As we creep closer to release day, a final DOOM: The Dark Ages launch trailer has been released to set the stage for the medieval first-person shooter. The early DOOM impressions have begun pouring in from reviewers and most agree that while The Dark Ages has a very distinct aesthetic and approach to the gameplay compared to DOOM Eternal, there’s still something undeniably addictive about the new game.
A complete DOOM gameplay analysis will only be possible after the title is released on May 15, but with the recent DOOM: The Dark Ages preview now available, we can’t help but talk about the game a little longer until we see it out in all its glory. This prequel takes us backward in time to the DOOM origin story, giving fans a well-deserved look at where the magic and destruction began. Unfortunately for the developer and publishers, it is rumored that the entire game has been leaked online, but the damage appears to be limited to a few right now.
Ready for the dark and desolate charm of DOOM: The Dark Ages?
DOOM: The Dark Ages Launch Trailer Revealed—Death and Destruction Awaits the DOOM Guy
The DOOM: The Dark Ages launch trailer was revealed by developer id Software and publisher Bethesda Softworks, both well-known studios in the world of gaming. The upcoming game is a prequel to the 2016 DOOM game and the DOOM Eternal titles, both of which attracted hoards of gamers to themselves and inspired a reverence that has almost lasted a decade. The dark fantasy, sci-fi action game has always had violence at its core and destruction on its arms, and things look to be no different with the DOOM: The Dark Age Preview.
The aim of the game appears to be to understand the Slayer’s origin and show appreciation for his legacy, and this would be impossible without some brutal fights to set the scene.
What the Final DOOM Trailer Has to Show Us
Much like the previous games and trailers, the new DOOM: The Dark Ages launch trailer spans over dreary, desolate landscapes, with fires burning in the distance and cloying smoke filtering through the screen.
Showing off a dismal assortment of creatures who are united in their bloodlust, there is a general sense of terror all around. That is, until the doom guy steps in, leaping off cliffs with his big guns locked and loaded, ready to play his part as the “super weapon of gods and kings.”
As one might expect, the DOOM medieval shooter appears to have a fair share of blood, gore, and noisy explosions, all facilitated by a delightful arsenal of weaponry. The violence goes beyond pointing and shooting, with the trailer even pausing to show off the protagonist stuffing a hellspawn’s mouth with an explosive before throwing it into the depths. Talk about overkill.
DOOM Launch Details—Release Date and Platforms
If you’re planning on getting your hands on this $69.99 game, then you can pre-order it right now to get a bonus Void Doom Slayer Skin. For early access to the game on May 13, you’ll have to consider pre-ordering the Premium or Collectors Edition of the game, which are priced at $99.99 and $199.99 respectively.
DOOM: The Dark Ages Release Date: The game releases on May 15, 2025, with up to two days of early access available on May 13, 2025, for pre-orders of the Premium and Collectors editions.
Early Access: Premium Edition offers early access starting May 13, 2025, at 17:00 PDT for Xbox and midnight local time for PS5
Platforms: The new DOOM game will be playable on PC, PS5, and Xbox X|S. It is not a Microsoft and follows the company’s multiplatform approach to new game releases.
Game Pass: With DOOM’s May 15 launch, the game will be available on Xbox and PC Game Pass on day one.
DOOM First Impressions—What to Expect
The DOOM: The Dark Ages launch trailer highlights the combat and setting of the game, but it doesn’t give away much of the story other than the fact that you must kill to survive. We also know that the new DOOM game is entirely single-player, so fans should be prepared to explore the solo approach compared to the multiplayer approach of the precious games.
Let’s see what we know about the DOOM gameplay so far.
Campaign Details Revealed—Ready to Launch the Slayer?
The game is said to feature 22 missions, making it the largest campaign in the series, nearly double what we had in DOOM (2016). You can expect the first 10 missions to take approximately 9 hours, with plenty of interruptions from the cutscenes whenever possible.
Game Rant claims the main story of the game should take around 12 hours to finish, although completing the list of collectibles and other challenges could add an hour or two to the experience. We think it might take a little longer to get through.
Combat Style in DOOM: The Dark Ages
Reviewers who received access to the DOOM: The Dark Ages preview have begun giving us their thoughts on the game’s combat style, and there are a few interesting observations to note. Unlike DOOM Eternal’s fast-paced, acrobatic combat, The Dark Ages adopts a heavier, more grounded approach, likening the Slayer to an “iron tank.”
Instead of mobility and light-footed movement, the upcoming game emphasizes strategic engagements with a focus on standing and fighting. Exploration continues to be relevant to the game, allowing you to face hoards head-on rather than cower and approach them stage-by-stage. If you’re looking for Glory Kills, trust that the new DOOM game offers it as well. Alongside a parry system for you to master.
Fun Weapons in the New DOOM Medieval Shooter
The addition of the Shield Saw weapon is one of the most interesting aspects of combat, working well for offense, defense, and a little bit of puzzle-solving as well. The Flail or the chained spiked ball has also been touted as a real heavy hitter, adding in some really gory destruction of your enemies.
There’s also the Pulverizer, which uses bone shards as ammo, the Rail Spike gun to pin your enemies down, and the Super Shotgun, which is a familiar and welcome addition to the game.
DOOM: The Dark Ages Is Set for a Successful Launch
Right from when the new DOOM medieval shooter game was first confirmed, there has been significant excitement around its release and its potential to be a standout release. From positive hands-on impressions to fan discussions around its upcoming capabilities, id Software is all set to receive its share of accolades, if the game performs without bugs and glitches when gamers finally get their hands on it.
Posts on Twitter/X showcase the enthusiasm around the game’s scale, its mech and dragon sequences, and the expanded campaign this time around. If you’re interested in giving the game a chance to impress you, now’s the time to place your orders as we’re only days away from the game’s launch.
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