Bethesda and id Software have officially unleashed a brand-new trailer for DOOM: The Dark Ages, surprising fans with a dramatic reveal during WrestleMania 41. The game, a dark fantasy prequel to the modern DOOM saga, is set for release on May 15, 2025, and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can expect access on day one.
The trailer takes a bold leap into a grittier, medieval-inspired setting, showcasing the Doom Slayer like never before. Armed with brutal new weapons, including a “Saw Shield” capable of slicing through hordes of demons, the Slayer takes on terrifying enemies in large-scale battles. The action is more visceral, the environments darker, and the combat noticeably more grounded than the fast-paced chaos of DOOM Eternal.
Adding to the spectacle, WWE superstar Drew McIntyre made a show-stopping entrance at WrestleMania dressed as the Doom Slayer himself, tying the game’s reveal directly into the main event. It was a pop culture crossover moment that had both DOOM fans and wrestling fans buzzing.
The game introduces several bold new mechanics, including piloting a massive mech and riding a cybernetic dragon—gameplay moments teased briefly in the trailer that suggest DOOM: The Dark Ages is aiming to take the franchise into new and ambitious territory.
Serving as a narrative prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, this entry explores the origins of the Doom Slayer in a war-ravaged medieval world overrun by demonic forces. The game puts a greater emphasis on melee combat and strategic pacing, diverging slightly from the speedrun-style movement and rapid gunplay the franchise is known for. However, it still retains the series’ signature intensity and brutal execution style that fans expect.
Players can now pre-order DOOM: The Dark Ages, with options including Standard, Premium, and Collector’s Editions. The Premium Edition offers up to 48 hours of early access before the official launch. Bethesda has also confirmed that this installment will focus solely on single-player gameplay, allowing the developers to dive deeper into world-building and narrative.
With the hype now in full swing, this dark twist on the DOOM universe looks poised to capture both longtime fans and newcomers with its blend of medieval warfare, high-tech weaponry, and demonic mayhem. The countdown to May 2025 begins—and it’s looking hellishly good.
