The Dark Ages: Launching May 15 on PlayStation.Blog

Hey, everyone! Hugo Martin here, the game director over at id Software. I’m thrilled to talk to you today about Doom: The Dark Ages, which is launching on May 15 for PlayStation 5. It’s hard to believe, but it’s getting so close!

For those who’ve been keeping up with our updates, Doom: The Dark Ages has been designed around three key experiences: a compelling story, intense combat, and rich exploration. But you’re probably here for something new, something fresh that no one else knows yet. Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got an exclusive tidbit for you.

We genuinely believe Doom: The Dark Ages might just be the best Doom installment yet—though of course, we’ll leave the final verdict to you. We’ve poured our hearts into this game, ensuring every single feature shines. Imagine 22 action-packed levels overflowing with cutting-edge FPS gameplay. Plus, we’ve introduced new gameplay tweaks like the Shield Saw, a flail, and some wild new weapons. The story is an adrenaline-pumping experience from start to finish.

And did I mention the expansive environments ready for exploration?

We’re particularly excited about one new setting that stands out for Doom—a realm we’ve never ventured into before but have long desired to integrate into our universe: the Cosmic Realm. Picture yourself wandering through the otherworldly grandeur of this Lovecraftian domain, unearthing its mysteries and clashing with its bizarre denizens.

An unsettling alliance has been formed between Hell and the Cosmic Realm. You’ll need to dive into the narrative to understand why, but know this: it’s spawned a terrifying array of new enemies for the Slayer to conquer.

Meet foes like the Cosmic Baron. Armed with twin blades, he charges with unyielding intensity, even unleashing a barrage of psionic attacks from afar that can decimate your health and block your shots. But there’s hope—with skill and courage, you can exploit his attack patterns for the perfect counter.

In Doom: The Dark Ages, top-tier enemies demand this kind of boldness. You’ll dodge a storm of projectiles, reminiscent of classic Doom, before engaging in fierce confrontations with the mightiest demons we’ve ever crafted.

After vanquishing the Cosmic Baron, stay alert. Looming on the horizon is the fearsome Cacodemon, a chilling hybrid of the two dimensions, debuting in this game. This hovering menace can immobilize you using advanced shielding and is more than ready to devastate you with brutal tentacle strikes if you get too close.

But fear not—combat these adversaries with your new secret weapon: the Reaver Chainshot. This ancient tool from other realms is a powerful iron mace promising pure devastation.

Fire it for rapid attacks on a single target, or hold the trigger to charge the Chaos Sphere, unleashing devastating long-range melee assaults. This weapon elevates Doom: The Dark Ages’ melee combat to unparalleled levels of destruction. Its sound, design, and visuals are phenomenal, and you’ll love wielding it in battle.

There are tons more secrets waiting to be uncovered and legends waiting to be crafted in this new universe we’ve crafted for you. I think you’ll find your journey in the Cosmic Realm packed with intrigue and thrilling battles. Playing on your PlayStation 5 will reveal stunning graphics achieved with our state-of-the-art idTech 8 engine.

The advancements in idTech 8 are game-changing—huge vistas, more foes, enhanced destruction, superior feedback, and an overall stellar gaming experience. The fully dynamic lighting, powered by ray tracing, has not only sped up our development but enabled us to craft better art with greater efficiency. And with the game running at a silky-smooth 60 fps on PlayStation, the experience will be as striking to play as it is to watch.

There’s so much more to share, but we wanted to save some treats for our loyal Sony fans as we approach launch day. We’re beyond excited to let you dive into this experience. It’s the biggest, most comprehensive, epic game we have ever crafted at id, and it fits perfectly into the power of the PlayStation 5. There’ll be more to discover, weapons and abilities to acquire, and demons to obliterate when Doom: The Dark Ages drops on May 15. (And if you grab the Premium Edition, you can start the slaying festivities early on May 13!*)

All of us at id extend our deepest thanks for your support and your time.

*Remember, actual playtimes are influenced by your purchase date and time zones, and are subject to possible interruptions.