If you enjoy DOOM: The Dark Ages for its weapon-driven fights, secrets, and first-person action, start with DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal—the official prequels—then choose another shooter according to what you want to keep: aggressive combat, movement, exploration, or a focused campaign. No other game reproduces its exact Shield Saw loop, which combines blocking, parrying, deflecting, charging, and traversal.
What makes a game feel like DOOM: The Dark Ages?
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a single-player dark fantasy and science-fiction shooter set before DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. Its combat centers on distinct weapons—including the Super Shotgun—and the Shield Saw. Bethesda describes the shield as a tool for blocking, parrying, deflecting attacks, and charging through enemies; it also figures into traversal and discovering secrets. Exploration and story have explicit roles alongside combat, so a useful comparison should consider more than how quickly a game lets you shoot demons.
The main distinction to bear in mind is combat rhythm: The Dark Ages emphasizes grounded, shield-led encounters, while the earlier modern DOOM games are often associated with faster, more acrobatic movement. Similarity below means a match to a particular quality, not an official equivalence.
Closest matches: the other modern DOOM campaigns
DOOM (2016): direct, forceful combat
As a prequel, DOOM (2016) is the most straightforward starting point if you want another single-player campaign built around first-person combat and a varied arsenal. It shares the franchise and demon-fighting identity, but it does not have the Shield Saw system that defines The Dark Ages. Choose it for a direct series comparison rather than expecting the same defensive and traversal mechanics.
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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.
DOOM Eternal: a more movement-led counterpart
DOOM Eternal is the other official prequel and a strong choice if you want the same broad identity with a faster, more movement-focused feel. Its contrast with The Dark Ages is useful: if you most enjoy high-energy encounters and switching among weapons, it is a natural follow-up; if you specifically want grounded shield play, that is a distinct feature of The Dark Ages.
Bethesda’s DOOM Anthology is one way to explore more of the series. Bethesda’s Gear Store lists it as including DOOM (1993), DOOM II, DOOM 64, DOOM 3, DOOM (2016), and DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition. Check the current listing for format and platform compatibility before buying.
Rank #2
- Brand Name:Xbox
- Video game region: region free
- Display Platform: PS5
Choose a recommendation by the part you want more of
| If you value… | Start with… | Why it fits | What differs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Another campaign in the same series | DOOM (2016) | Official prequel; same franchise and first-person demon-fighting foundation. | It does not use the Shield Saw’s combined defensive, offensive, and traversal role. |
| Faster, more acrobatic combat | DOOM Eternal | Official prequel and a useful alternative if speed and movement are your priority. | Its comparison is about the broader combat identity, not matching The Dark Ages‘ shield-led loop. |
| Combat that rewards active defense | DOOM: The Dark Ages | The Shield Saw can block, parry, deflect, and charge through enemies. | This is the defining mechanic to look for; the other listed games are not established as reproducing it. |
| Secrets and environmental routes | DOOM: The Dark Ages | Its exploration design rewards looking for secrets and alternate routes, with traversal tied to the Shield Saw. | The available evidence does not establish another specific game here as an equivalent exploration match. |
How exploration fits into The Dark Ages
Exploration in The Dark Ages is part of its combat-focused design, not evidence that it is an open-world game. Bethesda highlights secrets and routes worth investigating, while the Shield Saw connects movement and combat. That combination makes it a particularly specific recommendation for players who enjoy scanning an arena or environment for more than the next enemy encounter.
The campaign also includes sequences with an Atlan mech and a cybernetic dragon. Those set pieces broaden the kinds of action in the game, but they are not a reason to expect the whole experience to play like a vehicle or flight game.
Rank #3
- 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.
- 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.
Check availability on your platform
For a current platform or subscription listing, check the store or service in your region: availability can change. Bethesda Support references Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and GeForce Now, and PlayStation has an official PS5 game page. The game is also listed on Steam. These listings are useful starting points, not a guarantee that every edition or access option is available in every region.
Sources: Bethesda’s game page; Bethesda Slayer’s Club’s gameplay details; Bethesda Support’s platform information; and PlayStation.Blog’s developer gameplay feature.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Join Kliff, captain of the Greymanes, and his comrades as they embark on a relentless journey to defend Pywel and fulfill their mission.
- Along your perilous path stands both dependable allies and countless foes who will stop at nothing to see your downfall.
- Face trials to uncover the truth of the catastrophe looming over Pywel and restore peace to the continent.
- Explore the mesmerizing landscapes of the continent where mystical beings, hidden treasures, and thrilling adventures await.
- Pre-order to receive the Khaled Shield (Pre Order Code on Receipt). PS5 Editions include the Grotevant Plate Set DLC as a PS5 exclusive bonus. (In Pack DLC Voucher). Bonus DLC Includes: Grotevan Plate Helm, Grotevan Plate Armor, along with Grotevan cloak, gloves, and boots!
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