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DOOM: The Dark Ages Preload Guide: Release Date, File Size, and More

The DOOM: The Dark Ages preload began May 11, 2025. Here are the release and early access times, console launch install figures, and Bethesda’s PC storage and hardware requirements.
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DOOM: The Dark Ages launched on May 15, 2025, so its preload window is over. Bethesda’s checklist set preload for May 11 at 00:00 UTC, Premium Edition early access for May 13 at 00:00 UTC, and general availability for May 15 at 00:00 UTC. Bethesda’s launch storage figures were about 80 GB on Xbox and 82 GB on PlayStation for the base game; the PC checklist recommended 100 GB free.

When could you preload DOOM: The Dark Ages?

Bethesda’s pre-launch checklist said preloading would begin May 11, 2025, at 00:00 UTC. That date has passed; preloading is no longer a future step for this release. The checklist also gave the following unlock schedule:

Milestone Date and time Who it applied to
Preload begins May 11, 2025, 00:00 UTC Players using a supported platform or storefront
Early access begins May 13, 2025, 00:00 UTC Premium Edition owners
General release May 15, 2025, 00:00 UTC All players with access to the game

The official launch date was May 15, 2025, according to Bethesda Support. The times above are UTC; convert them to your local time zone if you are checking an old launch schedule.

How many GB is DOOM: The Dark Ages?

Bethesda Support lists launch install figures of roughly 80 GB for the Xbox base game and roughly 82 GB for the PlayStation base game. Bethesda notes that sizes can vary. Premium Edition content was listed at roughly 17 GB; it is additional content, not a substitute figure for the base game.

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#1 Best Overall
DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5
  • 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.

These are launch figures, not guaranteed current installed sizes. Updates and platform differences can change the space required. Bethesda’s PC checklist instead advised having at least 100 GB available before downloading. That free-space recommendation is not directly comparable to the console launch install estimates.

Platform or content Published figure How to interpret it
Xbox base game Roughly 80 GB Bethesda Support launch install figure; size may vary.
PlayStation base game Roughly 82 GB Bethesda Support launch install figure; size may vary.
Premium Edition content Roughly 17 GB Bethesda Support launch figure; size may vary.
PC available space At least 100 GB free Bethesda’s pre-launch download recommendation, not a stated current PC download size.

See Bethesda Support’s console storage guidance for its launch-size figures. The precise current install size on every platform after later updates is not established by those figures.

Rank #2
Sale
DOOM: The Dark Ages – Xbox Series X
  • 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 much space and what hardware did the PC checklist require?

Bethesda’s pre-launch checklist recommended a 512 GB or larger NVMe SSD with 100 GB available. It also specified that a hardware ray tracing-compatible GPU was required to play on PC, including at minimum specifications. These are the checklist’s published targets, not a guarantee that every configuration will deliver identical performance.

Target Processor Graphics Memory Storage
Minimum: 1080p, 60 FPS, Low AMD Zen 2 or Intel 10th generation; 8 cores/16 threads at 3.2 GHz or better Ray tracing-capable NVIDIA or AMD GPU; at least 8 GB dedicated VRAM 16 GB RAM 512 GB or larger NVMe SSD; 100 GB available
Recommended: 1440p, 60 FPS, High AMD Zen 3 or Intel 12th generation; 8 cores/16 threads at 3.2 GHz or better Ray tracing-capable NVIDIA or AMD GPU; at least 10 GB dedicated VRAM 32 GB RAM 512 GB or larger NVMe SSD; 100 GB available
Ultra: 4K, 60 FPS AMD Zen 3 or Intel 12th generation; 8 cores/16 threads at 3.2 GHz or better Ray tracing-capable NVIDIA or AMD GPU; at least 16 GB dedicated VRAM 32 GB RAM 512 GB or larger NVMe SSD; 100 GB available

All three checklist tiers specify 64-bit Windows 10 or 11. The full specifications and storage warning are in Bethesda’s pre-launch checklist.

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Rank #3
PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition
  • Brand Name:Xbox
  • Video game region: region free
  • Display Platform: PS5
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Where is the game available?

Bethesda listed Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, Battle.net, and PlayStation 5 as platforms or storefronts. It also listed Game Pass Ultimate, including PC Game Pass, and GeForce Now. Access and availability can vary by region and over time; check the service or storefront you plan to use for current terms. Bethesda’s platform information is available from Bethesda Support.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 3
PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition
PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition
Brand Name:Xbox; Video game region: region free; Display Platform: PS5
$89.97
SaleBestseller No. 5
Rank #4
Sale
DOOM: The Dark Ages - Premium Edition - PlayStation 5
  • 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.

What to check before installing now

  • Check the current free-space requirement shown by your platform or storefront; the published console sizes above are launch estimates, and the PC 100 GB figure was Bethesda’s pre-launch recommendation.
  • On PC, verify the GPU supports hardware ray tracing and compare your system with the applicable Bethesda checklist tier.
  • Confirm the game’s current availability and access conditions in your region through the storefront or service you intend to use.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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