DOOM: The Dark Ages

DOOM: The Dark Ages is id Software’s paid single-player first-person shooter and a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. It is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, while Update 4 Hotfix 1 is current and the Revelations expansion adds the Chain Spear and a new campaign.

Latest update

id Software deployed Update 4 Hotfix 1 on July 10, 2026 across all platforms. The hotfix repairs unbound Chain Spear inputs, progression-blocking red walls in Hell’s Core and Osseus, and several common crashes; installing it resets customized control bindings to their defaults.

Update 4 and the paid Revelations campaign released on July 7, 2026. Revelations adds the Chain Spear, new levels, demons and puzzles, while the free update expands the Ripatorium to version 3.0 and adds balance, interface, accessibility, PS5 Pro PSSR, and PC upscaling changes.

Release date and status

DOOM: The Dark Ages is released. Bethesda, Xbox, PlayStation, and Battle.net list May 15, 2025, while Steam’s storefront records May 14, 2025.

Platforms and availability

The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC through the Xbox app, Steam and Battle.net, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and GeForce NOW. Xbox lists Xbox Play Anywhere and handheld optimization, and the PlayStation version is PS5 Pro Enhanced.

Gameplay overview

The single-player campaign uses a grounded stand-and-fight combat loop built around firearms, melee weapons, parries, the Shield Saw, and customizable difficulty sliders. Large exploration spaces add secrets and upgrades, while specific missions place the Slayer in an Atlan mech or on a weaponized Mecha Dragon.

Revelations replaces the shield for part of its campaign with the Chain Spear, which supports stabbing, throwing, grappling, aerial orbiting, parries, and its own upgrade paths.

Story, setting, or main mode

The campaign is a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, following the imprisoned Slayer as the super weapon of gods and kings during a medieval war against Hell. The story moves through Sentinel strongholds, battlefields, forests, hellscapes, and other realms before Revelations continues the Slayer’s saga in a frozen purgatory.

Trailer, screenshots, and media

The trailer and screenshots show Shield Saw combat, Sentinel fortresses, the Mecha Dragon, runed demons, and Revelations locations including Osseus and Hell’s Core.

Developer and publisher

id Software develops DOOM: The Dark Ages using idTech 8, and Bethesda Softworks publishes the game and its Revelations expansion.

Download and availability

The paid base game is sold through the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Steam, and Battle.net, and is also available through eligible Game Pass plans. Revelations is sold separately or included with the Premium Edition and Premium Upgrade.

System / Device Requirements

The PC version requires a hardware ray-tracing GPU even at the minimum tier and must be installed on an NVMe SSD. Bethesda’s Ultra 4K tier raises graphics memory to 16 GB with an RTX 4080- or RX 7900 XT-class GPU for 2160p at 60 FPS on Ultra settings.

Ratings & Comments