ID Software announced today that DOOM: The Dark Ages will launch on May 15, 2025. The highly anticipated first-person shooter will be available on Xbox Series X|S (playable through Game Pass on day one), PC, and PlayStation 5.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a prequel to 2016's DOOM and 2020's DOOM Eternal, serving as the origin story of the DOOM Slayer's rage. The dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player game combines id Software's signature action-packed first-person shooter combat with epic, cinematic storytelling as players engage in a medieval war against Hell.
Accompanying today's announcement was the release of a fairly lengthy developer direct that dives into all of the new gameplay mechanics and features of DOOM: The Dark Ages. Below is the gameplay sizzle featured in the developer direct — which does a great job highlighting all of the brutal action in the game — but be sure to check out the extended video for a more in-depth explanation of the new mechanics.
Despite being the third game in the recent series, DOOM: The Dark Ages is said to be a good entry point thanks to the fact that it's a prequel. And for those who have been with the franchise since the earlier days, you'll notice that the game is a return to form.
One of the big changes in DOOM: The Dark Ages is the overall feel of the game. As explained in the developer direct, DOOM Eternal made you feel like a fighter jet, jumping and shooting all over the place. In DOOM: The Dark Ages, you're more like an iron tank, standing your ground and fighting.
At your disposal are all-new weapons, like the Shield Saw, a powerful new weapon that you can block and parry with, throw, and deflect — all from one input.
"It's contextual," id Software explains. "Tons of depth on a single button press."
Other weapons include an iron flail, electrified gauntlet, and spiked mace. DOOM: The Dark Ages features three melee options that are part of a melee system, all on one input, complete with combos and upgrades. Of course, the DOOM games are known for the guns and this game features some of the "most ridiculously powerful weapons that we've ever created."
And when they say powerful, they mean it. In addition to the melee weapons and powerful guns, you'll also be able to finally step into the Atlan mech and even take flight atop the new Mecha dragon. Check out the developer direct for an extended look at gameplay and a few surprises as well!
Despite being published by Bethesda, which is now owned by Microsoft, DOOM: The Dark Ages will be available on May 15th for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. Usually, Xbox first-party games have a timed exclusivity window, but it's clear that Microsoft wants as many people as possible to experience this action-packed blockbuster.