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DOOM: The Dark Ages News
2025
April 1
⚫︎ In an insightful interview with GamesRadar+, Hugo Martin, the director behind the Doom series, shared that the decision to omit multiplayer from Doom Eternal was made early in its development. The focus was shifted entirely to enhancing the campaign. Martin explained that the game's scope and the resources available played a significant role in this choice.
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 of DOOM announced on March 30 that new gameplay footage and press hands-on impressions for DOOM: The Dark Ages would be released the following day. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for these exciting updates and insights on the upcoming 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 its latest merchandise unboxing video. Priced at $175 USD, this detailed replica, inspired by the game, is available for pre-order. It's part of a broader merchandise rollout in anticipation 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 prequel to the modern Doom saga. Building on the successes of Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, this title retains the franchise's core elements while introducing new gameplay dynamics. It expands on underexplored concepts from Doom Eternal, such as the Wintherin dragons, inspiring 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 how the game's enhanced melee and parry mechanics might influence challenge runs. Martin hinted that a melee-only playthrough, while "slightly out of bounds," is feasible for dedicated players.
Stratton added that such a run, though possible, would likely be less enjoyable and somewhat clunky, drawing comparisons to the 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, Doom: The Dark Ages developers Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton revealed new details about the game's ending. Contrary to speculation, the story will not conclude with the Slayer being locked in a coffin, a scenario seen at the start of Doom 2016.
Martin explained that such an ending would restrict future medieval-era narratives, emphasizing that The Dark Ages is meant to be part of a larger "Chronicles of the Slayer" saga. The game's ending is designed to open doors for more prequel stories.
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
⚫︎ During 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 delved into the game's weapon lineup. Martin disclosed that, except for the shotguns, most of the arsenal in The Dark Ages is entirely new or significantly transformed. He stressed that this deliberate choice was made 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 went live on January 23. This showcase, featuring updates from studios like id Software, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive, was streamed on platforms including 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 X)
January 9
⚫︎ Bethesda confirmed its participation in the Developer Direct event set for January 23, 2025. The showcase will feature updates from multiple studios, including those behind DOOM, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive. The event will be live-streamed 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 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, along with 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)
