DOOM: The Dark Ages – A Brutal Medieval Reinvention

id Software reinvents its legendary franchise with medieval fury, heavy melee combat, and next-gen visuals.

Set for release on May 15, 2025, is a bold reimagining and the third installment of the modern DOOM series. Acting as a prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, this game exchanges high-tech landscapes for gothic castles and burning battlegrounds. Players will join the DOOM Slayer during a sinister medieval war against the forces of Hell, witnessing the creation of a legend in real time.

Launching on Windows PC, , and PlayStation 5, the game supports global access through applicable time zone differences, and Premium Edition holders can play as early as May 13.

In this dark ages review, combat transitions from agility-based chaos to brute force. Rather than double jumps and flame belches, players wield super weapons of gods—from a flail that devastates crowds to a shield that deflects infernal fireballs. While the iconic super shotgun returns, it now complements a slower, more deliberate rhythm that rewards timing and positioning.

The shift embraces what made the previous games fun—arena-based action and tactical carnage—while evolving it with new tools. These include the rail-spike launcher, shrapnel cannon, and the introduction of more immersive cutscenes that tell an epic cinematic story worthy of the DOOM franchise.

The game spans 22 massive levels, each layered with side paths, secrets, and optional encounters. Players will explore haunted strongholds, desecrated cathedrals, and scorched earth landscapes, all while uncovering the creation of a legend—the DOOM Slayer's origin.

Set pieces escalate the action with moments like piloting a mech or riding a dragon into battle, reinforcing the epic cinematic story. These sequences feel truly next-gen, contributing to the top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise.

Harnessing the , the game delivers extraordinary fidelity. On Windows PC, users can enable path tracing for hyper-realistic lighting. DLSS 4 ensures high frame rates, while NVIDIA Reflex minimizes latency.

This results in one of the most visually impressive entries in the series—cementing DOOM's reputation for cutting-edge graphics.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a Game Pass title on day one, available via Xbox Game Pass and PC. Physical copies include Collector's Editions featuring a copy of DOOM, a 12-inch Slayer statue, and the Divinity Skin Pack.

Players can also prepare by reviewing the actual play time estimates in the pre-launch checklist, helping schedule their slaying sessions to accommodate applicable time zone differences.

As part of the Xbox family under Microsoft, this release benefits from deep integration across platforms. Expect seamless cloud saves, achievements, and synchronized content across PC and console.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is more than a prequel—it's a reinvention of the franchise's soul. By replacing sci-fi with medieval fire and fury, and speed with savage power, id Software has crafted a uniquely compelling entry in the series. It honors its roots while forging a new path through the legions of hell, setting a new standard for immersive FPS experiences.