DOOM: The Dark Ages - Hands-On Preview and What to Expect

The 2025 gaming lineup is attractive. Starting from Assassin's Creed Shadows, this year has big releases like GTA 6. However, in the mid-year, Bethesda is coming with one of the most successful FPS franchises, DOOM.

These games have long been synonymous with fast-paced, demon-slaying action games set against a hellish backdrop and providing futuristic weapons. The upcoming DOOM: The Dark Ages will be the same, and it will transport gamers to a medieval realm surrounded by dark fantasy elements. This upcoming game has promised to redefine the series by introducing next-level gameplay mechanics, an immersive narrative, and a richly designed world that bridges the gap between ancient mysteries and advanced technologies.



The official release of the game is set to be on May 15, 2025. This game reportedly serves as a prequel to the 2016 reboot and is going to offer players a glimpse into the origins of the protagonist of the franchise, Doom Slayer. Recently, gamers received a chance to get hands-on experience with the first level of the games and the first section of the second half.

At that event, a lot of gamers tried this game, and it looks like mostly the reviews are positive about the gameplay and the combat mechanisms. About the setting of the game, DOOM: The Dark Ages has shifted from the futuristic setting of its predecessors. Instead, in this game, players will traverse around a medieval world full of dark forests, abandoned temples, and brutal hellscapes.

The more players explore these locations, the more they will uncover the ancient secrets to pave the way forward. Reportedly, this game will feature the largest play spaces in the entire franchise. Aside from the world design, the combat system of the game has gone through significant changes.

This time id Software has designed the combat system to align with the medieval theme of the game. The most attractive part of the game is its introduction of a buzzsaw-bladed shield. This is a versatile tool that will allow players to block and parry attacks, prevent projectiles, and execute offensive moves.

This transformation basically stressed close-range combat to eliminate demonic hordes. After the settings and combat system comes the gameplay and the arsenal of the DOOM Slayer. This time Bethesda has worked on providing the protagonist with traditional and innovative weaponry.

Along with classic firearms, this game will also bring medieval-inspired weapons like the Pulverizer and the Chainshot. Notably, each of them is designed to deliver brutal yet satisfying combat experiences. This integration has allowed players to have a more strategic combat approach.

Another notable addition that gamers have been praising a lot is the cybernetic dragon. In this game, players can ride gigantic mechs, known as Atlans. It will not only help them traverse the in-game world faster but also to confront colossal demons in challenging situations.

These elements are bringing a new dynamic to the gameplay that blends medieval fantasy and futuristic excellently. Finally, what has appealed to the game a lot is the adjustable difficulty level. To make the game suitable for everyone, the game introduces a wide variety of difficulty levels that range from the easiest Aspiring Slayer to the punishing Ultra Nightmare.

Other than that, customizable options allow players to adjust aspects like parry timing, damage output, and others to make the game more exciting. DOOM: The Dark Ages is about bringing a dark medieval aesthetic with multiple gameplay innovations that will challenge players to fight merciless enemies. The preview has shown how well the game has blended fantasy elements and science fiction to create the gameplay that offers a fresh perspective on the saga that has been going on for years.

As the release date approaches, players are getting more excited about Bethesda ’s upcoming game, DOOM: The Dark Ages..