DOOM: The Dark Ages Guide – Quick Tips & Tricks to Dominate

Before He Was a Legend…

The Slayer’s legend was not forged in a single, frenzied dance of death. Before the aerial ballet of Eternal, there was the inexorable march of a titan. Welcome to DOOM: The Dark Ages, where you are not the storm; you are the mountain it breaks against. This is a prequel, a glimpse into the Slayer’s rage during his prime with the Night Sentinels, long before he was entombed in his sarcophagus.

Forget what you know of the hyper-mobile, acrobatic combat of recent memory. The core philosophy of DOOM: The Dark Ages is “Stand and Fight.” This is a deliberate and powerful shift, transforming the Slayer from an unstoppable force into an immovable object. He is an iron tank, a walking fortress whose combat is grounded, heavy, and devastatingly impactful. This design returns to the roots of classic DOOM, emphasizing strategic strafing and weaving through patterns of enemy fire.

This change is not merely a new mechanic; it is a systemic overhaul. The removal of the double jump and dash is filled by the mighty Shield Saw. The slower, more deliberate weapon handling encourages tactical commitment. The cinematic Glory Kills have been reforged into a fluid, physics-based execution system that never wrests control from your hands. The controls have been streamlined, made more ergonomic, so that your focus is on fighting the demons, not the controller.

This tome is your codex. It contains the sacred knowledge required to master this new rhythm of war. Within these pages, you will find every technique, every hidden mechanic, and every tactical advantage needed to transform yourself from a mere soldier into the super weapon of gods and kings. Prepare yourself, Slayer. Your crusade begins now.

Part I: The Foundation of Fury – Core Combat Principles

To master DOOM: The Dark Ages, you must first understand its soul. The combat is a brutal symphony with a new, deliberate tempo. It is a cycle of defense, punishment, and resource generation that rewards patience and tactical aggression.

The New Rhythm of Rip and Tear

The core combat loop is a powerful trinity of actions. Master this, and you will never falter.

1. Embrace the “Stand, Parry, Punish” Cycle. Your journey begins with defense. Stand your ground against the demonic onslaught. Wait for the telltale green glow of a Hell Surge attack. A successful Parry is not just a defensive move; it is the trigger for your entire offensive chain.
2. Parrying is Your Gateway to Power. A successful parry does more than just deflect damage. It recharges your powerful melee weapon. Think of it as drawing power from the enemy’s own fury and turning it back against them.
3. Melee is Your Source of Ammunition. With your melee weapon charged, unleash it upon your foes. Every successful melee strike forces demons to bleed ammunition for your guns. This is the second link in the chain: converting defensive success into offensive resources.
4. Guns Complete the Cycle. With your ammo replenished, you are free to unleash overwhelming firepower. Your guns are for sustained damage and controlling the battlefield while you wait for the next parry opportunity, thus completing the cycle.
5. Practice the Rhythm. The flow of combat in DOOM: The Dark Ages is: Stand your ground, Parry to charge melee, use Melee to gain ammo, then fire your Guns until the next parry opportunity arises. It is a rhythm of charging up and unleashing devastating bursts of power.
6. Master the Un-Synced Execution. The Glory Kill system has been reborn. Forget the cinematic, control-locking animations of the past. Executions are now a seamless, physics-based part of combat that you control completely.
7. Execute From Any Angle. When an enemy is staggered and vulnerable, you can perform an execution from any direction without interrupting your movement. It is a fluid finisher, not a pause in the action.
8. Chain Your Executions. The new system allows you to stagger multiple enemies at once. You can then carve a path through them, executing each one in a single, brutal run without stopping. It feels less like a series of single takedowns and more like wading through a field of gore.
9. Executions Still Grant Invincibility. Though faster and more fluid, executions still grant a brief window of invincibility. Use this moment to reposition, assess the battlefield, or simply catch a breath in the heart of the chaos.
10. Combine Executions with Movement. Since you are always in control, you can weave executions into your movement. Execute a demon on the left, then immediately use a Shield Charge to cross the arena and engage another target. The flow is unbroken.

