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id Software revealed DOOM: The Dark Ages at Xbox Developer Direct on January 23, 2025, announcing a May 15, 2025 release. The game is now out: it is a single-player prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, built around a medieval-inspired arsenal, the Shield Saw, and larger, less-linear spaces.
What id Software showed in the 2025 reveal
Xbox Wire organized the reveal around combat, exploration, and story. It presented a dark fantasy and science-fiction setting, with hellish imagery and the Slayer fighting in a war against Hell. The game is a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, rather than a sequel to either game. Xbox Wire’s January 23, 2025 reveal coverage introduced the game and its design goals.
A different combat toolkit
The Shield Saw was the clearest new gameplay hook shown: it can block attacks, be thrown at enemies, and help the Slayer traverse the environment. The reveal also highlighted new melee weapons and a melee skill tree alongside familiar DOOM guns. id Software described its intended combat as more grounded and forceful; that is the studio’s design framing, not an independent assessment of how the finished game feels.
Game Director Hugo Martin characterized the approach as “a blend of the two but with a new, medieval toolkit,” combining what he called “the depth of Eternal’s loop with the simplicity of Doom (2016)’s control scheme.” He also described the intended fantasy as “an iron tank in the middle of a medieval war against hell.” Martin discussed the design in PlayStation Blog’s January 23, 2025 interview.
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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.
More room to choose a route
Rather than pushing players through only narrow corridors, the reveal described larger, less-linear spaces with more choice about which areas and objectives to pursue. The combination of that exploration, defensive and ranged Shield Saw uses, melee options, and familiar weapons was the central picture of how the prequel would differ from its predecessors.
When and where DOOM: The Dark Ages released
The announced release date was May 15, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox App for Windows PC, and Steam. Xbox said it would be available through Game Pass at launch; Bethesda’s platform information lists Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The game is single-player. Bethesda’s platform FAQ lists availability, while Xbox’s launch announcement confirms it was available on May 15, 2025.
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.
Steam’s store page displays May 14, 2025, while the publisher’s announced date is May 15. That is a storefront date difference; the reviewed sources do not establish its specific cause. Steam’s listing shows its displayed date.
Can you play it on Steam Deck or through streaming?
Bethesda’s FAQ says DOOM: The Dark Ages supports Steam Deck and received Valve Verified status on October 15, 2025. The same FAQ lists xCloud, Steam, GeForce NOW, and Boosteroid as supported services. Device compatibility and streaming catalogs can change, so check the relevant service’s current listing before relying on availability. Bethesda’s FAQ provides those details.
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.
DOOM: The Dark Ages PC requirements
Bethesda’s published specifications describe targets, not independent performance test results. One requirement matters even at the minimum setting: the GPU must support hardware ray tracing. The published targets are:
| Target | Resolution, frame rate, settings | GPU | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 1080p, 60 FPS, Low | NVIDIA or AMD hardware ray-tracing-capable GPU with at least 8 GB dedicated VRAM | 16 GB RAM | 512 GB or larger NVMe SSD; 100 GB available |
| Recommended | 1440p, 60 FPS, High | Hardware ray-tracing-capable GPU with at least 10 GB VRAM | 32 GB RAM | not stated (Bethesda’s published PC specifications) |
| Ultra | 4K, 60 FPS | Hardware ray-tracing-capable GPU with at least 16 GB VRAM | 32 GB RAM | not stated (Bethesda’s published PC specifications) |
All listed targets call for Windows 10 or 11 and an AMD Zen 2 or Intel 10th-generation eight-core/16-thread processor or better. Bethesda says hardware ray tracing is required even at minimum settings. Bethesda’s PC specifications give the full targets.
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.
GPU driver and Intel Arc notes
Bethesda’s FAQ specifies NVIDIA driver 576.40 or newer and AMD driver 25.5.1 or newer for supported GPUs. It says Intel Arc is not officially supported, while noting that some ray-tracing-capable Intel models with at least 8 GB dedicated VRAM may still be playable with driver 101.6793 or newer. These are the FAQ’s published notes; consult Bethesda for current guidance before troubleshooting a particular setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the Steam review figure means
As of October 8, 2026, Steam showed English-language user reviews as 86% positive among 20,040 reviews. That is a time-sensitive storefront snapshot, not a critic-score aggregate or a representative survey of all players. Steam’s store page is the source for the figure.
Quick Recap
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.
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