id Software’s next major entry in the legendary DOOM franchise, DOOM: The Dark Ages, officially launches on May 15, 2025. The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC (via Steam and Microsoft Store), and PlayStation 5. Positioned as a prequel to 2016’s DOOM and DOOM Eternal, this installment takes players back to a medieval-inspired setting, blending brutal close-quarters combat with futuristic weaponry and large-scale battles.
Players will once again step into the boots of the Slayer, humanity’s last hope against the relentless armies of Hell. DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces new weapons, enemies, and combat mechanics that aim to build on the franchise’s fast-paced, visceral gameplay. Among the new weapons is the Shield Saw, a close-range melee option that doubles as a defensive tool. Fan-favorite weapons such as the Super Shotgun return, alongside new additions that promise to expand the combat toolkit.
The game introduces large-scale mechanical warfare, allowing players to ride a flying Mecha Dragon in select missions and pilot a towering Atlan mech, both capable of unleashing massive destruction across demon-infested battlefields. These additions are further enhanced by improvements to the Glory Kill system, which rewards players with health and ammunition for executing weakened enemies.
Preloading for DOOM: The Dark Ages begins on May 11 at midnight UTC. Those who purchase the Premium Edition will gain Early Access starting May 13, allowing them to begin playing up to 48 hours before the official release. The Premium Edition includes a Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, the Divinity Skin Pack, and future access to upcoming campaign expansions.
The game requires a significant amount of storage, with a minimum of 100 GB needed on all platforms. PC players should take note that a GPU supporting hardware-based ray tracing is required, even at the minimum level. Support for NVIDIA Path Tracing will be added post-launch.
Here are the confirmed PC system requirements:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 2060 / AMD Radeon RX 6700 | NVIDIA RTX 3080 / AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-9600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | Intel Core i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X |
| RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Storage | 100 GB SSD | 100 GB SSD |
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
DOOM: The Dark Ages is developed by id Software and published by Bethesda. Players can join the Slayers Club for updates, community events, and more information on the upcoming release. With a mix of old-school action and new mechanical systems, this title looks to expand the DOOM formula without straying far from its roots.
