Doom: The Dark Ages will be without multiplayer, but with a focus on a large-scale campaign
id Software has officially confirmed that the upcoming game Doom: The Dark Ages will focus exclusively on a single-player campaign, without a multiplayer mode. According to the head of the studio, Marty Stretton, this decision was made in the early stages of development to focus all resources on creating the "biggest and best campaign in Doom history".
Here's What We Know
Doom: The Dark Ages takes players to a medieval setting where they learn the story of the Doom Slayer. The game abandons the acrobatic elements of the previous instalments in favour of a heavier and more powerful combat style. Among the new features is the Shield Saw, a shield with built-in blades that allows players to block, deflect and attack enemies. Players will also be able to use new weapons, such as the Skull Crusher, which crushes enemy skulls and shoots bone fragments.
The developers aim to make the game more accessible by simplifying the controls compared to Doom Eternal, but maintaining a high level of difficulty for hardcore players. The game will feature large battle arenas, the ability to control a 30-storey mech, and ride on the back of a dragon!
The absence of multiplayer may seem unexpected to long-time fans of the series, given Doom's historical role in popularising the deathmatch mode. However, current trends and the focus of players on intense single-player campaigns make this decision quite reasonable.
Doom: The Dark Ages is scheduled for release on 15 May 2025 for PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X, with availability on Game Pass from day one.
Source: Game File
