The Dark Ages Arrives on PS5 May 15: New Gameplay Insights from id Software on PlayStation.Blog

Hey everyone! Hugo Martin here, Game Director for Doom: The Dark Ages, reaching out from id Software’s bustling office. We’re in the final stages of perfecting this new chapter in the Doom saga, and it’s almost ready for you to dive into. While you wait, we’ve put together a fresh gameplay preview just for you. There’s so much to unpack from the footage, so let’s jump right in. I’m sure you’ve got a bunch of questions, and I’m here to fill you in on the details…

### What’s the new combat loop in Dark Ages, and how’s it different from Eternal or Doom (2016)?

At a high level, think of it as a fusion of the two previous games, but with a fresh, medieval twist. Our goal is to offer the strategic depth you loved in Eternal while keeping the straightforward controls from Doom (2016). In Eternal, you executed a variety of impressive moves, each requiring different inputs. Now, in Dark Ages, we’ve introduced an exciting medieval set of moves but simplified the controls, reducing the number of buttons you’ll need to press.

The depth-simplicity balance comes from the unique behavior of items like the Shield-Saw, which varies based on what it interacts with. We’ve made it contextual: for example, a shield throw can bounce off plasma shields, then hit other foes (which feels incredible), stick into flesh to stun larger demons, or even shatter armor to create an area-of-effect blast—all with just one button!

I like to think of it like this: we’ve got fewer guitar strings this time, but we’ve added frets to keep the mechanical depth, offering players something new to learn and perfect. We rely on familiar FPS controls for these actions, ensuring an intuitive learning curve. The moves feel satisfying to pull off and provide a tactical edge, blending fun and smart gameplay.

### What do the “rings” around enemies indicate?

Those yellow rings that appear around enemies are what we call falter indicators. Falters played a big role in Eternal and the 2016 game. Top players figured out how to trigger them and stacked their attacks to stun-lock tough enemies—exactly as we intended. By clearly marking when an enemy falters in Dark Ages, we hope more players will explore how to trigger and leverage these moments to their advantage. While you don’t need to cause falters to succeed, they offer a helpful edge on tougher difficulties. And if you’re tackling Ultra Nightmare, well, every bit of help counts!

### More story in Doom?

Absolutely! In Dark Ages, we’ve built the game around three pillars of engagement: combat, exploration, and story. These are three compelling reasons to play, and the narrative is just one of them. Doom players crave not just a story, but a gripping one that amplifies the power fantasy and fuels your drive to see the campaign through. Through storytelling, we craft bigger challenges, captivating worlds, and formidable foes.

Here’s a quick story snapshot: With the Slayer trapped at the outset of Dark Ages, the balance between good and evil teeters, and time is slipping away. Our hero stands as a feared outsider among desperate people, his might controlled by the gods they serve, as an ancient evil besieges their world.

Set as a prequel in the Doom Universe, this game starts at the beginning of the Slayer’s journey with the Sentinels. An outsider blessed with power by the Maykrs, the Sentinel gods, our subjugated hero becomes a superweapon in a medieval battle against hell’s hordes.

### When does it come out?

Mark your calendars for May 15, 2025! We’re thrilled for you to experience what we hope will become the ultimate Doom game. It’s packed with something for everyone: exhilarating combat, vast exploration, and a thrilling action-packed story that honors the Slayer’s legacy. Plus, you can look forward to encountering the Atlan (giant Doom mech) and even a dragon!

Thanks for tuning in—stay tuned for more updates soon!