DOOM: The Dark Ages

Dark fantasy FPS with shield parries and demon-filled medieval battlefields

id Software · Published by Bethesda Softworks · Released May 14, 2025

Reviews: Very Positive; 88% of 46K
Recent reviews: Very Positive; 90% of 750 in 30 days
Playing now: 615; right now
Steam Deck: Verified
Last update: 1 month ago; Jul 29, 2026

What is DOOM: The Dark Ages?

A single-player first-person shooter and prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, set during a dark fantasy and sci-fi medieval war against Hell. As the Doom Slayer, you cross large levels and fight demon hordes with guns, melee attacks, and the Shield Saw while bound to serve gods and kings.

For you if...

+you prefer heavier, stand-your-ground combat over constant aerial movement
+you enjoy dark fantasy mixed with science fiction
+you want a cinematic single-player shooter campaign

Not for you if...

−you mainly want competitive or cooperative multiplayer modes
−you dislike graphic gore and constant demon combat
−you prefer compact stages with little exploration

What players say

88% of 46,115 reviews are positive · 90% of 750 in the last 30 days

Players most often praise the Shield Saw and parry system, the heavier combat style, and the dark medieval art direction. Common complaints call the combat repetitive and less fluid than earlier modern entries, with overused parries, bloated levels, underwhelming mech and dragon sections, and a less memorable soundtrack. Many also consider the campaign poor value at full price.

Screenshots and trailer

DOOM: The Dark Ages system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows 10 64-Bit / Windows 11 64-Bit
Processor: AMD Zen 2 or Intel 10th Generation CPU @3.2Ghz with 8 cores / 16 threads or better (examples: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X or better, or Intel Core i7 10700K or better)
Graphics: NVIDIA or AMD hardware Raytracing-capable GPU with 8GB dedicated VRAM or better (examples: NVIDIA RTX 2060 SUPER or better, AMD RX 6600 or better)
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Storage: 100 GB available space
Notes: 1080p / 60 FPS / Low Quality Settings, NVME SSD storage required

OS: Windows 10 64-Bit / Windows 11 64-Bit
Processor: AMD Zen 3 or Intel 12th Generation CPU @3.2Ghz with 8 cores / 16 threads or better (examples: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X or better, or Intel Core i7 12700K or better)
Graphics: NVIDIA or AMD hardware Raytracing-capable GPU with 10GB dedicated VRAM or better (examples: NVIDIA RTX 3080 or better, AMD RX 6800 or better)
Memory: 32 GB RAM
Storage: 100 GB available space
Notes: 1440p / 60 FPS / High Quality Settings, NVME SSD storage required

PC version details

DRM, required accounts, controller support and Steam features.

DRM: Denuvo Anti-Tamper
Controller: Full controller support
Platforms: Windows
Achievements: 38
Steam features: Cloud saves, Family Sharing, Trading cards, HDR
Age rating: 17+

Steam Deck: Verified

All functionality is accessible with the default controller configuration
Shows Steam Deck controller icons
In-game text is legible on Steam Deck
Default graphics settings perform well on Steam Deck
First time setup requires active internet connection
External controllers are not supported for the primary player

Multiplayer and co-op

Single-player

Languages

Full audio: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish - Spain, Polish, Portuguese - Brazil, Russian, Spanish - Latin America, Japanese. Text only: Arabic, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Turkish.