id Software’s upcoming Doom: The Dark Ages is set to redefine the franchise’s signature chaos with a medieval-inspired twist, as shared in an interview with Edge Magazine. Drawing inspiration from comic classics like Batman: Year One and The Dark Knight, the game aims to strip the Doom Slayer’s saga back to its roots while introducing fresh mechanics that prioritize strategic, up-close combat.
Central to the experience is the Shield Saw, a brutal hybrid weapon that adapts its damage output based on what it strikes—whether flesh, armor, or energy shields. Holding the block button triggers a “lock-on” effect, allowing players to unleash a shield bash that charges toward enemies, closing gaps in lieu of traditional movement options like double jumps or dashes. This mechanic becomes critical for navigating battles, as the shield also enables parrying (with adjustable timing via accessibility settings) and shield throws to solve puzzles, such as smashing chains in the environment.
Combat revolves around a risk-reward loop: parrying replenishes melee stamina, which in turn refills ammo. Players can choose between three melee weapons—Gauntlet (fast), Flail (medium), and Mace (slow)—with the latter offering devastating strikes that fully restore health, armor, and ammo. Guns, while still visceral, adopt a more medieval aesthetic, blending retro designs with returning fan-favorite firearms.
Levels are described as the largest in DOOM history, blending claustrophobic dungeons with sprawling sandbox zones. Each stage is split into “acts,” such as tight interior sequences followed by open-world-style exploration, with completionists expected to spend well over an hour per level. After years of teases, Atlans—massive mechs—will finally debut, fulfilling an eight-year development ambition for id Software.
Narratively, The Dark Ages marks a shift for the series, placing story front-and-center rather than relegating it to text logs. While details remain sparse, the darker tone and focus on legacy suggest a deeper dive into the Doom Slayer’s mythos.
Doom: The Dark Ages will launch on May 15 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass.
