seamless 60 FPS gameplay on consoles and even higher frame rates on PC with the right hardware.
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (via Steam and Microsoft Store)
Day-One Game Pass: Xbox and PC Game Pass subscribers can access the full game on release day, May 15, 2025.
Final Thoughts: Why Doom: The Dark Ages Is One of 2025’s Most Anticipated Games
With Doom: The Dark Ages, id Software is taking a bold, bloody leap into new territory. This isn’t just a shooter—it’s a cinematic, lore-rich, action RPG hybrid set in a medieval apocalypse. The game pays homage to its roots while paving the way for the next era of narrative-driven, combat-heavy first-person experiences.
From mechanical dragons to skull-firing guns, brutal melee combat, and awe-inspiring set pieces, this title promises to redefine what fans can expect from the Doom franchise. Whether you’re a long-time Slayer or new to the battlefield, Doom: The Dark Ages is an unmissable journey into hellfire and legend.
