DOOM: The Dark Ages launched on May 15, 2025, at 00:00 UTC. Premium Edition owners could start playing two days earlier, at 00:00 UTC on May 13. Bethesda’s published schedule also set preload to begin at 00:00 UTC on May 11. These dates have passed.
When did DOOM: The Dark Ages come out?
Bethesda lists May 15, 2025, as the release date for DOOM: The Dark Ages. Its launch checklist specifies that general availability began at midnight UTC that day.
What time did it unlock?
Bethesda published the milestones in UTC. The schedule below is the official timing, rather than a city-by-city conversion:
| Milestone | Official time |
|---|---|
| Preload began | May 11, 2025, 00:00 UTC |
| Premium Edition early access began | May 13, 2025, 00:00 UTC |
| General launch began | May 15, 2025, 00:00 UTC |
For your local equivalent, convert each UTC time with a time-zone converter; the dates can differ by location. Bethesda’s May 10, 2025 checklist advised having at least 100 GB of storage available for preload.
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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.
How did early access work?
Early access was included with the Premium Edition and its separately sold Premium Edition Upgrade. Bethesda described it as access up to two days before launch, beginning May 13 at 00:00 UTC. Game Pass access to the base game was a separate offer; Bethesda’s edition information does not list Game Pass alone as a way to get early access.
Which editions and extras were available?
| Option | What Bethesda lists |
|---|---|
| Base game | Available digitally or physically; included with Xbox Game Pass. |
| Premium Edition | Base game, up to two days of early access, digital artbook and soundtrack, Divinity Slayer, Dragon and Atlan skins, and campaign DLC. Xbox’s product page identifies the campaign DLC as Revelations. |
| Premium Edition Upgrade | Bethesda lists this separately as an upgrade; check the platform store for its specific purchase and ownership requirements. |
| Collector’s Bundle | Includes the Premium Edition, a 12-inch Slayer statue with detachable weapons and cape, a metal red key card replica, and a SteelBook case. Current availability is not established here. |
Where could you play it?
Bethesda’s platform support page names Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, Battle.net, and PlayStation 5. It also names Game Pass Ultimate, including PC Game Pass, and GeForce Now. Xbox’s product page likewise lists Xbox Series X|S, Windows, Game Pass, Battle.net, Steam, and PlayStation. Storefront and subscription terms can vary, so confirm the specific platform and entitlement before purchasing or subscribing.
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.
Sources: Bethesda Support: launch date; Bethesda’s May 10, 2025 pre-launch checklist; Bethesda Support: editions; Bethesda Support: platforms; Xbox product page.
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.
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.
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