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For most DOOM fans, DOOM: The Dark Ages is worth considering if you want a new medieval-fantasy setting and are open to a more grounded, shield-centered combat rhythm. Its biggest question mark for fans of DOOM Eternal is pace: the game is positioned around defensive timing and stand-and-fight encounters rather than constant aerial movement. If that change sounds appealing, the series’ demons and guns remain at the center; if Eternal’s acrobatics are what you value most, think carefully before buying.
What kind of DOOM game is The Dark Ages?
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a single-player first-person shooter and a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. It launched May 15, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Its medieval-fantasy frame adds a Shield Saw, large battlefields, a cybernetic dragon, and Atlan mech sequences without replacing the core premise of fighting demons with guns. Bethesda’s official game page and Xbox Wire’s developer announcement describe the setting and campaign features.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5 | $66.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – Xbox Series X | $31.49 | 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 |
The dragon and mech sections are campaign set pieces, not evidence that the game turns into a separate vehicle-focused title. If you mainly want a new entry in the series’ first-person demon combat, that remains the relevant lens for judging it.
How is the combat different from DOOM Eternal?
The defining change is the Shield Saw, which combines defense and offense. Official descriptions present it as a tool for blocking, parrying, deflecting, and attacking. In a January 2025 interview, Game Director Hugo Martin described the game as “a blend of the two but with a new, medieval toolkit,” referring to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. He also said the Shield Saw behaves differently depending on the material it interacts with. Read the PlayStation.Blog interview.
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#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.
Xbox Wire’s March 2025 preview characterizes the intended approach as slower and more grounded than Eternal, with a “stand-and-fight” style. That suggests a different emphasis: defensive timing folded into aggressive shooting, rather than relying as heavily on constant aerial mobility. These are descriptions of the game’s design and preview coverage, not a claim that every player will experience the pacing the same way. Xbox Wire’s preview also discusses parry windows and combat variety.
You may like the shift if…
- You want to time blocks, parries, or deflections as part of a direct fight.
- You are interested in a medieval-fantasy take on DOOM without leaving first-person combat behind.
- You would welcome a less acrobatic rhythm than Eternal’s.
You may want to wait if…
- Constant movement and aerial mobility are the main things you enjoy about Eternal.
- You are unsure whether a more grounded, defensive rhythm will feel satisfying to you.
Do the large levels, dragon, and mech make it more appealing?
Bethesda advertises the game as having its largest and most expansive levels to date. Xbox Wire’s preview points to a mix of story, sandbox areas, shield charging, parry windows, mechs, and dragons. Those features give fans who enjoy broad arenas and varied set pieces reasons to be interested. Bethesda’s gameplay announcement provides the publisher’s feature description.
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.
Scale alone does not establish how well every level is paced, or whether open and linear sections will suit a particular player. The official feature claims and preview coverage are useful for understanding the intended variety, but do not settle those personal questions.
What do player reviews say?
A Steam store result available in a 2026 search snapshot showed “Very Positive,” with 86% positive among 20,014 English-language reviews. That is a changing Steam user-review measure, not a critic score or a permanent rating; check the Steam listing for its current percentage and review count.
Rank #3
- Brand Name:Xbox
- Video game region: region free
- Display Platform: PS5
Bethesda’s reviews page collects selected praise, but it is the publisher’s presentation rather than an independent review aggregator. Treat the two sources accordingly: Steam’s figure summarizes user reviews at a point in time, while Bethesda’s page showcases excerpts.
Should you buy it, or play through Game Pass?
The Xbox listing advertises Game Pass access and a Premium Upgrade. The upgrade is described as including campaign DLC, a digital artbook and soundtrack, and a Divinity Skin Pack for the Slayer, dragon, and Atlan. Access, pricing, ownership requirements, and included content can vary or change, so check the current listing for your region before deciding. See the Xbox product listing.
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.
| Decision | What to check |
|---|---|
| Where you plan to play | Confirm the current listing and availability for your platform and storefront: Xbox Series X|S, PS5, or PC. |
| Subscription access | If you use Xbox Game Pass, check whether your current plan and region include access. |
| Base game or Premium Upgrade | Compare the base game with the upgrade’s listed campaign DLC and digital extras; verify the current terms before paying. |
| Combat fit | Decide whether shield timing and a more grounded pace sound appealing compared with Eternal’s emphasis on mobility. |
The available source information does not establish current street prices, disc inventory, or performance differences between console and PC, so those should not drive a comparison without current platform-specific information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.So, is DOOM: The Dark Ages worth buying for DOOM fans?
It is a plausible buy for fans who want more DOOM in a fresh setting and are willing to trade some of Eternal’s constant aerial mobility for shield-based defense and a more grounded fight. The Shield Saw, expansive-level pitch, dragon, and Atlan sequences make the campaign distinct in presentation and toolkit. The decision comes down most clearly to combat taste: fans who want Eternal’s exact rhythm should be cautious, while those curious about a stand-and-fight variation have good reason to consider it.
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