id Software

Doom: The Dark Ages

A single-player first-person shooter and prequel to Doom (2016). Set in the dark medieval world of Argent D'Nur, players control the Doom Slayer in a grounded, weighty combat style that emphasizes strategic engagements over the acrobatic mobility of previous entries. The game introduces a Shield Saw for blocking and parrying, new melee weapons, and drivable vehicles including a cybernetic dragon and a massive mech. The narrative focuses on the Slayer's origin story with expanded cutscenes and character development.

Released: 15 May 2025
Developer: id Software
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Engine: id Tech 8
Perspective: First person
Age rating: PEGI 18 · ESRB M
Controller: Full controller support
Steam recommendations: 30,827
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S · PC (Microsoft Windows) · PlayStation 5
Genres: Shooter
Estimated owners: 500,000–1,000,000 (est.)

85
Player rating: 87
Critic rating: 158
Ratings counted: 88.3%
Steam reviews: 38
Achievements

Doom: The Dark Ages

Quick answers

Crossplay System requirements 16 GB RAM Download size 100.0 GB Steam Deck Verified Player counts 5,291

Doom: The Dark Ages

The story

Long before the demonic invasions of Mars and Earth, the Night Sentinels of Argent D'Nur and their allies the Maykrs wage a desperate war against the forces of Hell, who seek a powerful artifact known as the Heart of Argent. The Doom Slayer, empowered by the Maykrs, is deployed to turn the tide in favor of humanity. However, his master Kreed Maykr suppresses the Slayer's free will through a device called the Tether, keeping him under control as a weapon rather than a warrior. When Hell's commander, Prince Ahzrak, shifts strategy and focuses on locating the Heart rather than confronting the Slayer directly, the balance of the war begins to shift. As betrayals mount and alliances fracture between the Sentinels and the Maykrs, the Slayer must break free of his chains and fight not only the demons but the forces that claim to be his allies.

Doom: The Dark Ages