DOOM The Dark Ages Wiki: Complete Prequel Reference Guide

Overview DOOM The Dark Ages is the prequel to DOOM (2016), released in 2025. It fills the gap between the original DOOM (1993) and the modern reboot, focusing on the Doom Slayer's early years as he rises among the Argenta. The game was developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, running on an upgraded version of the id Tech 7 engine. Expect 15-20 hours for a first playthrough, with an additional 10-15 for completionists hunting all collectibles.

Story Guide The narrative centers on the Argenta civilization, a medieval-futuristic human society that discovered Hell and used its energy. The player character is the Doom Slayer, originally a mortal warrior named “the Dark Lord” who defied the Maykrs. Key plot points:

**Act 1**: The Slayer is betrayed by the Argenta nobility and cast into Hell’s outer wastes. Levels like “The Fallen Keep” and “Brimstone Fields” establish his survival.

**Act 2**: He allies with the Sentinel order and learns to forge the Crucible. Missions include “The Armory of the Ancients” and “The First Sin.”

**Act 3**: The Slayer confronts the Maykr council and discovers the truth about the Icon of Sin’s origin. The final level, “The Dark Throne,” ends with him sealing Hell’s portals. This timeline places the game roughly 500 years before the events of DOOM (2016), as confirmed by lore tablets referencing the “First Age.”

Weapons The arsenal blends medieval weapons with advanced tech. Here’s the full list: | Weapon | Type | Damage (per hit) | Range | Special Ability | |--------|------|------------------|-------|-----------------| | Crucible Sword | Melee | 500 | Close | Charged slam (AoE 10m) | | Hellshot | Energy | 150 | Medium | Burst fire (3 rounds) | | Ballista (Mark I) | Projectile | 300 | Long | Pierces shields | | Chain Gun (Medieval) | Ranged | 40 per bullet | Long | Overheat system (100 rounds) | | Siege Hammer | Melee/Explosive | 600 | Close | Ground pound (stun 3s) | | Plasmabolt | Energy | 100 | Medium | Stun effect (2s) | | Sentinel Shield | Melee | 200 | Close | Blocks projectiles (50% damage) | **New weapons** include the Siege Hammer (replaces the Super Shotgun’s role) and the Plasmabolt (a stun-focused pistol). The Crucible now has a charge mechanic—hold to slam the ground, dealing 500 damage in a 10-meter radius. All weapons can be upgraded with Sentinel tokens found in secret areas.

Demons Expect 20 demon types, 12 returning and 8 new. Key new additions:

**Hellguard**: A shielded humanoid with a flail. Weakness: shield breaks after 3 Ballista shots.

**Brimstone Fiend**: A flying imp that spews fireballs. Health: 200 HP. Best countered with the Chain Gun.

**The Warden**: A massive, armored brute that guards key areas. Health: 2000 HP. Requires Crucible slams to stagger.

**Soul Eater**: A spectral demon that drains health (50 HP per second). Weak to Plasmabolt stuns. Returning favorites include the Imp, Cacodemon, and Mancubus, but with tweaked stats. Hell Knights now have 800 HP (up from 500 in DOOM 2016) and can charge attacks.

Levels and Collectibles The game has 12 levels, each with 10-15 collectibles. Breakdown:

**Argent D'Nur**: 4 levels (city, cathedral, armory, throne room). Contains 20 lore tablets, 10 demon skulls, 20 Sentinel tokens.

**Hell’s Outer Cities**: 5 levels (waste plains, fortress, arena, prison, forge). Contains 20 lore tablets, 25 demon skulls, 20 Sentinel tokens.

**The Abyss**: 3 levels (void, temple, boss arena). Contains 10 lore tablets, 15 demon skulls, 10 Sentinel tokens. **Collectibles guide**:

*Lore tablets*: Usually hidden behind breakable walls or in side rooms. Use the audio cues (a faint hum) to locate them.

*Demon skulls*: Found on ledges or after destroying demon-spawning totems. Each totem yields 1 skull.

*Sentinel tokens*: Reward for completing combat challenges (e.g., kill 10 demons with melee within 60 seconds).

*Secret encounters*: Triggered by stepping on glowing runes. Defeat 3 waves of demons for a weapon mod. **Level highlight**: “The First Sin” is the hardest level—a 30-minute gauntlet with 5 arenas and a boss fight against the Maykr Archon (3000 HP). Collectibles here are well-hidden; check the ceiling for a lore tablet near the final elevator.

Tips and Strategies

**Crucible management**: The sword has 3 charge bars. Use slams sparingly—they consume 1 bar but can clear groups of 5+ demons. Save the final bar for boss encounters.

**Weapon combos**: Start with Plasmabolt to stun a heavy demon, then switch to Siege Hammer for a kill shot. This works well against Hellguards.

**Level secrets**: In “The Fallen Keep,” destroy the second statue from the left to reveal a hidden room with a Sentinel token and a lore tablet about the Slayer’s origins.

**Difficulty scaling**: On “Ultra-Nightmare,” enemies deal 200% damage and drop no ammo. Prioritize melee kills with the Crucible to conserve resources.

FAQ **Q: When does DOOM The Dark Ages take place in the timeline?** A: It’s set centuries before DOOM (2016), during the First Age of the Argenta. Lore tablets confirm it’s about 500 years prior, when the Slayer was still known as the Dark Lord. **Q: How many collectibles are there, and are they missable?** A: 150 total: 50 lore tablets, 50 demon skulls, 50 Sentinel tokens, plus 10 secret encounters. None are missable—you can replay levels via the mission select menu after completing the story. **Q: What’s the best weapon for the final boss?** A: The Crucible sword is essential for staggering the Maykr Archon. Use its charged slam to break shield phases, then switch to the Ballista for ranged damage. Bring at least 3 health packs.