This trailer showcases the medieval first-person shooter that serves as a prequel to 2016’s “Doom” and “Doom Eternal”.
The upcoming title explores the origin story of the Doom Slayer, transporting players to a dark fantasy medieval setting where they’ll battle demonic forces in what id Software describes as a “never-before-seen dark and sinister medieval war against Hell”. Set to launch May 15 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series consoles and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, the game will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.
Combat in “The Dark Ages” combines franchise staples with new medieval-themed weaponry, including the Shield Saw, which functions as both a weapon and defensive tool. The Super Shotgun returns alongside new destructive options designed for “bone-chewing” medieval combat. The enhanced gore system promises more visceral takedowns through an upgraded glory kill mechanic.
Players gain access to significant mobility upgrades through the introduction of the Mecha Dragon, allowing aerial combat, and the Atlan mech, which provides increased scale for battlefield encounters. The game features id Software’s largest level designs to date, spanning ruined castles, battlefields, dark forests and unexplored hellscapes.
Powered by the latest idTech engine, the game maintains the series’ reputation for high-intensity gameplay while introducing dark fantasy elements to the science-fiction framework. The single-player campaign promises a cinematic experience tracking how the Slayer became bound to serve as the “super weapon of gods and kings.”
Id Software positions “The Dark Ages” as both a return to the grounded combat of the original “Doom” and an expansion of the franchise’s scope, offering players an unprecedented look at the mythic origins of gaming’s most enduring demon hunter.
