Hey everyone! This is Hugo Martin here, the Game Director for Doom: The Dark Ages, chiming in from id Software’s headquarters. We’re hard at work putting the finishing touches on this latest entry in the Doom series, and it’s nearly ready. We can’t wait for you to get your hands on it. Meanwhile, we’ve compiled some gameplay footage for you to check out. There’s plenty to unpack, so let’s dive right in—I’m sure you’ve got questions, and I’m here to fill you in with some juicy details.
### How Does the New Combat Loop in Dark Ages Stand Out?
At a broad level, the combat loop in Dark Ages is a fusion, combining elements from both Doom: Eternal and Doom (2016) with a fresh medieval twist. We aim to provide the complexity of Eternal’s gameplay while retaining the straightforward controls from Doom (2016). In Eternal, every move and attack had its specific input, which allowed for some spectacular actions. Dark Ages introduces an entirely new set of medieval actions, streamlined with fewer buttons to press.
The key to blending depth with simplicity lies in the dynamic behavior of items like the Shield-Saw, which changes based on what it interacts with. It’s all about context. For instance, when you throw the shield, it can bounce off plasma barriers to hit other enemies, or it can stick into flesh to stun larger demons. It might even shatter armor to create an area-of-effect explosion—all accomplished with a single button press.
To paint a picture, imagine playing a guitar with fewer strings but adding frets; that’s how we’ve maintained mechanical depth while giving players something fresh to master.
We’ve designed these moves to work with familiar FPS controls, ensuring the learning curve feels intuitive. The actions both look and feel impactful, providing a tactical edge—enjoyable on the outside, clever on the inside.
### What Do Those “Rings” Around Enemies Mean?
Those yellow rings you notice popping up are what we call falter indicators. “Falters” have been a concept since Eternal and Doom (2016). Savvy players discovered how to stack falters to stun-lock enemies, which was exactly what we hoped they’d do. In Dark Ages, clearly indicating when an enemy falters allows more players to explore how to trigger these moments and use them strategically. While you can succeed without relying on falters, they offer an extra advantage in higher difficulties. Tackle Ultra Nightmare, and you’ll need every bit of help you can get!
### Is There More Story in Doom?
Absolutely! Dark Ages comes with three main avenues of engagement: combat, exploration, and story—each one a reason to play. While Doom has often been about action, we’re keen to deliver a narrative that’s compelling and enriches the experience. A good story boosts the power fantasy, giving you a reason to push to the campaign’s end. Through storytelling, we can introduce more formidable foes, expansive worlds, and new challenges.
Here’s a sneak peek at the plot: At the beginning of Dark Ages, the Slayer is locked away, and the power balance between good and evil is shifting. Our protagonist becomes a feared outsider among endangered people, his might controlled by the deities they worship, while an ancient evil besieges their world.
Set as a prequel in the Doom timeline, we begin with the Slayer’s early days with the Sentinels. He’s the outsider, empowered by the gods known as the Maykrs, becoming a formidable force in a medieval war against the infernal armies.
### When Can You Dive Into Doom: The Dark Ages?
Mark your calendars for May 15, 2025! We’re thrilled for you to experience what we believe could be the greatest Doom game yet. It’s packed with action, exploration, and a gripping story that fits the Slayer’s legendary status. Plus, you’ll have epic confrontations with the Atlan—a massive Doom mech—and even a dragon to look forward to!
Thanks for stopping by to read. Stay tuned for more updates rolling out soon!
