DOOM: The Dark Ages News & Updates

Get the inside scoop on all the latest developments for this highly anticipated prequel!

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DOOM: The Dark Ages News

2025

April 1

⚫︎ In a candid GamesRadar+ interview, Doom series director Hugo Martin explained why multiplayer was cut from Doom Eternal's development plan. The team opted to dedicate all resources to perfecting the single-player experience, balancing scope against available development capacity.

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

⚫︎ DOOM's official social media announced fresh gameplay footage and hands-on previews would drop March 31, giving fans their first real look at the medieval hellscape. The post promised "brutal new combat" and encouraged players to check back for updates.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages: keep an eye here tomorrow for press hands-on impressions and new gameplay (Official Bethesda Twitter Page)

March 15

⚫︎ Bethesda unveiled a collectors' edition wearable helmet replica in their latest unboxing video. The $175 pre-order item features intricate detailing direct from the game's medieval hellscape aesthetic, with shipping commencing once complete orders assemble.

Read more: Bethesda Reveales DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in Latest Merch Unboxing Video (Official Bethesda Twitter Page)

March 12

⚫︎ The Dark Ages remains locked for its May 15 launch, expanding the Doom mythos with medieval horror elements. The prequel evolves Eternal's dragon combat concepts while maintaining the franchise's signature fast-paced action.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages May Level Up One of Eternal's Best Additions (Game Rant)

March 10

⚫︎ PC Gamer's upcoming issue features developers discussing extreme challenge runs. While melee-only playthroughs are technically feasible, the team warns the experience would be punishingly difficult - though no more so than Doom 2016's infamous pistol-only Ultra Nightmare runs.

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)

⚫︎ Contrary to fan theories, Dark Ages won't conclude with the Slayer's iconic coffin imprisonment. Developers confirmed this creative decision leaves narrative room for additional medieval-era prequels within the Chronicles of the Slayer saga.

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

⚫︎ The weapon arsenal undergoes its most radical overhaul to date. Director Hugo Martin revealed only shotguns return relatively unchanged, with even plasma weapons receiving complete visual and functional redesigns to match the medieval setting.

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

⚫︎ Developer Direct 2025 kicked off with major reveals, streaming live across platforms. The showcase featured deep dives from id Software and other Xbox first-party studios, offering the first substantial look at gameplay mechanics.

Read more: id Software Reveals DOOM: The Dark Age's Release Date During the Xbox Developer Direct(Official Bethesda Twitter)

January 9

⚫︎ Bethesda officially joined the January 23 Developer Direct lineup, promising updates alongside Compulsion Games and Sandfall Interactive. The multi-studio presentation aimed to showcase Xbox's 2025 first-party lineup.

Read more: id Software Confirms Participation in the January 2025 Xbox Developers Direct (Official Bethesda Twitter)

2024

June 11

⚫︎ The Xbox Games Showcase world premiere stunned viewers with its radical reimagining of Doom combat. The trailer unveiled dragon-riding segments, massive mech battles, and a striking new shield-and-flail melee system set against a grittier medieval backdrop.

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