Doom: The Dark Ages – Release date, platforms, trailers, more

Doom: The Dark Ages sees the iconic Doom Slayer getting medieval on some demons. Here’s everything we know about it the upcoming prequel ahead of its arrival.

After a long wait, the next Doom game was finally announced at the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase. Doom: The Dark Ages moves the sci-fi action shooter to an era that’s still stuck in medieval ways, so when demons invade, Doom Slayer will need to pick up the nearest axe and do what they do best.

Below is the full rundown of everything we know about Doom: The Dark Ages so you’re ready to rip and tear when the time comes.

Release date

Doom: The Dark Ages is scheduled to release on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

While May 15 is the date for the general public, the most hardcore fans are able to get their hands on the game slightly before that. The Premium Edition and Collector’s Bundle both provide two days of early access to the full game.

This means the absolute earliest you can start playing is Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

Gameplay details

Harkening back to the origins of the Doom Slayer doesn’t mean the legendary FPS is going back to the basics. Rather, a range of deadly new tools are at our disposal as we shred through legions of enemies one board after another.

This time around, topping the bill is the emphasis on melee-based combat, as Doom Slayer now wields a shield along with one of three melee weapons. Not only that but even in the midst of gunplay, you’re able to time perfect blocks and deflections to create devastating openings.

Beyond combat, exploration is also getting a huge upgrade this time around. The Dark Ages is set to feature the biggest sandbox in franchise history full of optional content to complete. From extra upgrades to track down, codex entries to find, and even secret bosses, players will have plenty to sink their teeth into when the time comes.

Platforms

Doom: The Dark Ages will be available across Xbox Series X | S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

While Microsoft’s purchase of Bethesda had many questioning if future Doom games would be platform exclusives, Sony confirmed a PS5 release on social media shortly after the prequel was revealed.

Furthermore, it will also be available on Day One on Xbox Game Pass for subscribers of the service.

Doom: The Dark Ages trailer

The official reveal trailer for Doom: The Dark Ages debuted on June 9, 2024, at Xbox Games Showcase 2024. The trailer showed two minutes of action-packed gameplay and started with the lines, “Before he became the hero, he was the superweapon of Gods and Kings.”

The clip followed Doom Slayer donning a fur cape and slaying demons in a medieval age where giants and dragons existed with evil kings. Doom Slayer could also be seen holding a shield, a chainsaw blade, a double-barrel shotgun, and a spiked ball chain that he slays his enemies with.

He could also be seen riding a Dragon and wearing an exo-suit to battle a demigod like Surtur from Norse mythology. The trailer consisted of trademark Doom gameplay full of metal rock music, dismemberment, ultimate takedowns, and best of all – Doom Slayer’s dragon eliminating an enemy with his fire.

We’ll keep you updated with all the latest news and coverage about Doom: The Dark Ages as more details emerge. The title is currently one of our most anticipated games of 2025.