Bethesda and id Software have officially announced the upcoming release of Doom: The Dark Ages, a bold prequel to the modern Doom reboot series. The game is set to launch on May 15, 2025, bringing players into a dark, medieval world teeming with demonic horrors and brutal combat.
Described as a “medieval-inspired twist” on the franchise’s high-octane formula, Doom: The Dark Ages places players in the boots of an earlier incarnation of the Doom Slayer. Instead of high-tech facilities and space stations, the action unfolds in grim castles, cursed battlefields, and blood-soaked cathedrals, with a heavier focus on grounded, visceral combat.
Early footage showcases a mix of classic Doom-style gunplay with new, era-appropriate weapons — including a brutal flail, a demonic shield, and even a dragon mount for certain sequences. Despite the time period shift, the game remains true to its fast-paced roots, with aggressive enemy AI, dynamic arenas, and a soundtrack that mixes heavy metal with gothic orchestration.
Developers at id Software have emphasized that The Dark Ages will retain the franchise’s signature intensity while exploring new lore and storytelling depth, expanding on the Slayer’s mythos in a setting never before seen in the series.
Doom: The Dark Ages will be available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. Preorders go live next week, with more gameplay expected to debut at this year’s QuakeCon.
