DOOM: The Dark Ages – A Brutal Medieval Reimagining of the Iconic Franchise
Image Credit: Bethesda Softworks / id Software
Introduction: DOOM Steps Into the Past
When you think of DOOM, you think of space marines, demons from Hell, chainsaws, and pulse-pounding heavy metal. But with DOOM: The Dark Ages, id Software is flipping the script—trading futuristic landscapes for a grim medieval world, swapping plasma rifles for maces, and giving the Slayer a new kind of battlefield to conquer.
Announced for release on May 15, 2025, DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It serves as a prequel to the 2016 reboot, diving into the origins of the Doom Slayer and exploring how this legendary warrior became the universe’s ultimate demon-slayer.
This isn’t just a reskin of familiar gameplay—it’s a bold shift in aesthetic, combat mechanics, and narrative focus.
A Medieval Battlefield: What’s New?
One of the most striking things about DOOM: The Dark Ages is its medieval aesthetic. Gone are the clean corridors of Mars facilities or the neon-soaked dystopias of Earth. Instead, players are thrust into decaying castles, haunted crypts, war-torn villages, and blighted wildernesses.
The environments are filled with gothic architecture, rotting statues, massive stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes, and towering siege engines operated by demons. There’s a constant sense of ruin and decay—as if Hell hasn’t just invaded the world, it’s been here for centuries.
The Slayer’s Arsenal: Brutal, Heavy, Satisfying
The fast-paced, acrobatic gunplay of DOOM Eternal has been dialed down in favor of heavier, more grounded combat. The developers describe the Slayer as an “iron tank”—slow but unstoppable.
Some of the new tools at your disposal:
Shield Saw – A brutal combination of defense and offense. You can block incoming attacks, parry, or hurl it at enemies like a deadly buzzsaw that boomerangs back.
Skull Crusher – A cross between a cannon and a medieval siege weapon, firing exploding bone shards at clusters of demons.
Melee Focus – You’ll wield iron maces, massive flails, and spiked gauntlets, emphasizing close-quarters carnage over ranged firefights.
Atlan Mech – Yes, you get to pilot a 30-story mech to battle enormous demonic behemoths. Think Pacific Rim, but medieval.
Cybernetic Dragon – You’ll ride a flying, fire-breathing dragon outfitted with cybernetic enhancements, enabling aerial combat and traversal.
The addition of rideable creatures and giant mechs signals id Software’s ambition to scale up the spectacle while retaining the series’ brutal core.
Lore and Story: The Slayer’s Origins
Unlike previous games that prioritized action over exposition, DOOM: The Dark Ages promises a deeper dive into the Doom Slayer’s backstory.
We’ll explore:
The ancient war between humanity and demonic forces.
The Slayer’s role in this primordial conflict as a chosen warrior.
Hints of religious allegory, mythology, and prophecy woven into the environment.
From what’s been teased, the narrative will unfold through environmental storytelling, murals, cryptic NPC dialogue, and cinematic sequences. Expect plenty of lore for fans who’ve always wondered: “How did the Doom Slayer begin?”
Editions and Bonuses
DOOM: The Dark Ages will be available in multiple editions:
Standard Edition: Includes base game.
Deluxe Edition: Adds season pass for upcoming DLCs, digital artbook, and soundtrack.
Collector’s Edition: Comes with a 12-inch Doom Slayer statue, a steelbook case, and a hardcover lore compendium.
Pre-orders grant early access on May 13, 2025, plus an exclusive “Seraphim Armor” skin.
Developer Insights: Why Medieval?
According to id Software’s lead designer, the medieval setting wasn’t just an aesthetic choice—it’s about exploring new themes:
“We wanted to explore the roots of the Doom Slayer’s mythos. He’s not just a soldier; he’s a symbol, almost a religious figure. By placing him in a medieval world of crusades, relics, and superstition, we’re exploring what it means to be humanity’s champion long before plasma rifles existed.”
The studio describes DOOM: The Dark Ages as “not just a prequel, but a reimagining of the Slayer’s purpose.” The shift from science fiction to medieval dark fantasy opens storytelling doors—and visual opportunities—unlike any prior DOOM entry.
Community Reaction: Excitement and Debate
Reactions online have been mixed—but largely positive. On Reddit, DOOM fans have praised the bold change:
“This looks like DOOM meets Dark Souls. And I’m here for it.” – u/doomslayer666
“Not sure how I feel about slower combat, but the vibe is absolutely gorgeous.” – u/chainsawtotheface
Others are cautiously optimistic about losing the frantic parkour of DOOM Eternal:
“I hope the slower pace doesn’t kill the adrenaline rush. But that dragon? Yeah, I’ll preorder.” – u/heavyplasmacannon
Why This Could Redefine DOOM
DOOM: The Dark Ages isn’t just rehashing what worked in DOOM Eternal; it’s taking creative risks. Slowing down combat. Swapping laser guns for maces. Introducing a medieval mech. Making the Slayer feel more like a mythic force of nature than a lone soldier.
And honestly? That’s refreshing.
Gaming needs bold swings. Not every franchise should stay trapped in its own successful formula. If this lands, it could carve out a whole new chapter for the series—both narratively and tonally.