DOOM: The Dark Ages is a single-player prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, set in a medieval-styled war against Hell. Bethesda’s official material describes a mix of familiar weapons, a new Shield Saw, dragon flight and Atlan mech encounters; those descriptions explain the game’s scope, but are not a hands-on verdict on how it plays.
What is DOOM: The Dark Ages?
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a single-player dark fantasy and science-fiction game developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. Bethesda frames its story around the Slayer fighting Hell in a medieval-styled conflict, while the game remains part of the modern DOOM series.
Steam lists May 14, 2025 as the release date. Bethesda’s official game page currently lists Xbox, Xbox on PC, Steam, Battle.net, PlayStation 5 and NVIDIA GeForce NOW. Catalogues and cloud availability can change, so check the relevant live platform listing for current access in your region. Steam’s listing and Bethesda’s game page provide the cited release and platform information.
Is DOOM: The Dark Ages a prequel?
Yes. Bethesda identifies it as a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. Its medieval visual language distinguishes the setting, while Bethesda still describes it as part of DOOM’s dark fantasy and science-fiction world. The official description establishes that premise, rather than requiring players to treat it as an unrelated spin-off. Bethesda’s overview
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#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.
What does the gameplay include?
Weapons and ground combat
Bethesda names the Super Shotgun among the returning weapons and introduces the Shield Saw as a new weapon. These are official feature descriptions, not independent assessments of combat feel or balance. Bethesda’s game page
Dragon and Atlan sequences
Bethesda and PlayStation promotional material also depict dragon-flight sections and battles involving Atlan mechs alongside ground combat. That points to different kinds of action within the game, but promotional material alone does not establish how often these sequences appear or how they play in practice. PlayStation’s US game listing
Rank #2
- Get a head start on slaying demons with the Premium Edition, including 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.
What platforms is DOOM: The Dark Ages on?
Bethesda’s game page lists Xbox, Xbox on PC, Steam, Battle.net, PlayStation 5 and NVIDIA GeForce NOW. Storefront dates can differ by platform and region: Steam lists May 14, 2025, while PlayStation’s US listing gives May 15, 2025 for PS5 availability. Check the platform’s current regional page for its date and availability rather than assuming a single date applies everywhere. Steam listing; PlayStation US listing
What comes with each edition?
Bethesda’s buy page describes three purchase paths. The exact regional offer and price can vary, so compare the live listing for your platform before buying.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- REVELATIONS CAMPAIGN EXPANSION — Continue the Slayer’s saga in a brutal new chapter as he battles through a merciless purgatory, uncovers haunting truths, and confronts an abomination of the gods.
- NEW STORY AND MYSTERIES — Explore new levels filled with deeper puzzles, hidden secrets, terrifying encounters, and challenges that expand the world of DOOM: The Dark Ages.
- CHAIN SPEAR COMBAT — Master the all-new Chain Spear weapon that rewards skillful play with enhanced mobility, devastating attacks, and new combat possibilities.
- NEW DEMONS TO DESTROY — Face deadly new demonic threats that push Slayer abilities to the limit in intense battles throughout the expansion.
- RIPATORIUM 3 0 INCLUDED — Access new Ripatorium content featuring 3 additional maps, new demons, fully upgraded weapons, and expanded combat scenarios.
| Option | What Bethesda says it includes | Buying detail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | Base game | Listed by Bethesda and on the PlayStation US page. |
| Premium Edition | Base game, Revelations campaign DLC, digital artbook and soundtrack, and Divinity Skin Pack | Listed by Bethesda and on the PlayStation US page. |
| Premium Upgrade | Premium content, as described on Bethesda’s buy page | Requires the base game; check the platform listing for the current offer. |
| Collector’s Bundle | Base game, Revelations campaign DLC, digital artbook and soundtrack, Divinity Skin Pack, a 12-inch DOOM Slayer PVC statue, a metal Red Key Card replica and a SteelBook case | Bethesda documents these inclusions; its page does not establish current retailer stock or availability. |
The main decision is whether you want only the game, the campaign DLC and digital extras, or the physical collectibles. Bethesda’s listed Collector’s Bundle contents make it the physical-collectible option; confirm a retailer’s listing matches those contents and is currently available before ordering. Bethesda’s editions and buying page; PlayStation US listing
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What accessibility information is listed?
The PlayStation US listing reports 22 accessibility features and support for PS5 controller vibration and trigger effects. It does not enumerate those 22 features in the information cited here, so consult the current PlayStation listing to see which options are available and whether they meet your needs. PlayStation US listing
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PREMIUM UPGRADE CONTENT — Adds the Revelations campaign DLC, Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, and Divinity Skin Pack to DOOM: The Dark Ages. Base game required (sold separately).
- BECOME THE SLAYER — Step into the blood-stained boots of the DOOM Slayer in a cinematic prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal.
- STAND AND FIGHT — Take on demon hordes with the Super Shotgun, the versatile Shield Saw, and other devastating weapons in grounded combat.
- TOOLS OF WAR — Take flight atop a Mecha Dragon, climb into an Atlan mech, and use the enhanced glory kill system against demons.
- REIGN IN HELL — Witness the creation of a legend as the Slayer fights Hell’s forces and confronts their leader in a medieval war.
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.
- 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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
