"DOOM: The Dark Ages - Latest Updates Revealed"

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DOOM: The Dark Ages News

2025

April 1

⚫︎ In an interview with GamesRadar+, Hugo Martin, the director of the Doom series, revealed that the decision to exclude multiplayer from Doom Eternal was made early in development. The team chose to focus entirely on refining the campaign, with Martin citing the game's scope and resources as key factors in this decision.

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 X (formerly Twitter) account announced on March 30 that new gameplay footage and press hands-on impressions for DOOM: The Dark Ages will be released on March 31. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for the latest 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 has revealed the DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in its latest merchandise unboxing video. Priced at $175 USD, the replica is available for pre-order and features a detailed design inspired by the upcoming game. The helmet is part of a broader merchandise rollout ahead of the game's release and is currently listed as in stock, with shipping scheduled 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 remains on track for its May 15 release date, bringing a medieval-inspired prequel to the modern Doom saga. Building on the success of Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, the new title maintains the core elements of the franchise while introducing new gameplay dynamics. The Dark Ages expands upon underexplored concepts from Doom Eternal, including the Wintherin dragons, which have seemingly inspired the semi-mechanical dragon that players will pilot during the game.

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 expanded melee and parry mechanics could factor into challenge runs. Martin suggested that a melee-only playthrough would be "slightly out of bounds," but still possible for dedicated players.

Stratton added that while such a run could be completed, it would likely result in a janky and less enjoyable experience, comparable to the notorious pistol-only Ultra Nightmare challenge in 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 an interview with PC Gamer for its upcoming print issue, Doom: The Dark Ages developers Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton shared new details about the game's conclusion. Contrary to expectations, the story will not end with the Slayer being locked in a coffin, a fate depicted at the beginning of Doom 2016.

Martin explained that concluding with the Slayer’s imprisonment would effectively close off future medieval-era stories, noting that The Dark Ages is intended to be part of a broader "Chronicles of the Slayer" saga. The ending will instead leave room for potential future prequels.

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

⚫︎ In 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 discussed the game's weapon lineup. Martin revealed that aside from the shotguns, most of the arsenal in The Dark Ages is entirely new, noting that even the plasma weapon has been significantly redesigned. He emphasized that this decision was intentional, aiming to provide players with 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 has announced that the Developer Direct 2025 event is live today, January 23. The showcase, featuring updates from studios such as id Software, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive, will be streamed on platforms including Twitch and YouTube. The event began 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 Page)

January 9

⚫︎ Bethesda has confirmed its participation in the upcoming Developer Direct event, scheduled for January 23, 2025. The showcase will feature updates from multiple studios, including DOOM, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive. The event will stream live at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT across YouTube and other platforms.

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

2024

June 11

⚫︎ Doom: The Dark Ages has been officially unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase, promising a bold reimagining of the iconic shooter series. The trailer revealed dragon riding, mech battles, and a darker, heavier visual style, while introducing 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)