The Super Shotgun is the best all-around gun in DOOM: The Dark Ages if you can get close enough to use it. For longer sightlines, shielded foes, or a fight where ammunition is tight, other weapons may be the better pick. This ranking covers the game’s core guns—not melee weapons, shield abilities, or Atlan weapons—and weighs damage, range, ammunition, enemy matchups, upgrades, and when each gun becomes available.
How the ranking works
There is no single best gun for every arena. Close-range damage, useful range, ammo conservation, matchup advantages, upgrade potential, and campaign availability all matter. That is why published rankings differ: GamesRadar+ and PC Gamer favor the Super Shotgun’s devastating close-range performance, while Method.gg places the Cycler and Chainshot above it for versatility and range. The order below is an overall recommendation, not a claim that every weapon performs the same in every fight.
The best guns in Doom: The Dark Ages
1. Super Shotgun — best overall at close range
The Super Shotgun earns the top spot for the damage it delivers when you are in range. PC Gamer says no weapon does more damage at its intended distance and notes that it can kill several major enemies in one shot; GamesRadar+ also names it the best overall weapon. Its limitation is the same as its strength: you need to get close. At longer range, use a weapon suited to the sightline rather than forcing a Super Shotgun engagement.
2. Combat Shotgun — dependable from start to finish
The Combat Shotgun is useful from the opening mission through the final boss, according to PC Gamer. It clears weaker demons reliably and can help you save Super Shotgun ammunition for tougher targets. Its Incendiary upgrade can make enemies emit armor shards, adding a resource benefit to its straightforward role.
#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.
3. Cycler — flexible ranged pressure and shield breaking
The Cycler is a strong choice when an arena gives you room to fight at range or when energy shields are a problem. PC Gamer prefers it to the Shredder for its higher damage and shield-breaking ability, while Method.gg ranks it in S tier for versatility. Its upgrades can increase damage after you apply shock, giving it additional payoff in sustained fights.
4. Chainshot — charged damage and armor pressure
Chainshot is a powerful single-shot weapon that charges before firing. GamesRadar+ describes that chargeable design, and Method.gg rates it highly for power, flexibility, and effectiveness against armored enemies. Its slower, deliberate shot makes it less of a general-purpose answer than the top picks, but a strong option when you can line up a heavy hit.
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.
5. Impaler — precision and boss damage
The Impaler rewards accurate headshots with heavy damage, making it useful against bosses and other priority targets. Its projectile travels in an arc and takes time to arrive, so you may need to lead moving enemies. PC Gamer also notes that ammunition is limited early on; an upgrade path can reward Shield actions and parries with ammunition.
6. Rocket Launcher — explosive burst against tough targets
The Rocket Launcher delivers heavy damage to strong enemies and armor. PC Gamer notes that this version has neither lock-on nor timed detonation, so aim and distance matter. Rockets can also hurt the Slayer; a cited upgrade can turn explosion self-damage into healing after a Hell Surge parry.
The Tool Desk
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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.
7. BFC — peak power, scarce ammunition
The Ballistic Force Crossbow (BFC) belongs in a different category from routine weapons: it is a powerful special option, not a gun to rely on throughout an arena. GamesRadar+ reports that it holds three shots and that ammunition is rare, while Method.gg places it in a separate highest tier. Save it for a moment when its exceptional power matters more than conserving a standard weapon’s ammunition.
Where the Shredder and other guns fit
The Shredder offers mid-range rapid fire, but PC Gamer favors the Cycler for its damage and shield utility. The wider arsenal also includes the Accelerator for rapid fire and energy shields, the Pulverizer for groups of weaker enemies, the Grenade Launcher for explosive attacks, and the Ravager. Their specific ranking depends on the arena and matchup; the sources cited here do not establish a numerical damage comparison that would justify a more exact placement.
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.
When the main guns unlock
PC Gamer’s campaign guide reports these mission unlocks for the core guns. Mission numbers refer to the campaign progression in that guide.
| Mission | Gun unlocks |
|---|---|
| 1 | Combat Shotgun; Shredder |
| 2 | Accelerator |
| 4 | Impaler; Pulverizer |
| 5 | Super Shotgun; Cycler |
| 6 | Chainshot |
| 8 | Grenade Launcher |
| 10 | Rocket Launcher |
| 12 | Ravager |
The BFC is not assigned a mission unlock in the cited progression list, so its timing is not stated here. Weapon guides may count the arsenal differently when they include melee weapons, shield tools, or special weapons alongside guns.
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.
Sources and scope
The ranking reflects editorial judgments and role descriptions rather than a published statistical study or independent weapon test. PC Gamer, GamesRadar+, and Method.gg emphasize different strengths, and no post-patch balance comparison is established by those guides. Their perspectives are useful for choosing a weapon by situation, not proof of a universal damage order.
Quick Recap
- PC Gamer’s Doom: The Dark Ages weapons guide
- GamesRadar+’s weapons guide
- Method.gg’s weapon tier list
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