The Dark Ages Returns to Its Roots With Brutal Combat and the Soon-To-Be-Iconic Shield Saw

The latest Xbox Developer_Direct showcase has given us our most extensive look yet at DOOM: The Dark Ages, and it’s nothing short of magnificent. id Software’s ambitious prequel to Doom (2016) seems determined to redefine what we expect from the franchise, while simultaneously paying homage to its roots in the most brutal way possible.

In an era where many shooters are becoming increasingly complex, The Dark Ages appears to be taking a refreshingly different approach. Gone are the acrobatic gymnastics of Doom Eternal, replaced instead with something that feels both new and nostalgic—a combat system that emphasizes raw power and momentum over aerial ballet. And at the center of it all? A weapon that might just revolutionize how we slay demons.

Just 111 days separate us from the game’s May 15th, 2025 release date, and based on what we’ve seen, every single one of those days is going to feel like an eternity.

A return to form for the Doom Slayer

The moment the gameplay footage began rolling, one thing became crystal clear—Doom: The Dark Ages isn’t just another sequel; it’s a fundamental reimagining of what makes Doom tick. Gone are the days of bouncing around arenas like a caffeinated kangaroo.

Instead, id Software is channeling the spirit of the original games in a way that feels both fresh and familiar:

In Doom Eternal, you felt like a fighter jet. In Doom: The Dark Ages, you’ll be an iron tank. Heavy, strong, but still fast. A grounded combat system with an emphasis on power over the acrobatics of Doom Eternal. And a balance between enemy projectiles and player movement speed that makes strafing to aim viable again, just like in the classic Doom games.

But don’t mistake this return to form for a step backward. The developers are quick to point out that innovation remains at the forefront of their design philosophy. The Shield Saw, in particular, stands out as a game-changing addition to the Slayer’s arsenal:

As they further explain:

But it’s not all about nostalgia. Innovation is the goal, always. Let me introduce you to the Shield Saw. Block…Throw… Parry… Deflect. All from one input. It’s contextual. Tons of depth on a single button press.

The Shield Saw isn’t just another pretty murder machine—it’s a versatile tool that fundamentally changes how you approach combat. Whether you’re deflecting projectiles, crushing demons with a well-timed throw, or using it to traverse the environment, this new weapon promises to be as satisfying to master as it is brutal to witness in action.

Standing your ground in The Dark Ages

While the Shield Saw might be stealing the spotlight, it’s far from the only trick up the Slayer’s armored sleeve. The arsenal in The Dark Ages reads like a medieval torture enthusiast’s Christmas list: a spiked mace that would make Morningstar jealous, an electrified gauntlet that turns demons into conductor practice, and guns that look like they were forged in Hell’s own foundries.

So in 2016, we asked you to run and gun. In Doom Eternal, it was jump and shoot. And in Doom: The Dark Ages, you’re gonna stand and fight. And the Shield Saw will give you the strength to go head-to-head with some of the biggest, baddest demons we’ve ever created at id.

And when they say “biggest,” they mean it literally. The game will feature encounters with building-sized demons that you’ll face off against while piloting a 30-story mech called the Atlan. Because apparently, id Software looked at the phrase “over the top” and decided to use it as a starting point.

The combat system has been completely reimagined to support this new “stand and fight” philosophy. Instead of constantly seeking high ground or dancing through the air, players will need to master the art of strategic positioning and timing. It’s a change that promises to make every encounter feel like an epic showdown rather than a gymnastic routine.

What do you think about Doom: The Dark Ages’ new direction? Are you excited to trade in your jetpack for a Shield Saw? Let us know in the comments below!