The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Video Game›DOOM: The Dark Ages
Entertainment • Video Game

DOOM: The Dark Ages

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a 2025 single-player first-person shooter developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a 2025 single-player first-person shooter developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. It is a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, set in a dark fantasy/science-fiction medieval war against Hell.

Gameplay

The game is a single-player action first-person shooter focused on the Doom Slayer’s combat against demonic forces. Promotional material highlights large-scale battles, over-the-top weapons, and a darker medieval setting.

Premise

DOOM: The Dark Ages is set before DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal and presents an origin-era story for the Doom Slayer’s legend. The setting blends fantasy imagery with science-fiction elements in a war against Hell.

Development and release

The game was developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. It was released on May 15, 2025 for Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Key facts

  • DOOM: The Dark Ages is a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal.
  • It is the third installment of the modern DOOM series.
  • The game follows the Doom Slayer in a medieval conflict against Hell.
  • It was released on May 15, 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
  • The game uses the latest idTech engine.
🍁
Canadian context

The game was released in Canada on the same major platforms as elsewhere and is relevant to Canadian players through PC and console availability, including Xbox Game Pass marketing.

Frequently asked questions

Is DOOM: The Dark Ages a prequel?
Yes. Bethesda and other official materials describe it as a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal.
What type of game is it?
It is a single-player first-person shooter with dark fantasy and science-fiction elements.
Who developed DOOM: The Dark Ages?
It was developed by id Software.
Who published the game?
Bethesda Softworks published the game.
When was it released?
It was released on May 15, 2025.
Which platforms received it?
The game was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

References

  1. Bethesda — https://doom.bethesda.net/en-US/the-dark-ages
    Supports: Official description as a prequel, single-player dark fantasy/sci-fi FPS, and use of the idTech engine.
  2. Bethesda Softworks — https://slayersclub.bethesda.net/en-US/article/doom-the-dark-ages-gameplay-revealed
    Supports: Official launch date and platform availability.
  3. Steam — https://store.steampowered.com/app/3017860/DOOM_The_Dark_Ages/
    Supports: Release date, genre, single-player designation, and official game description.
  4. PlayStation — https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/doom-the-dark-ages/
    Supports: Release date, prequel status, and platform availability on PlayStation 5.