A new gameplay mechanic has been revealed for Doom: The Dark Ages that will place players inside a massive mech and cybernetic dragon. The takes the first person shooter back in time to an alternate version of Medieval history, where players will take control of the Doom Slayer. New weapons, mechanics, and locations will be featured in the newest entry in the Doom franchise, which includes some larger-than-life features.

In addition to having some of the most powerful weapons ever introduced in the series, Doom: The Dark Ages will have players stepping into a 30-story Atlan mech and a cybernetic dragon. The two features won’t be a one-and-done experience, according to the devs, but will instead include a full list of abilities, mini-bosses, and plenty of action.

The new mechanic was revealed during the Xbox Develper Direct, which revealed how the high-flying, mech-driving action will look. The title now also has a release date; Doom: The Dark Ages will launch on May 15, 2025.

Doom: The Dark Ages Combat Loop Aims To Bring The Doom Experience To All Players

The Title Introduces Mechanics To Meet Players At Their Level

According to id Software’s Game Director Hugo Martin, in Doom: The Dark Ages players will “feel like the super weapon in the center of a Medieval war against Hell.” Set in a sci-fi version of the Dark Ages period in Medieval history, the title will act as a prequel to 2016’s Doom. The decade-old title reimagined the world and gameplay of the Doom franchise, and The Dark Ages will take this a step further for an experience that’s intended to welcome both existing series fans and players new to the games.

Martin states that the upcoming game will be “the perfect entry point into the series.” The title promises to have plenty of depth without bogging it down, as weapons and tools react contextually to incoming threats through one main button input. A new difficulty system will allow players to customize various aspects of the experience to suit their needs, making the title more approachable as a whole.

The mech and dragon add an entirely new level of gameplay to the title, allowing players to “beat giant, Titan-sized demons to death with your gauntleted fists,” according to Martin. The cybernetic dragon will also have its own mechanics, with a powerful fire breath and gatling gun weapons to assist the Doom Slayer in their journey to take down demons.

Doom: The Dark Ages Is A Fresh Take While Still Feeling Like A Doom Game

Id Software Keeps Finding Ways To Take The Series Up A Notch

Custom Image by Katarina Cimbaljevic

In 1993, the original Doom asked players to take down demons and save the Earth. Now, 32 years later, Doom: The Dark Ages continues the game’s legacy. While the title makes a lot of changes, like the historic setting and the mech-piloting, the game looks to still be, at its core, a Doom game.

The upcoming title places emphasis on combat that’s diverse and fun, while being approachable to all players regardless of their skill level. Doom: The Dark Ages calls on the players to “stand and fight” as the new game continues the legacy of the original Doom game in an epic new way.