Mastering Momentum in DOOM: The Dark Ages

Though grounded, the Slayer is far from slow. Your momentum is now more deliberate and targeted, channeled through powerful new abilities that turn you into a battlefield battering ram.

11. The Shield Charge is Your New Dash. With no air dash, the Shield Charge is your primary tool for rapid repositioning. Hold the block button to lock onto an enemy, then press the trigger to launch yourself toward them like a cannonball.
12. Use the Shield Charge to Engage. See a high-priority target across the arena? Charge them. Instantly close the distance and open your attack with a point-blank shotgun blast or a devastating melee strike.
13. Use the Shield Charge to Disengage. The Shield Charge is also a powerful escape tool. If you are overwhelmed, target a demon on the far side of the arena and launch yourself out of the fray to a safer position.
14. Gain Verticality with the Shield Charge. Many combat arenas in DOOM: The Dark Ages have verticality. Target an enemy on a ledge above you to rocket upward, gaining a height advantage or reaching a tactical position.
15. The Charge is an Offensive Weapon. Remember that the Shield Charge itself deals significant area-of-effect damage upon impact. Aim for a demon in the middle of a fodder pack to clear them all out in a single, explosive blow.
16. Unleash “Death From Above.” The Slayer’s sheer weight is now a weapon. When you fall from any significant height, your landing unleashes a massive shockwave that instantly obliterates any fodder demons caught in the blast.
17. Scan Arenas for Stomp Opportunities. As you enter a new combat space, immediately look for small ledges, ramps, or hills. Even a small drop is enough to trigger the ground-shattering shockwave.
18. Integrate Stomps into Your Combat Flow. Use a Shield Charge to get to a high point, then leap down into a group of enemies below. This combination of a targeted charge followed by an area-of-effect stomp is a devastating opening move.
19. Combine Stomps with Your Shield. If you are dropping from a high platform, you can initiate a Shield Charge mid-air on a demon below. This makes you land faster and immediately follows your charge’s impact with the ground stomp, creating a double-dip of area damage.
20. Don’t Underestimate Fodder Clearing. The shockwave stomp is your most efficient tool for clearing out lesser demons. Use it frequently to thin the herd so you can focus your attention on the heavier threats.

The Resource Loop Reimagined

Resources are the lifeblood of your crusade. The new system in DOOM: The Dark Ages rewards a specific, aggressive playstyle centered on the interplay between your core abilities.

21. The Resource Triangle is Law. Memorize this loop: Parry -> Melee -> Ammo. Every action feeds the next. Your survival depends on keeping this cycle flowing.
22. Melee is Your Ammo Generator. Do not think of your melee weapon as just a damage tool. It is your primary method for replenishing ammunition. If you are running low on shells or cells, the answer is not to run away; it is to punch a demon in the face.
23. Spend Your Melee Charges Freely. Your melee attacks operate on charges that regenerate over time. Do not hoard them for a “perfect moment.” Use them as soon as they are available to keep your ammo reserves topped off.
24. Parrying Accelerates Everything. A successful parry not only opens an enemy to attack but also speeds up the recharge of your melee weapon. The more you parry, the more you can melee, and the more ammo you will have. Defense directly fuels your offense.
25. Aggression is Rewarded at Low Health. When your health is critical, demons will drop more health pickups by default. The game is designed to push you forward, not back. When you are near death, the most effective strategy is to charge into the fray and fight for your life.

Part II: The Shield Saw – An Extension of Your Will

The Shield Saw is the heart of your new arsenal in DOOM: The Dark Ages. It is a defensive bastion, an offensive battering ram, a traversal tool, and a key to unlocking the game’s deepest synergies. To master the game is to master the shield.

Immovable Object: Blocking & Parrying Essentials

Your shield has two primary defensive functions, dictated by the color of your enemy’s attack. Learning to read these tells is the first step toward invincibility.

