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For most DOOM fans, DOOM: The Dark Ages is worth considering if you’re open to a more grounded, shield-focused combat rhythm. Its medieval setting still centers on first-person demon-slaying, but its emphasis on blocking, parrying and standing your ground is a notable shift from DOOM Eternal’s constant aerial movement. That difference—not the dragons or mechs—is the key question to answer before buying.
What kind of DOOM game is The Dark Ages?
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a single-player prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. It launched on May 15, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC. Bethesda’s official game page and Xbox Wire announcement present it as a medieval-fantasy spin on the series, not a departure from its core: you still fight demons with guns in first person.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – Xbox Series X | $31.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition | $89.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages - Premium Edition - PlayStation 5 | $94.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Art of DOOM: The Dark Ages | $45.41 | Buy on Amazon |
The campaign also features the Shield Saw, large battlefields, a cybernetic dragon and Atlan mech sequences. These are set pieces within the campaign rather than evidence that the game becomes a vehicle-focused shooter. Bethesda’s gameplay announcement describes the weapons and action; Xbox Wire’s March 31, 2025 preview discusses the story, arenas and varied sequences.
How is it different from DOOM Eternal?
The biggest change is the combat rhythm. The Shield Saw gives you defensive options—blocking, parrying and deflecting—as well as a way to attack. Xbox Wire’s preview characterizes the approach as more grounded and “stand-and-fight” than Eternal, where rapid movement and aerial combat are central to the feel.
#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.
That makes the game a stronger fit if you want aggressive shooting built around reading attacks and choosing when to defend or counter. If what you love most about Eternal is staying in constant motion and chaining aerial maneuvers, expect a different emphasis. Game Director Hugo Martin described the design as “a blend of the two but with a new, medieval toolkit,” referring to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal in a January 23, 2025 PlayStation.Blog interview. He also said the Shield Saw’s behavior changes depending on the material it interacts with.
Will the levels and set pieces suit you?
Bethesda advertises the game’s levels as the largest and most expansive in the series to date. The preview coverage points to shield charges and parry windows alongside story sequences, combat sandboxes, mechs and dragon encounters. That mix should interest fans who like broad arenas and changes of scale between firefights.
Rank #2
- 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.
Those descriptions don’t establish that every level is well paced or that open and linear sections will work equally well for every player. Official scale claims and a preview are reasons to be curious, not proof of consistent level quality.
What do player reviews indicate?
Steam’s store result showed 86% positive from 20,014 English-language user reviews in a 2026 snapshot. That is a changing user-review figure, not a critic score or a permanent rating; check the Steam listing for its current total and percentage.
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Rank #3
- Brand Name:Xbox
- Video game region: region free
- Display Platform: PS5
Bethesda also maintains an official reviews page featuring selected praise. It reflects the publisher’s presentation of reception, not an independent review aggregator.
Should you buy it or play through Game Pass?
Xbox’s listing advertises Game Pass access and a Premium Upgrade. The upgrade is described as adding campaign DLC, a digital artbook and soundtrack, and a Divinity Skin Pack for the Slayer, dragon and Atlan. Availability, terms and upgrade contents can vary or change, so check the Xbox product listing for your region before choosing.
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.
- 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.
Make the decision using the storefront and edition you’d actually use:
- Platform: The game launched on Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and PC. Choose your preferred platform and storefront.
- Subscription: If your local Game Pass catalog currently includes it, compare that access with buying the game outright.
- Edition: Decide whether the base game is enough or whether the Premium Upgrade’s listed DLC and digital extras matter to you.
- Combat: The shield-centered, more grounded pace is the deciding taste test for fans weighing it against Eternal.
The available listings do not establish current street prices, disc inventory or performance differences between PC and console, so those details should be checked with the relevant local retailer or storefront.
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Who should buy DOOM: The Dark Ages?
It is a plausible buy for DOOM fans who want another campaign of first-person demon-slaying and are interested in a defensive toolkit that changes how they approach fights. Fans who mainly want Eternal’s relentless acrobatics should be more cautious: The Dark Ages is positioned around a different pace, and that is a matter of preference rather than a flaw that every player will feel the same way about.
Quick Recap
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.
