The gates of Hell have opened once more. But this time, the Slayer isn't stepping into a neon-soaked techno-future. No—Doom: The Dark Ages hurls you back into the blood-slicked forges of a war-torn medieval nightmare, where ancient steel and infernal fire collide in unrelenting carnage. Whether you're a hardened veteran of the franchise or a newcomer drawn to the chaos, one thing is clear: your rig better be ready to rip and tear.
In this blog, we’ll dive blade-first into the core elements of Doom: The Dark Ages, explore what makes it one of the most brutal and visually demanding shooters in years, and help you forge a PC worthy of slaying demons.
Setting the Stage: A Medieval Twist on Hell
Before he was feared by Hell itself, the Doom Slayer was a weapon of the Maykrs. The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, chronicling the origin story of gaming's most terrifying protagonist.
Expect to encounter iconic figures from the lore, including King Novik and Kreed Maykr, alongside new enemies like Prince Ahzrak—a corrupted noble who commands legions of blasphemous beasts. The narrative is rich, deeper than previous entries, but never overstays its welcome. Cutscenes are tight, and lore entries can be consumed at your own pace. Just how Doom should be.
Combat & Gameplay: Weight Over Speed
If Doom Eternal was a ballet of blood, The Dark Ages is a hammer to the face.
Combat in The Dark Ages is heavier, more deliberate, and absolutely ferocious. You still dash, rip, and glory kill, but the pace feels more methodical—like stalking through a cathedral of gore. It trades some of Eternal's agility for raw power, and it works.
New Tools of Destruction:
- Shield Saw – Block, parry, and carve demons with brutal efficiency.
- Skull Crusher – A hand-cannon that fires sharpened bone shards.
- Gauntlet, Flail, and Mace – Bring the pain up close and personal.
- Mech Battles & Dragon Rides – Yeah. It’s as awesome as it sounds.
Boss fights are tighter, encounters nastier, and the new parry system rewards mastery and timing. Throw in slow-mo Glory Kills and it's clear: this is the most tactical Doom yet.
Upgrades and Collectibles: Building the Slayer
To survive the onslaught, you’ll need more than fury. You’ll need upgrades.
- Demonic Essence: Kill elite enemies marked with a glowing sigil to permanently boost your health.
- Sentinel Shrines: Upgrade your weapons with powerful mods.
- Collectibles: From Codex entries to hidden skins and toys, exploration pays.
We recommend focusing on health and weapon upgrades early. The Shield Saw, in particular, becomes an absolute monster with a few shrine buffs.
Visuals and Sound: Doom’s Darkest Look Yet
The Dark Ages looks incredible.
Textures are filthy with detail, from rusted iron to slick, glistening demon flesh. The world is alive with fire, decay, and lightning. Every frame looks like a heavy metal album cover brought to life.
Mick Gordon might not return, but the soundtrack delivers with thundering percussion and guttural riffs. From the opening menu to the final boss, the audio design is a visceral companion to every kill.
Can Your PC Handle the Wrath?
| Requirement |
Minimum |
Recommended |
| OS |
64-bit Windows 10/11 |
64-bit Windows 10/11 |
| Processor |
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X / Intel Core i7-10700K or better |
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X / Intel Core i7-12700K or better |
| Memory |
16 GB RAM |
32 GB RAM |
| Graphics Card |
NVIDIA RTX 2060 SUPER / AMD RX 6600 or better (8 GB VRAM) |
NVIDIA RTX 3080 / AMD RX 6800 or better (10 GB VRAM) |
| Storage |
100 GB available space (NVMe SSD required) |
100 GB available space (NVMe SSD required) |
| Additional Notes |
1080p / 60 FPS / Low Quality Settings |
1440p / 60 FPS / High Quality Settings |
System Requirements: Forge Your Machine for War
Operating System:
You’ll need either Windows 10 or Windows 11 to stand a chance. But make no mistake — Windows 11 is the superior battleground. With support for Windows 10 ending soon, now’s the time to ascend. Need an upgrade? We’ve got Windows 11 Home and Pro locked, loaded, and ready.
