The gates of Hell have creaked open ahead of schedule – DOOM: The Dark Ages is here!
DOOM: The Dark Ages, the hugely anticipated prequel to id Software’s critically acclaimed modern DOOM saga, is available to play starting today, for those who purchase the Premium Edition on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5. This grants up to two days of early access before the game’s standard global launch.
Published by Bethesda Softworks, this dark fantasy/sci-fi first-person shooter throws players into a never-before-seen medieval war against Hell, revealing the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s legendary rage.
And the best part? We’ve already dived in, and it’s phenomenal.
Our 4.5/5 Review Verdict is IN!
We’ve already charged headfirst into the Dark Ages, and our full review is live. We awarded DOOM: The Dark Ages a massive 4.5/5 score, calling it:
“DOOM: The Dark Ages is a gloriously gory game which manages to feel familiar but fresh at the same time. Adapting the gameplay may well have seemed like a gamble, but in the capable hands of id Software, it has certainly paid off.“
Is that any real surprise? We don’t think so. The hype behind this one is real, so much so that we included it in our Best Games of May article.
Slay Early, Slay Hard with the Premium Edition
For those who simply cannot wait to wield the Shield Saw, the DOOM: The Dark Ages Premium Edition is your ticket to Hell, available right now for £99.99. This edition includes:
The Base Game (digital code)
Up to 2-Day Early Access (starting today!)
The upcoming Campaign DLC
Digital Artbook and Original Soundtrack
The Divinity Skin Pack (featuring matching skins for the DOOM Slayer, his Mecha Dragon, and the Atlan mech)
The Slayer’s Origin: A Medieval Nightmare Forged in idTech
As the super weapon of gods and kings, you are the DOOM Slayer, bound to fend off demon hordes as their leader seeks to destroy you and become the only one that is feared. DOOM: The Dark Ages tells this epic, cinematic story, showcasing the creation of a legend as the Slayer takes on all of Hell to turn the tide of war.
This single-player experience delivers the searing, fast-paced combat and over-the-top visuals the DOOM franchise is renowned for, now powered by the latest idTech engine.
You’ll explore unknown realms, from ruined castles and epic battlefields to dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond, in what id Software promises are their largest and most expansive levels to date.
Brutal Combat, Devastating New Toys
Prepare to stand and fight on demon-infested battlefields in the vicious, grounded combat the original DOOM is famous for. Shred enemies with returning devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun, but also get your blood-stained hands on a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the incredibly versatile Shield Saw.
This new tool of destruction isn’t just for cleaving demons; it can be thrown, used for parrying, and even interacts with the environment.
The carnage doesn’t stop there. Take flight atop a new, fierce, fire-breathing Mecha Dragon for awe-inspiring aerial combat sequences, and stand tall against colossal demons by piloting a massive Atlan mech. The beloved glory kill system has also been enhanced, offering even more visceral ways to beat demons to a pulp from any angle.
Standard Release & Game Pass Details
For those opting for the Standard Edition (priced at £69.99), or looking to dive in via Xbox Game Pass (where it will be available Day One), the full global launch is set for May 15th, 2025.
If you subscribe to Game Pass or purchase the Standard Edition, you can still get the Premium Edition’s digital goodies via the Premium Edition Upgrade for £34.99. Pre-ordering the Standard Edition also nets you the Void DOOM Slayer Skin.
Slay Anywhere with Xbox Play Anywhere
Good news for multi-platform Slayers too!
DOOM: The Dark Ages supports Xbox Play Anywhere. This means if you purchase it digitally from the Microsoft Store, you’ll own it on both your Xbox Series X|S and your Windows PC, with progress and achievements syncing seamlessly between them.
Key Features
Epic prequel detailing the DOOM Slayer’s medieval war against Hell.
Brutal, fast-paced first-person shooter combat powered by the latest idTech engine.
New devastating weapons like the Shield Saw, alongside classics like the Super Shotgun.
Pilotable Mecha Dragon and massive Atlan mech for large-scale destruction.
Enhanced Glory Kill system for visceral takedowns.
Explore id Software’s largest and most expansive levels to date.
Single-player focused, dark fantasy/sci-fi cinematic experience.
The Age of Darkness Begins NOW
DOOM: The Dark Ages is another monumental entry in the legendary franchise, and our review confirms it’s a brutal blast.
If you can’t wait to unleash hell, the Premium Edition is available right now on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. Otherwise, prepare for the full demonic invasion on May 15th.
DOOM: The Dark Ages Description
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM Slayer’s legend. 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.
