Developer: id Software
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Expected Release: May 13th, 2025
Platforms: Likely PC, Xbox Series X|S, and possibly PlayStation 5
Genre: First-person Shooter | Action
TechReft Hype Meter: ★★★★☆
The Slayer is back—but this time, it’s not in space, Hell, or modern times. DOOM: The Dark Ages is rumoured to throw us into a brutal, blood-drenched medieval world. Think DOOM Eternal but with chainmail, castles, and demonic dragons instead of plasma rifles and BFGS. Sound crazy? It is, and that’s exactly why the hype is real.
What We Know So Far
First leaked in early 2024 and now confirmed through several credible sources, DOOM: The Dark Ages is reportedly a prequel to the rebooted DOOM universe. This time, we’ll explore the origin of the Doom Slayer—before the tech, before the Mars invasion, before he became a one-man demon extinction event.
This is DOOM as dark fantasy: gothic cathedrals, cursed kingdoms, and blood rituals instead of high-tech labs and space stations. Expect to trade your Super Shotgun for spiked flails, demonic axes, and maybe—just maybe—a dragon to slay or ride. Yeah, that’s the kind of energy we’re talking about.
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What Makes It Different?
- Medieval Setting: This ain’t sci-fi—it’s swords, sorcery, and sludge.
- Weapons of Old (and Hell): Expect twisted versions of medieval armaments fused with demonic tech.
- Lore Expansion: We’re finally diving into who the Slayer was and why the demons fear him.
- Same Engine, New Vibes: It’s likely running on the id Tech engine, so you know the performance will be slick and the gore, glorious.
Why It’s Smart
DOOM needed to evolve. Eternal was a masterclass in combat rhythm and FPS flow, but you can only rip and tear in neon hellscapes so many times. Shifting the tone and timeline gives the franchise breathing room—and DOOM: The Dark Ages might be the smartest way to keep it brutal and fresh.
Plus, the timing? With Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Hellblade II bringing dark fantasy into the mainstream, this pivot makes total sense.
Big Questions
- Will the pace still feel like classic DOOM, or will it lean into slower, more methodical combat?
- How will the weapon system work with medieval tools?
- Will there be any co-op or online features, or is this still a pure solo Slayer story?
Final Word
DOOM: The Dark Ages is shaping up to be the boldest entry in the franchise yet. It’s a gamble—but one that could absolutely pay off if id Software sticks the landing. We’ll keep tracking every leak, trailer, and tech breakdown right here on TechReft.
Rage, roar, and rip through a new kind of Hell—just don’t lose your head.