26. Red Means Block. When an enemy unleashes an attack with a red glow, it cannot be parried. Raise your shield to block and absorb the damage. Be warned: your shield has its own health and will break if it takes too much punishment, leaving you vulnerable during its cooldown.
27. Green Means Go (For the Parry). A green glow signifies a “Hell Surge” attack. This is your moment. Time your block for the instant before the attack connects to perform a parry. This will reflect projectiles back to their sender or stagger a melee attacker, leaving them wide open.
28. The Parry Window is Generous. Especially on standard difficulties, the timing for a parry is quite forgiving. Do not be intimidated. Practice standing your ground and timing your blocks. You will master it faster than you think.
29. Adjust the Parry Window for Your Playstyle. If you are struggling with the timing, or if you find it too easy, DOOM: The Dark Ages includes accessibility options to adjust the parry window. You can make it wider for an easier experience or narrower for a greater challenge.
30. Parrying is Essential for Certain Enemies. While you can defeat many demons with raw firepower, some heavier foes and bosses are nearly impossible to beat without mastering the parry. Their attack patterns are specifically designed to be countered, so learn this skill early.

Unstoppable Force: The Shield Charge & Throw

The shield is not just for defense. It is one of your most versatile and powerful offensive tools, capable of controlling the battlefield from any range.

31. Master the Crowd-Clearing Charge. The Shield Charge’s area-of-effect damage makes it perfect for plunging into clusters of fodder demons. A single, well-aimed charge can eliminate an entire group, saving you precious time and ammo.
32. Hunt for Stone Imps. A hidden synergy exists with the Stone Imp enemy variant. Hitting one with a Shield Charge will cause it to detonate in a massive explosion, dealing heavy damage to any other demons nearby.
33. Use the Charge as a Finisher. A Shield Charge can be used to perform an execution on a staggered enemy, just like a melee attack. This is an excellent way to combine a repositioning move with a resource-granting finisher.
34. Learn the “Heat and Shatter” Technique. Many enemies in DOOM: The Dark Ages carry metal shields or wear heavy armor. You cannot damage them directly. First, you must shoot their armor with your weapons (plasma weapons are especially effective) until it glows incandescent red. This is the “Heat” phase.
35. Shatter with the Shield Throw. Once the armor is superheated, unleash your Shield Throw. A single throw against heated metal will cause it to shatter spectacularly, destroying the enemy’s defense and leaving them vulnerable. For shielded fodder, this often results in an instant kill.
36. Line Up Your Throws. The Shield Throw can pass through multiple fodder demons, bisecting them all in a single toss. Look for opportunities where enemies are lined up to maximize its efficiency.
37. Stun-Lock Heavy Demons. Against larger, unarmored demons like the Mancubus or Arachnotron, a successful Shield Throw will embed the spinning saw into their flesh. This stuns them for a crucial few seconds, stopping their attacks and giving you a window for a high-damage follow-up.
38. Use the Time-Slow for Precision. If you are having trouble aiming your Shield Throw, especially against fast-moving targets like the Whiplash, hold down the throw button. This will temporarily slow down time, giving you the perfect opportunity to line up a devastating shot.
39. The Shield is Also a Puzzle Key. Your shield’s abilities are essential for exploration. Use the Shield Charge to break down weak walls marked with a circular symbol. Use the Shield Throw to break chains, activate distant energy nodes, or lodge it into flesh nodes to perform a “Recall Jump” across large gaps.
40. If You’re Stuck, Think Shield. Many of the secrets and alternate paths in DOOM: The Dark Ages are hidden behind an obstacle that requires the Shield Saw. If you cannot figure out how to proceed, the answer almost always involves a charge, a throw, or a recall jump.

Engraving Your Legend: Shield Upgrades & Runes

Sentinel Shrines allow you to spend your hard-earned resources to enhance your gear. Prioritizing your shield upgrades will pay dividends throughout your entire campaign.

