DOOM: The Dark Ages is the latest game in the fabled FPS series and may be the most ambitious game id Software has ever made.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a prequel to the 2016 DOOM reboot with a heavy emphasis on exploration and brutal combat. The combat speaks for itself in the videos. Doom Slayer is a demon-butchering tank with old weapons, new weapons including a shield-saw, and a new glory-kill system.

Not to mention a giant Doom Slayer mech he can use to to take out massive demons with, and a giant cybernetic dragon he can fly around in. No joke.

At one point, id even uses the word ‘sandbox’ when describing the gameplay. So this won’t be a linear FPS game. There will be a lot of exploration through many different regions in addition to all the combat.

They’re also promising customizable game speed and difficulty sliders so you can hit that sweet spot of challenge and accessibility for your gaming skills.

If id delivers on everything they’re promising, not only will DOOM: The Dark Ages easily be the best game in the series, it will likely be a Game of the Year candidate for many people and outlets.

DOOM: The Dark Ages releases for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on May 15, 2025. Check out the latest gameplay trailer and the Developer Direct from id Software below:

BECOME THE SLAYER IN A MEDIEVAL WAR AGAINST HELL

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.

REIGN IN HELL

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. Players will stand and fight on the demon-infested battlefields in the vicious, grounded combat the original DOOM is famous for.

STAND AND FIGHT

Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic and action-packed story. Bound to serve as the super weapon of gods and kings, the DOOM Slayer fends off demon hordes as their leader seeks to destroy the Slayer and become the only one that is feared. Witness the creation of a legend as the Slayer takes on all of Hell and turns the tide of the war.

DISCOVER UNKNOWN REALMS

In his quest to crush the legions of Hell, the Slayer must take the fight to never-before-seen realms. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond. Armed with the viciously powerful Shield Saw, cut through a dark world of menace and secrets in id’s largest and most expansive levels to date.

[Steam]