Doom: The Dark Ages Unveils New Gameplay Features

In a recent interview with EDGE magazine, the development team behind Doom: The Dark Ages revealed exciting new details about the game’s upcoming release. This installment will place greater emphasis on narrative, with levels designed to be the largest in the series’ history, offering players a sandbox-style experience.

Game director Hugo Martin and studio head Marty Stratton highlighted several key features from the discussion. Unlike previous entries where much of the backstory was tucked away in text logs, The Dark Ages will embrace a more direct storytelling approach. The atmosphere will lean heavily into a medieval theme, minimizing futuristic elements even as iconic weapons undergo significant redesigns to align with the new aesthetic.

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Similar to its predecessors, Doom: The Dark Ages will continue to feature distinct level designs, but these will be unprecedented in size. Players will navigate through dungeon crawls intertwined with open-world exploration, with chapters divided into "acts." These acts begin in confined, narrow dungeons and expand into vast, open areas. To add further depth, players will gain control over both a dragon and a mech, introducing new layers to the gameplay experience.

One of the most anticipated additions to the Slayer’s arsenal is a multi-functional shield that doubles as a chainsaw. This versatile tool can be hurled at enemies, reacting differently based on what it strikes—whether flesh, armor, energy shields, or other materials. The shield also facilitates a dashing attack, allowing players to swiftly close distances during combat. With double jumps and roar mechanics removed from earlier installments, this new ability becomes essential for battlefield mobility. The shield additionally supports parrying, complete with adjustable difficulty settings and precise timing windows.

Parrying serves as a "reload" mechanism for melee attacks, while melee combat replenishes ammunition for primary weapons—a nod to the chainsaw mechanic introduced in DOOM Eternal. Melee options include a fast-paced gauntlet, a balanced shield, and a slower mace, each catering to different playstyles and preferences.