The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Shield Saw is more than a way to block: it can parry eligible attacks, charge through danger, and be thrown to damage or stun enemies. The key to choosing a response is to read the threat in front of you—watch for the glow that marks a parryable Hell Surge, match your weapon to an enemy’s shield, and keep an eye on your own shield’s condition.
This guide draws on Bethesda’s beginner and gameplay guidance published in May 2025, plus its accessibility and update information. DOOM: The Dark Ages is listed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5 | $69.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – Xbox Series X | $39.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition | $89.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages - Premium Edition - PlayStation 5 | $94.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Art of DOOM: The Dark Ages | $45.41 | Buy on Amazon |
What should you do with the Shield Saw?
Choose the action that fits the immediate situation. Block when you need protection, time a block against a parryable attack to deflect it, charge to close distance or get out of danger, and throw the saw when a target or its armor makes that useful. Bethesda describes these as different uses of the same versatile tool, not one action to rely on in every fight. Bethesda’s Shield Saw guide covers its combat and environmental uses.
| Action | Useful when | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Block | You need protection from an incoming attack. | Absorbs incoming damage, but sustained blocking can overload the shield. |
| Parry | You see the telltale glow on an eligible Hell Surge attack. | A correctly timed block sends the attack back and can crack the demon’s defenses. |
| Charge | You need to approach a target quickly or evade danger. | Moves you rapidly through the fight. |
| Throw | You want to hit a target at range, stun a larger demon, or break heated metal armor. | Cuts through lesser demons; can lodge in larger ones to stun them; shatters metal defenses after they heat and flash. |
The Shield Saw also has uses outside combat: Bethesda describes throwing it into designated environmental nodes to activate mechanisms or trigger a Recall Jump.
#1 Best Overall
- Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
- In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
- A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
- As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
- Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.
How do you parry in DOOM: The Dark Ages?
- Look for the tell. Watch an enemy’s attack for the distinctive glow Bethesda associates with a parryable Hell Surge.
- Block at the right moment. Use the Shield Saw block as the attack arrives. A successful parry deflects the attack back and can open the demon’s defenses.
- Use the opening. Follow up while the enemy is vulnerable instead of continuing to hold block.
Not every attack can be parried. Bethesda says parrying applies to certain attacks, and its accessibility options can highlight parryable attacks. A parry also helps replenish melee charges, making a successful deflection useful both for defense and for keeping a melee weapon available. Bethesda’s advanced tips explain the resource interaction.
Which weapon works against each enemy shield?
Identify the defense before spending attacks. Blue energy shields call for plasma; metal shields require a heat-then-throw sequence.
Rank #2
- Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
- In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
- A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
- As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
- Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.
| Enemy defense | Response | Sequence to remember |
|---|---|---|
| Blue energy shield | Use plasma weapons such as the Cycler or Accelerator. | Plasma rounds disrupt the shield and cause an explosion. |
| Metal shield or armor | Use successive attacks to heat it, then throw the Shield Saw. | Wait for the metal to flash before throwing; the throw shatters the heated defense. |
The metal response depends on the order: attacks heat the armor first, and the flashing state signals when the Shield Saw throw can break it. Bethesda’s advanced tips describe both weapon matchups.
How do you avoid overloading your shield?
Watch the shield’s condition meter rather than holding block through every attack. Blocking too much damage can temporarily disable the shield, leaving you without it for a time. Strafing to avoid attacks and parrying eligible strikes reduce how much you have to rely on a sustained block.
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- Brand Name:Xbox
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- Display Platform: PS5
Why use melee if ammunition is low?
Melee weapons such as the Flail have limited charges and can be chained into combos, but melee is also part of the ammunition economy: melee strikes replenish ammunition across weapons. Parrying Hell Surge attacks helps restore melee charges, linking accurate defense to another close-range option.
Where should beginners look for upgrades?
Check the Automap for secrets and Sentinel Shrines as you explore. Bethesda’s beginner guide says secret areas can reward Codex Entries, weapon-skin cosmetics, and resources such as Gold Chests, Rubies, and Wraithstones; rewards vary, so do not assume every secret contains the same item.
Rank #4
- Get a head start on slaying demons with the Premium Edition, including up to 2-Days Early Access and the campaign DLC. You’ll also receive the Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, and the Divinity Skin Pack, which includes matching skins for the DOOM Slayer, dragon, and Atlan.
- Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
- In this third installment of the modern DOOM series, players will step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer, in this never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell.
- A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
- Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond.
- Spend collected treasures at Sentinel Shrines. Shrines offer upgrades for guns, melee attacks, and Shield Saw traits.
- Consider taking on Leader Demons. Some enemy groups include a tougher leader. Defeating one grants Essence that permanently increases maximum Health, Armor, or ammunition reserves; it does not grant all three increases at once.
What settings help if parrying feels too difficult?
Open the in-game Gameplay and Accessibility menus to inspect the options available in your current version. Bethesda’s materials describe adjustable parry timing, projectile speed, and overall game speed, as well as parry recoloring and Shield Throw Seek to assist with targeting enemies or interactable objects. Menu labels and availability can vary by platform or update.
Bethesda’s Update 2 release notes say: “Added ability to interrupt weapon bring-up and Shield Charge recovery animations sooner to perform a block or parry”. That is a note about the update’s change, not a guarantee of identical timing in every build.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Quick decisions during a fight
- Glowing eligible attack: time a Shield Saw block to parry rather than simply holding block.
- Blue energy shield: switch to plasma, such as the Cycler or Accelerator.
- Metal defense: heat it with successive attacks, then throw the Shield Saw when it flashes.
- Shield condition dropping: strafe and look for parries instead of absorbing every hit.
- Low ammunition: use melee strikes to replenish it, and parry Hell Surge attacks to restore melee charges.
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