Doom the Dark Ages, Rip and Tear Medieval Style

Rip and tear… but this time with a flail and shield.

In this episode of Game Pass or Pass, we break down everything we know so far about DOOM: The Dark Ages, the next brutal entry in id Software’s iconic franchise — and it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Set in a dark medieval world, this prequel to 2016’s DOOM reinvents the Slayer as a knight-like figure, battling demonic hordes with brutal melee weapons, heavy siege-inspired firearms, and a rideable cybernetic dragon.

We cover:

Gameplay evolution: How id is blending high-speed FPS mechanics with grounded, gritty close-quarters combat — and what that means for longtime fans

New weapons: Including the shield-saw (think Captain America meets chainsaw) and a bone-shattering flail built for crowd control and brutality

Setting and tone: A complete shift from sci-fi Mars to a gothic, hell-torn kingdom that feels part Dark Souls, part DOOM Eternal

The Dragon: Yes, the Slayer rides a biomechanical dragon into battle

Design philosophy: Why id says this is their most cinematic, story-rich DOOM yet, without sacrificing speed or savagery