Credits: id Software / Bethesda

The DOOM franchise is taking a bold leap into medieval madness, and the countdown is officially on! DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to launch on May 15, 2025, marking the first time id Software has thrown fans back into the Slayer’s violent, demon-slaying past. Available on Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, this prequel promises to reinvent what we know about the franchise while keeping the heart-pounding action and heavy metal energy intact.

The anticipation has been building since its announcement at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2024, where it was revealed as the most ambitious project from id Software yet. With new gameplay mechanics, a rich story set in a techno-medieval world, and the power of the all-new idTech8 engine, DOOM: The Dark Ages could be a true landmark for FPS fans.

For a full list of confirmed 2025 game releases, check out this list

What if you could wield a medieval weapon in one hand and futuristic destruction in the other? Welcome to DOOM: The Dark Ages, set in a gritty techno-fantasy world where the Doom Slayer’s origins collide with demon-filled chaos. This game takes players to a time when the Slayer was merely a tool of gods and kings, caught in the middle of a desperate battle against the legions of Hell.

The story is packed with cinematic cutscenes, expanding the Slayer’s lore and showing his rise to legend. It’s also more accessible for newcomers, serving as a gateway into the franchise’s savage universe. You’ll traverse massive worlds, solve environmental puzzles, and crush demon hordes with a mix of brutal melee attacks and devastating ranged weaponry.

One standout feature? The all-new Shield Saw. This innovative tool lets you block, deflect, and attack with the same input, adding layers of strategy to DOOM’s signature combat. Oh, and did we mention the mechs? You’ll pilot a 30-story Atlan to fight towering demons head-on, and take to the skies on a cybernetic, fire-breathing dragon equipped with booster jets and guns.

Here’s what makes DOOM: The Dark Ages a standout experience in the franchise’s bloody history:

Unlike DOOM Eternal's lightning-fast, acrobatic fights, The Dark Ages goes for a tanky, visceral feel. You’ll crush demons with melee combos using an electrified gauntlet, iron flail, or spiked mace. The revamped glory kill system gives you full control over finishers from any angle.

Weaponized Mayhem

The game offers a suite of medieval-inspired weapons with futuristic twists, like the Skull Crusher, which fires bone shards, and the Rail Spike, designed to pin enemies to walls. id Software’s motto for this entry? “Only in DOOM.”

Exploration takes the spotlight with the largest levels in any DOOM game. Players can uncover hidden dungeons, break environmental barriers with their Shield Saw, and upgrade abilities with spoils of war.

Customization & Accessibility

New difficulty sliders allow you to adjust game speed, projectile timing, and parry windows, offering flexibility for casual players and hardcore fans alike.

And with the power of idTech8, you’re looking at a visual feast. Expect dynamic lighting, razor-sharp textures, and buttery-smooth performance across all platforms. PC players, get battle-ready with ray tracing capabilities and ultra settings that’ll melt your eyeballs—in the best way possible.

The buzz for DOOM: The Dark Ages is palpable. Social media platforms are abuzz with excitement about the new melee-system and the Doom Slayer’s Atlan mech. Gamers love the mix of old-school FPS grit and new mechanics, which promise to freshen up the formula without losing what made DOOM great.

PC players, in particular, seem thrilled about idTech8’s graphical promise, while Xbox fans are gearing up to crush demons day one on Game Pass. If you want to join this trend, the standard and premium editions have been available for pre-order for a few weeks now!

If you’ve been itching for a deeper, more story-driven DOOM experience with larger-than-life battles and an epic medieval twist, DOOM: The Dark Ages should be on your radar. I hope the game actually gives me a good scare — it’s been a while since I felt that, and I kinda miss it.