41. Prioritize “Retaliation” Early. This is one of the most powerful early-game upgrades. It causes your successful parries to unleash a larger, more powerful shockwave that can stagger nearby demons, giving you valuable breathing room in a chaotic fight.
42. Invest in “Blade Master.” This upgrade increases the stun duration when your Shield Saw embeds in an enemy. This extended window is invaluable for dealing maximum damage to heavy demons before they can recover.
43. Unlock “Power Surge” for Shielded Enemies. This upgrade causes your thrown shield to bounce between enemies who carry energy shields. It is a fantastic tool for dealing with groups of shielded soldiers, turning one throw into a chain reaction of destruction.
44. “Harvester” Empowers Your Charge. This rune rewards you for clearing fodder with your shield throw. Killing multiple weak demons with a single throw will empower your next Shield Charge, allowing it to deal significantly increased damage to a primary target.
45. Look for Cross-Weapon Synergies. Do not just look at the shield’s own upgrade tree. Other weapons have upgrades that synergize with it. For example, an upgrade for the Shredder can cause its projectiles to ricochet out of an enemy that has your Shield Saw embedded in them, creating a deadly combo.
46. Equip the “Ground Fissure” Rune. This rune transforms your parry’s shockwave into a fissure of energy that travels along the ground, damaging and stunning enemies in its path. It is an excellent all-purpose rune for crowd control.
47. Unleash the “Holy Swarm.” This rune causes a successful parry to launch a cluster of homing daggers that seek out nearby enemies. It is a fantastic “fire-and-forget” ability that adds passive damage after a defensive action.
48. Deploy the “Auto Turret.” With this rune, parrying deploys a shoulder-mounted turret that automatically targets and fires at enemies for a short duration. This is perfect for maintaining pressure on a single target while you reposition.
49. Call Down the “Heaven Splitter.” This powerful rune changes your parry into a bolt of energy that calls down a lightning strike on the enemy it hits. This stuns the target and shocks those nearby, providing excellent crowd control and a damage boost.
50. Experiment with Runes. You can only have one Shield Rune equipped at a time. Experiment with each one to see which best complements your playstyle and the challenges of a particular combat encounter.

Hidden Tech & Quirks

Some mechanics are not explicitly taught. Knowing these small details can give you a significant edge.

51. Troubleshoot the Shield-Break Tutorial. Some Slayers have encountered a bug early in the game where the tutorial for shattering superheated shields does not register correctly. If you get stuck, try these community-sourced workarounds: aim at the enemy’s feet, throw the shield from a very long distance, or try shooting your own shield after you have thrown it.
52. Recall Your Shield Manually. After throwing your shield, you do not have to wait for it to return on its own. You can press the throw button again to manually recall it. This is crucial for quickly getting your defensive capabilities back online after stunning a target. Note that this only works if the shield has made contact with an enemy or object.

Part III: The Armory of Argent D’Nur – A Slayer’s Guide to Every Weapon

The arsenal of DOOM: The Dark Ages is a collection of medieval torture devices given a sci-fi upgrade. Each weapon is a tool, and a master Slayer knows which tool to use for every job. The philosophy here differs from Eternal; while you are not forced to swap constantly due to ammo scarcity, the sheer variety and power of your weapons will make you want to.

Weapons are organized into pairs that share the same ammunition type, effectively acting as each other’s alternate fire mode. Mastering the synergy between these pairs is key to dominating the battlefield.

