If you want more of DOOM: The Dark Ages’ demon-fighting and secret-hunting, start with DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. They are the closest matches because they share its series and first-person combat identity. The key difference is that The Dark Ages builds more of its combat and traversal around the Shield Saw, while the earlier modern entries offer a different feel.
What makes a game feel like DOOM: The Dark Ages?
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a single-player dark fantasy and science-fiction shooter, and a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, according to Bethesda’s game page. Its appeal is not only fast, forceful combat: Bethesda also presents exploration and story as central parts of the experience.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5 | $69.47 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – Xbox Series X | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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PlayStation 5 – DOOM: The Dark Ages – Standard Edition | $89.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages - Premium Edition - PlayStation 5 | $94.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Art of DOOM: The Dark Ages | $45.41 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Shield Saw is the clearest signature mechanic. In Bethesda’s gameplay reveal, it can block, parry, deflect attacks and charge through enemies; it also connects to traversal and finding secrets. That makes this game a particularly specific target for comparison: look for shooters that match its combat, its exploration, or both, rather than assuming every action shooter plays the same way.
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DOOM (2016): for the closest overall series connection
Choose DOOM (2016) if you want another modern, single-player DOOM campaign built around first-person combat against demons. It is one of the two games that Bethesda identifies as part of The Dark Ages’ prequel relationship, making it the most direct starting point for seeing how the modern series differs from the newer shield-led approach.
#1 Best Overall
- Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
- 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.
- A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
- As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
- Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.
It is a match by franchise and broad combat identity, not a promise that every encounter or movement mechanic works like The Dark Ages. The latter’s Shield Saw has its own defensive, offensive and traversal roles.
DOOM Eternal: for another modern DOOM campaign
DOOM Eternal is the other direct series comparison: The Dark Ages is its prequel as well as a prequel to DOOM (2016). It belongs on the list if you want to stay with the modern DOOM formula and its demon-fighting campaign, while keeping in mind that The Dark Ages gives its Shield Saw a distinctive place in combat and exploration.
Rank #2
- Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
- 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.
- A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
- As the super weapon of gods and kings, shred enemies with devastating favorites like the Super Shotgun while also wielding a variety of new bone-chewing weapons, including the versatile Shield Saw.
- Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story.
The official relationship establishes the strongest comparison; it does not mean the three games have identical pacing, traversal or combat systems. If your priority is specifically the shield’s blocking, parrying and charging, neither earlier game should be treated as a direct substitute for that mechanic.
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Choose by the part you want more of
- Another game in the same modern series: Start with DOOM (2016) or DOOM Eternal. These are the substantiated closest matches because Bethesda names both as the prequels.
- The Shield Saw’s mix of defense and offense: The available comparison points do not establish another game as an equivalent. The Shield Saw’s combination of blocking, parrying, deflecting and charging is a defining feature of The Dark Ages.
- Secrets and routes alongside combat: The Dark Ages explicitly rewards looking for hidden areas and routes. The official material establishes exploration as one of its design pillars, but does not establish the earlier games as identical in how exploration works.
- A campaign with story as well as combat: Bethesda and PlayStation present story as part of The Dark Ages’ design, alongside combat and exploration. The official descriptions establish the earlier DOOM games as related campaigns, but do not support a finer story-to-story ranking here.
How to explore more of the series
Bethesda’s Gear Store describes the DOOM Anthology as containing DOOM (1993), DOOM II, DOOM 64, DOOM 3, DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal Deluxe Edition. It is a way to explore a broader range of DOOM games, not a claim that every included title matches The Dark Ages’ combat or exploration. Check the current product listing for its format, availability and platform compatibility before buying.
Rank #3
- Brand Name:Xbox
- Video game region: region free
- Display Platform: PS5
Check platform access before choosing
Availability depends on the platform and access method. Bethesda’s support page names Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass and GeForce Now; PlayStation has an official PS5 game page, and the game also has a Steam listing. Subscription eligibility, cloud access, editions and storefront availability can change and may vary by region, so confirm the current listing for your location and device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Get a head start on slaying demons with the Premium Edition, including up to 2-Days Early Access and the campaign DLC. You’ll also receive the Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, and the Divinity Skin Pack, which includes matching skins for the DOOM Slayer, dragon, and Atlan.
- Developed by id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal that tells the epic cinematic origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage.
- 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.
- A dark fantasy/sci-fi single-player experience that delivers the searing combat and over-the-top visuals of the incomparable DOOM franchise, powered by the latest idTech engine. With a customizable difficulty system, it’s the perfect entry point whether you’re new to the franchise or a long time fan.
- Experience the origin story of the DOOM Slayer’s rage in this epic, cinematic, and action-packed story. Mystery, challenges, and rewards lurk in every shadow of ruined castles, epic battlefields, dark forests, ancient hellscapes, and worlds beyond.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
