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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Yes, if you want DOOM with a more grounded, shield-led combat rhythm; think twice if what you love most about DOOM Eternal is its constant aerial movement. DOOM: The Dark Ages keeps the series’ demon-slaying and firearms but changes how fights are framed, with the Shield Saw bringing blocking, parrying, deflecting, and attacks into the action. That combat shift—not its medieval setting—is the key question for returning fans.
What kind of DOOM game is The Dark Ages?
DOOM: The Dark Ages is a single-player first-person shooter and a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. It launched on May 15, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Its medieval-fantasy world adds new scenery and set pieces, but the core remains first-person combat against demons, not a separate vehicle game. Bethesda’s official game page and Xbox’s developer announcement highlight the Shield Saw, large battlefields, a cybernetic dragon, and Atlan mech sequences.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – PlayStation 5 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |
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DOOM: The Dark Ages – Xbox Series X | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
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 |
|
The Art of DOOM: The Dark Ages | $45.41 | Buy on Amazon |
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How is the combat different from DOOM Eternal?
The Shield Saw makes defense part of the attack
The Shield Saw is the defining change for returning players: official descriptions give it offensive and defensive uses, including blocking, parrying, deflecting, and shield attacks. The idea is not to stop being aggressive, but to incorporate defensive timing into the fight. Game Director Hugo Martin described the game as “a blend of the two but with a new, medieval toolkit,” referring to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. He also noted that the Shield Saw’s behavior changes depending on the material it interacts with. Those comments appear in a January 23, 2025, PlayStation.Blog interview.
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Expect a more grounded pace than Eternal
An Xbox Wire preview characterized The Dark Ages as slower and more “stand-and-fight” than Eternal, with shield charges and parry windows shaping combat. That makes the change a matter of preference: players who want defensive timing woven into aggressive shooting may welcome it; players who most enjoy Eternal’s constant acrobatics should treat the different pace as a real caveat. This is a description of the intended design and preview coverage, not a claim that every encounter will feel the same to every player.
#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.
Do the levels and set pieces make it a better fit?
Bethesda advertises the game’s largest and most expansive levels to date. Xbox Wire’s March 31, 2025, preview discusses story, sandboxes, combat variety, mechs, and dragons alongside the shield mechanics. If you enjoy large arenas, exploration, and shifts between different kinds of action, those are reasons to be interested. They do not, by themselves, establish that every level is well paced or that its open and linear sections will suit your preferences.
What does player reception tell you?
A Steam store snapshot in 2026 showed 86% positive ratings among 20,014 English-language reviews. That is a changing Steam user-review measure, not a critic score or a permanent verdict; the Steam page may show different figures now. Bethesda’s reviews page presents selected praise and the publisher’s own framing, so it should not be treated as an independent review aggregator.
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.
Should you buy it, use Game Pass, or choose an upgrade?
Decide based on access, edition contents, and your preferred platform—not on assumed price or performance differences. Xbox’s product listing advertises Game Pass access and a Premium Upgrade that adds campaign DLC, a digital artbook and soundtrack, and a Divinity Skin Pack for the Slayer, dragon, and Atlan. Store terms, availability, price, ownership requirements, and DLC status can vary or change, so check the listing for your region before committing.
- Check platform and storefront: the game launched for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
- Check subscription access: Xbox advertises Game Pass access; confirm the current terms for your account and region.
- Compare editions: decide whether the Premium Upgrade’s listed DLC and digital extras are worth it to you.
- Make the combat taste test: consider whether shield timing and a more grounded pace sound appealing compared with Eternal’s constant movement.
The cited listings do not establish current street prices, disc inventory, or performance differences between console and PC, so those are best checked against current local listings and platform-specific information.
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.
Rank #3
- Brand Name:Xbox
- Video game region: region free
- Display Platform: PS5
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.
