Bethesda has just released a new DOOM The Dark Ages trailer that teases the Doom Slayer’s origins. This is the upcoming prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, set to release on May 15, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and available on Xbox Game Pass from day one.
The game is set in a techno-medieval world, connecting the worlds of DOOM 64 and DOOM (2016). The fighting style changes from the quick, acrobatic combat of DOOM Eternal to a tougher, stay-put “stand and fight” feel, taking ideas from the first DOOM and movies like 300. The Doom Slayer is portrayed as an “iron tank” with enhanced melee options, including a slow-motion glory kill system.
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Yes, there are new weapons too, like the Shield Saw, which can be used for blocking, parrying, and throwing as a buzzsaw. We can’t forget about the melee weapons either, including the electrified gauntlet, heavy flail, spiked mace, and a fist that chains electricity between enemies. Then we have the classics, such as the Skull Crusher (fires bone fragments), double-barrel plasma shotgun, single-barrel shotgun, and a nail gun that pins enemies to walls. Plus, a BFG-style crossbow was also teased in recent demos.


Players can also ride a cybernetic dragon and pilot a 30-story Atlan mech to battle “Titan-sized” enemies. As for exploration, you’ll find larger, semi-open levels with non-linear quests that enable players to tackle objectives in any order.


One caveat (or not): It’s single-player only, with the largest campaign in the series. It is claimed to offer more expansive levels and exploration compared to its predecessors. If you’re hyped about the new gameplay, the game’s shaping up to be a massive, story-driven slaughterfest that explores the Doom Slayer’s roots in a way we haven’t seen before.