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DOOM: The Dark Ages was revealed worldwide at Xbox Games Showcase 2024 on June 9, 2024. id Software’s single-player dark fantasy shooter was introduced as a prequel to DOOM (2016), with a Shield Saw, a Flail, an Atlan mech and a cybernetic war dragon among its headline features. Xbox gave a 2025 release window at the time; the specific launch date, May 15, 2025, was announced later.
What Xbox revealed at the 2024 Showcase
Xbox’s June 9, 2024 Showcase recap called DOOM: The Dark Ages a worldwide reveal. It established the game’s basic identity: an id Software-developed, single-player dark fantasy action first-person shooter set before DOOM (2016).
The announcement focused on spectacle and the Slayer’s new arsenal. The trailer showed the Shotgun, Shield Saw and Flail, then widened the scale with the towering Atlan mech and a cybernetic war dragon. These images set the game apart from a conventional return to the series’ familiar sci-fi arenas: the setting and equipment pointed toward a medieval-flavored war against Hell.
Platforms and access announced
In its 2024 recap, Xbox listed Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam and PlayStation 5 as platforms, and Game Pass as an access route. Game Pass is a subscription service, not a console or PC platform; availability depends on the subscription and region.
#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.
The platform announcement should be separated from later details about buying a physical edition. Bethesda says the physical PS5 and Xbox editions include a disc for the base game. Xbox Series S has no disc drive, so it cannot play a physical copy. A PS5 Digital Edition also needs the compatible disc-drive attachment to install and play from disc. Check the console model before choosing a boxed copy; see Bethesda Support’s disc-compatibility details.
What was added after the reveal
The 2024 announcement gave a 2025 release window, not a specific day. Xbox’s January 23, 2025 developer feature later set the launch date as May 15, 2025 and explained the combat and level design in more depth.
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.
Combat built around movement and the Shield Saw
In that later coverage, id Software described a more grounded combat approach, with strafing and melee abilities as part of the Slayer’s toolkit. The Shield Saw is more than a defensive prop: Xbox’s feature describes it blocking attacks, striking at range and helping with traversal. The combination gives the player more ways to engage than simply firing while moving forward.
Game Director Hugo Martin described the intended feel in the January feature: “It’s all about engagement; creating a loop or ‘dance’ that’s intuitive, innovative and loaded with depth – fun on the outside smart on the inside.” He also framed the power fantasy as feeling “like an iron tank in the middle of a medieval war against hell?” These are explanations of the developers’ design goals published later, not details established at the June 2024 reveal.
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- 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.
Less-linear levels and objectives
The January coverage also described less-linear levels where players can choose areas and objectives. That gives exploration a larger role than a strictly forward-moving sequence of arenas. It is useful context for understanding the game’s intended structure, but it was not part of the initial announcement’s core facts.
Physical editions and related official merchandise
For readers specifically looking for a boxed game, a DOOM: The Dark Ages PS5 physical edition is a substantiated option because Bethesda confirms that a physical PlayStation edition exists. The announcement materials do not establish an Amazon listing, price or stock status, so check the retailer’s live listing before buying.
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.
Bethesda’s International Gear Store collection includes The Art of DOOM: The Dark Ages hardcover and a Collector’s Bundle. Bethesda Support names the Bethesda Gear Store for Steam buyers, Microsoft Store for Xbox, and PlayStation Direct in the US for PlayStation as purchase channels for the Collector’s Bundle; regional availability and current inventory may differ. See Bethesda’s channel information and the Bethesda buy page for official edition and access information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the announcement did—and did not—establish
The Showcase reveal established the game’s premise, developer, single-player format, broad platform lineup and several signature weapons and set pieces. Its 2025 release window was later refined to May 15, 2025. The cited official announcement and developer coverage do not provide audience totals, sales figures, review scores or performance benchmarks, so none can be inferred from the trailer or the reveal itself.
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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.
For a later update beyond the original reveal, Xbox’s June 7, 2026 Showcase recap described DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations as an expansion and reported a July 7, 2026 launch.
Quick Recap
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