DOOM The Dark Ages release window, trailers, gameplay & platforms
Gamers have been waiting for news on a new DOOM after the success of the 2016 reboot and its follow-up, Eternal - and thanks to the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase, we now know the name and roughly when to expect it.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a prequel to the recent titles that tells the origin story of the Slayer, and features a fantasy/sci-fi medieval setting. While it has the look of DOOM in many ways, there's a lot in the aesthetic and gameplay that sets it apart from the more recent entries.
If you're looking to learn more about the next DOOM entry and how it differs from what came before, check out everything we know so far below.
Is there a release window?
Click to enlargeDOOM: The Dark Ages is confirmed to have a release window of 2025 currently. There's no info on when next year it will launch, but we'll likely learn more as the end of 2024 approaches.
All trailers so far
The only showing for DOOM: The Dark Ages we've had so far is the official reveal trailer that debuted during the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2024.
The trailer begins with some text and establishing shots that set the scene before showcasing our classic hero with a slightly new look. He's then shot out of a cannon into a planet below where gameplay takes over and we get to see the Slayer doing what he does best - killing demons.
What is gameplay like?
Like previous games in the series, DOOM: The Dark Ages is a single-player action first-person shooter, where you roam through a series of levels to kill hordes of demons. There's no confirmation on any multiplayer as of writing this.
Click to enlargeThe director of the modern DOOM games, Hugo Martin, has previously said that while Eternal felt like driving an F1 car, he wanted The Dark Ages to feel like controlling a monster truck; slower overall, but harder hitting.
You can see this design philosophy in many of the gameplay elements that look new. The most notable of these is the shield, which is equipped in the Slayer's left hand. In the trailer, we see this used to parry and block enemy attacks, and as a weapon itself that can be thrown out like a boomerang.
While it's too early to speak on the overall level design of the game, many of the places shown looked more open and less vertical, which may reflect the new slower combat focus.
Click to enlargeThe first trailer also gave us a look at two sections with what appeared to be the Slayer piloting a mech and riding a flying beast with augmented wings, which could both be one-off gimmicks for levels or frequent set pieces to change up the gameplay.
What are the platforms?
As expected, the game will launch on Xbox Game Series X|S and PC, but surprisingly, it was also confirmed for PlayStation 5.
It will also be available on day one on Game Pass.
Check out our guides homepage for more content like this. You can also see all the info we have on Perfect Dark, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, and all new games coming out in 2024.
