DOOM: The Dark Ages - Latest Updates

Stay up to date with the latest developments and official updates for DOOM: The Dark Ages—the highly anticipated medieval reimagining of the legendary FPS franchise. From release insights to gameplay reveals, here’s everything you need to know.

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DOOM: The Dark Ages – Latest News & Updates

2025

April 1

⚫︎ In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, Hugo Martin, creative director of the DOOM series, confirmed that the decision to omit multiplayer from DOOM Eternal was made early in development. The team prioritized perfecting the single-player campaign, with Martin emphasizing that the game’s ambitious scope and resource demands made it impractical to include multiplayer without compromising the core experience.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages doesn't have multiplayer because it would definitely come at the expense of the campaign (Games Radar)

March 30

⚫︎ DOOM’s official X (formerly Twitter) account announced that new gameplay footage and hands-on press impressions for DOOM: The Dark Ages would be released on March 31. Fans are encouraged to follow official channels for real-time updates, exclusive gameplay insights, and developer commentary.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages: keep an eye here tomorrow for press hands-on impressions and new gameplay (Official Bethesda Twitter Page)

March 15

⚫︎ Bethesda unveiled the DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in a recent merchandise unboxing video. Priced at $175 USD, the intricately detailed helmet is now available for pre-order. Designed to mirror in-game aesthetics, it’s part of a larger wave of official merchandise launching ahead of the game’s release. Orders will ship once all items are ready.

Read more: Bethesda Reveals DOOM: The Dark Ages Wearable Helmet Replica in Latest Merch Unboxing Video (Official Bethesda Twitter Page)

March 12

⚫︎ DOOM: The Dark Ages remains set for its May 15 release, delivering a dark, medieval prequel that expands the lore of the modern DOOM saga. Building on the foundation of DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, the game introduces new mechanics while revisiting underdeveloped elements—such as the Wintherin dragons. These mythical creatures have inspired the design of a semi-mechanical dragon that players can pilot, enhancing both combat and traversal.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages May Level Up One of Eternal's Best Additions (Game Rant)

March 10

⚫︎ In an interview with PC Gamer for their upcoming print issue 408 (396 in the U.S.), DOOM: The Dark Ages director Hugo Martin and producer Marty Stratton discussed the expanded melee and parry systems. Martin noted that while a melee-only run is technically feasible, it falls slightly outside intended design—calling it “possible, but not ideal.”

Stratton added that completing the game this way would be extremely challenging and likely result in a clunky experience, similar to the infamous pistol-only Ultra Nightmare run in DOOM (2016).

Read more: You can theoretically beat Doom: The Dark Ages without using a gun, but 'You'd have a hard time, that's for sure,' says the game's director (PC Gamer)

⚫︎ In the same PC Gamer interview, Martin and Stratton addressed the game’s narrative conclusion. Contrary to speculation, the story will not end with the Slayer being sealed in a coffin—an event shown at the start of DOOM (2016). Martin explained that such a finale would prevent future medieval-era stories, and since The Dark Ages is part of a planned Chronicles of the Slayer saga, the ending will leave the door open for future prequels.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages won't end with the Slayer in a coffin waiting for the start of Doom 2016: 'That would mean that we couldn't tell any more medieval stories' (PC Gamer)

March 9

⚫︎ During a conversation with PC Gamer for issue 408 (396 U.S.), Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton shared insights into the game’s arsenal. Martin revealed that aside from the shotguns, nearly every weapon is either entirely new or heavily reimagined—including the plasma weapon, which has undergone a significant redesign. This shift is intentional, aiming to give players fresh tools and encourage mastery of new combat dynamics.

Read more: 'I think only the shotguns are the same,' says Doom: The Dark Ages director, otherwise the guns are brand-new or significantly transformed (PC Gamer)

January 23

⚫︎ Bethesda confirmed that the Developer Direct 2025 event went live on January 23. The presentation featured major updates from id Software, Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive, including the official release date reveal for DOOM: The Dark Ages. The event was streamed live at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT across platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Read more: id Software Reveals DOOM: The Dark Ages’ Release Date During the Xbox Developer Direct (Official Bethesda Twitter)

January 9

⚫︎ Bethesda announced its participation in the Developer Direct 2025 event, scheduled for January 23. The showcase promised updates from key studios, including id Software (DOOM), Compulsion Games, and Sandfall Interactive. The livestream aired at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. GMT on YouTube and other major platforms.

Read more: id Software Confirms Participation in the January 2025 Xbox Developers Direct (Official Bethesda Twitter)

2024

June 11

⚫︎ DOOM: The Dark Ages made its official debut during the Xbox Games Showcase, introducing a bold new direction for the franchise. The reveal trailer showcased dragon riding, mechanized combat, and a heavier, more gothic visual style. Key gameplay additions include a shield and flail, signaling a shift toward more dynamic melee and defensive mechanics.

Read more: Doom: The Dark Ages Could Be the Series’ Boldest Reinvention Yet (IGN)