Bethesda released Update 1 for DOOM: The Dark Ages on June 5, 2025, describing it as the game’s first major patch. It applies across platforms and focuses on combat and encounter tuning, audio adjustments, bug fixes, and a new HDR contrast control. The patch is historical rather than current: Bethesda later published Update 2.2 release notes on October 15, 2025.
What Update 1 changed
Bethesda’s Update 1 release notes describe a broad tuning pass rather than a new content drop. The changes touch combat balance, the Atlan and Dragon sections, several campaign encounters, audio, image settings, and a range of fixes.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages - Premium Edition - PlayStation 5 | $94.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition | $89.97 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Art of DOOM: The Dark Ages | $45.41 | Buy on Amazon |
Combat balance and pickups
The update increased damage for certain attacks by Agaddon Hunters, Cosmic Barons, Hellknights, Komodos, and Pinky Riders. It also made most “Damage to Player” sliders less forgiving and shortened how long health and armor drops remain available in some situations.
Atlan finishers and health drops
Atlan health drops disappear sooner. The update also lets players use the previous Finisher after performing one, supporting longer chains of finishers. Bethesda release-notes author Joshua Boyle described the intent as creating “a more dynamic combat experience that rewards building up multiple Finishers for extended combos and more strategic decision-making.”
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- 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.
Dragon combat
Most enemies encountered while riding the Dragon now fire Hell Surge projectiles, creating more chances to empower the Autocannon. Its empowered state lasts longer, and empowered shots fired after a perfect dodge can pass through projectile shields.
Campaign encounter changes
Bethesda added or repositioned enemies in the Village of Khalim, Hebeth, Sentinel Barracks, The Holy City of Aratum, and Siege Parts 1 and 2. The changes include additional Imps, a Nightmare Imp, Stone Imps, Hell Knights, Lost Souls, and other enemy support. In the Aratum tutorial, the number of Hell Tanks on the pillar was reduced to three, and those tanks were assigned projectile variants. Bethesda also adjusted the music during the Dragon flight in Resurrection.
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- 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.
Audio and HDR
The audio mix was adjusted to better balance music and sound effects at default levels; Bethesda recommended resetting audio settings to Default. The patch also fixed music pausing between levels and voice-over cutting off during The Holy City of Aratum ending cinematic. An HDR contrast control was added to address washed-out images reported by some players.
Other fixes
The notes include fixes for the Shredder and Shield Saw, level selection and the campaign map, codex and menu issues, and a rare crash in Siege Part 1. Bethesda also said it had retroactively fixed the Berserker achievement or trophy for affected players, though a later hotfix qualified that claim for some PS5 cases.
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- Brand Name:Xbox
- Video game region: region free
- Display Platform: PS5
What happened after the June 5 patch
On June 12, 2025, Bethesda released an Update 1 hotfix across platforms to address grainy or blurry visuals in some video-settings configurations. Its notes also said Bethesda was still investigating why some PS5 players could not unlock the Berserker achievement or trophy after obtaining the required upgrades. The June 5 achievement fix therefore should not be read as proof that every affected setup was resolved.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Update 1 the latest patch?
No. Update 1 was the first major patch when it arrived on June 5, 2025; it is not the game’s current latest update. Bethesda’s Update 2.2 release notes are dated October 15, 2025. For the full current change history, consult the notes for the specific update rather than treating Update 1 as the present patch level.
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