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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChapter 9, Ancestral Forge, has nine item-category collectibles: two Rubies, a Wraithstone, two Demonic Essence rewards, two Codex entries, a Toy, and a Weapon Skin. Find the purple Secret Key early; it opens routes to the Wraithstone puzzle and the Vagary toy, which sits beside the first Ruby. The chapter also has nine secret areas and 18 listed pickup locations—different counts covering different things.
Get the purple Secret Key first
Head toward the Ancestral Heart objective and clear the enemies there. Break the nearby wooden barricade to reveal the purple Secret Key and Gold. Several routes depend on this key, so picking it up now avoids backtracking.
Collectibles in the opening area
Ancestral Forge Codex
In the northwest corner of the starting area, drop off the edge to the lower platform to find the Codex entry.
Wraithstone: break all three wolf statues
The Wraithstone is behind a barrier at the northeast wolf shrine. Destroy all three wolf statues, then return to the shrine to lower the barrier:
#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.
- One statue is near the shrine.
- One is behind a Secret Key gate.
- One is along the western edge connecting the northern and southern parts of the starting area.
Health Demonic Essence
Defeat the leader or miniboss during the encounter in the eastern corner of the starting area to earn the Health Demonic Essence.
Ruby #1 and the Vagary Toy
At the northwest Ancestral Heart console, turn right and jump onto the small wooden platform at the tower’s base. Use the Secret Key to enter, then follow the upper route to the overlook. The Ruby and Vagary figurine are together there.
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.
After activating the three Ancestral Hearts
Ruby #2
In the next area, follow the corridor to the gate containing the Ruby. Smash the marked wall nearby, then throw the Shield through the gap at the chain to raise the gate.
Nightmare Super Shotgun skin and King Novik Codex
In the pod-lined area, look up and break the chain to lower the machinery. Continue to the lift and activate it with the Shield. At the top, take the left ledge and use Shield Recall Jumps on the green statues to reach the Nightmare Super Shotgun skin. The King Novik Codex is across the route from the skin.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →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.
Ammo Demonic Essence
Defeat the leader in the final encounter. PowerPyx lists the Ammo Demonic Essence as an automatic reward.
How the collectible counts differ
Guide publishers count different things, so the totals are not contradictory. Push Square counts the chapter’s nine item-category collectibles; PC Gamer lists nine secret areas; PowerPyx records 18 collectible locations, along with 230 Gold, two Rubies, one Wraithstone, Health and Ammo Demonic Essence, two Codex entries, a Toy, a Weapon Skin, and three Mission Challenges.
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.
The route above covers the nine item categories. A broader secret sweep also includes other rewards, such as Life Sigils and Gold chests. For an ordered route through all nine secret areas, see PC Gamer’s Ancestral Forge secrets and collectibles guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Mission challenges and missed items
PowerPyx lists three chapter challenges. The first two award 50 Gold each; completing Seven Secrets awards the Reverent Accelerator skin.
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.
| Challenge | Requirement | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing But Nade | Score 10 direct hits with the Grenade Launcher. | 50 Gold |
| Sawed Off | Lock down demons with the Shield Saw for 20 seconds total. | 50 Gold |
| Seven Secrets | Discover seven secret areas. | Reverent Accelerator skin |
The Reverent Accelerator is a challenge reward; it is not the Nightmare Super Shotgun skin found on the route near the King Novik Codex. PowerPyx says missed items can be recovered through Chapter Select.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Push Square: Ancestral Forge collectibles, May 16, 2025.
- PowerPyx: Chapter 9 collectible locations, May 12, 2025.
- PC Gamer: Ancestral Forge secrets and collectibles, May 15, 2025.
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