Doom: The Dark Ages comes out this May and id Software has made all the right moves to ensure that the game finds success.

Doom Eternal came out back in 2020 and it was one of the best action games out there, still is in fact. But now in 2025, we’re getting Doom: The Dark Ages which is a prequel to the first Doom game and Eternal. Set to release on May 15, id Software has really pushed the boundaries with this upcoming game and it’ll show.

This is looking like a great game so far. | Image Credit: id Software

We’ve gotten a lot of details regarding the game in the last few weeks, including the recent Xbox Developer Direct. The devs have also made some statements regarding the game, including their focus on the single-player campaign, the action, and the exploration.

Doom: The Dark Ages has a lot of good things going for it

The developers have made many good decisions here. | Image Credit: id Software

id Software has made some bold moves with Doom: The Dark Ages and the first one is probably the biggest because the game will not include any multiplayer whatsoever. In an early presentation with the press (via Wccftech) Studio head Marty Stratton explained that cutting multiplayer freed resources to develop features like the Atlan mech and dragon-riding sequences.

Multiplayer is one of the biggest facets of the Doom franchise but Stratton notes By focusing exclusively on single-player, The Dark Ages aims to deliver the “biggest and best” campaign the franchise has ever seen, which is the second point. The game isn’t an open-world or anything so you can calm down. But despite this, we can expect a lot.

From the information that’s out there, we should see large sandbox-style levels with multiple objectives, secret caves, and dungeon-like mines. It seems like the devs are trying to find a balance between giving players the freedom to explore, but also maintaining a linear plot.

Fans of classic Doom will appreciate the return of strafing-based combat, encouraging movement and close-quarters battles. The developers also added a physics-driven Glory Kill system and early looks at the melee strikes and finishing moves are very impressive. You can bet that the visceral aspect of the franchise is making a bold appearance.

id Software is changing things up from its proven formula

The storytelling will be completely different from older games. | Image Credit: id Software

For the first time, Doom: The Dark Ages is taking a different approach in terms of how it tells the story. You’ll remember that in the older titles, the story and lore were mostly tucked behind codexes. But it would seem we’re getting a more cinematic and front-heavy style of storytelling. The best part is that id Software is taking lessons learned from Doom Eternal to make quality-of-life changes that we’ll appreciate.

And lastly, the combat has seen a lot of changes from its predecessor. Combat in Doom: The Dark Ages has been designed to feel more powerful and fluid. The Slayer is still fast, but his movement has been changed so he feels more like an “iron tank.” We’re getting new weapons like the Shield Saw, which combines offense and defense, allowing players to seamlessly block, throw, and parry.

The only con that the game has against it so far is its hefty $70 price tag. There has been a troubling trend lately of developers increasing the cost of games. And while gamers have already admitted that good quality games can ask for hefty prices, $70 might be too much for any game regardless of quality.

Will you be playing Doom: The Dark Ages when it comes out? Let us know in the comments!