Weapon Name	Weapon Type	Ammo Type	Effective Range	Chapter Found
Combat Shotgun	Shotgun	Shells	Close	Chapter 1
Super Shotgun	Shotgun	Shells	Close	Chapter 5
Rail Spike Shredder	Rail Spike	Spikes	All	Chapter 1
Rail Spike Impaler	Rail Spike	Spikes	Long	Chapter 4
Plasma Accelerator	Plasma	Cells	Close-Medium	Chapter 2
Plasma Cycler	Plasma	Cells	Close-Medium	Chapter 5
Skullcrusher Pulverizer	Skullcrusher	Skulls	Close-Medium	Chapter 4
Skullcrusher Ravager	Skullcrusher	Skulls	Close	Chapter 12
Reaver Chainshot	Chainshot	Cores	Long	Chapter 6
Grenade Launcher	Launcher	Grenades	Medium-Long	Chapter 8
Rocket Launcher	Launcher	Rockets	All	Chapter 10
Ballistic Force Crossbow (BFC)	BFC	Lances	All	Chapter 14
Power Gauntlet	Melee	Charges	Close	Chapter 1
Flail	Melee	Charges	Close	Chapter 6
Dreadmace	Melee	Charges	Close	Chapter 15

The Shotguns: Close-Quarters Brutality

53. Combat Shotgun: The Workhorse. Your first firearm is a reliable classic. Its tight spread and rhythmic shots are perfect for dealing with fodder and unarmored heavies at close range.
54. Upgrade the Combat Shotgun for Armor. Prioritize the “Smelt” upgrade. This enhancement causes your shots to ignite enemies, forcing them to drop valuable armor shards. This turns your basic shotgun into an armor factory, crucial for survival on higher difficulties.
55. Super Shotgun: The Executioner. The iconic double-barrel beast returns. Its damage output at point-blank range is unmatched, making it your go-to weapon for punishing a staggered heavy demon or deleting a priority target. Its slow reload demands you make every shot count.

The Rail Spikes: Precision and Saturation

56. Rail Spike Shredder: The Crowd Mower. This fully automatic weapon unleashes a torrent of deadly spikes. Hold down the trigger to mow down groups of enemies from any range. It is particularly effective against shielded enemies, overwhelming their defenses with a constant stream of projectiles.
57. Rail Spike Impaler: The Sniper. The Impaler is your first true long-range weapon. It fires a single, slow, but incredibly powerful spike. Aim for weak points and headshots to one-shot most medium-sized demons and deal massive damage to super heavies.

The Plasma Weapons: Energy Overload

58. Plasma Accelerator: The Shield Breaker. This rapid-fire energy weapon is designed for one primary purpose: overloading enemy energy shields. When you see a demon protected by a blue plasma shield, switch to the Accelerator to detonate it, causing an explosion that damages the target and nearby foes.
59. Plasma Cycler: The Chain Reaction. The Cycler fires slower but more damaging plasma spikes. Its true power is unlocked through upgrades that focus on the “Shock” status effect. A fully upgraded Cycler can cause shock to chain between dying enemies, creating a devastating cascade of lightning that can clear an entire room.

The Skullcrushers: Bone-Shattering Firepower

60. Skullcrusher Pulverizer: The Bone Shotgun. This brutal weapon fires shards of bone in a wide horizontal arc. It is the ultimate tool for clearing out dense waves of fodder demons that are swarming you from the front.
61. Skullcrusher Ravager: The Focused Fury. The Ravager tightens the spread of the bone shards, concentrating its damage on a single target. Its fire rate increases the longer you hold the trigger, making it excellent for melting the health bar of a single, tough enemy at close range.

The Heavy Hitters: Specialized Destruction

62. Reaver Chainshot: The Armored Core. This weapon functions like a bow, firing a massive iron ball on a chain. Charge your shots for increased damage, range, and speed. It is your premier tool for breaking through the physical armor of heavily fortified demons.
63. Grenade Launcher: The Arcing Annihilator. This weapon lobs explosives that bounce before detonating, making it perfect for hitting enemies behind cover or for area denial. Direct hits will cause the grenades to explode on contact.
64. Rocket Launcher: The Straight Shooter. For more direct explosive power, the Rocket Launcher fires projectiles in a straight line that detonate instantly on impact. Be mindful of splash damage at close range, unless you acquire the upgrade that negates self-damage.

The Unholy Trinity of Melee

Your melee weapons are more than just backup; they are a core part of your resource loop and combat strategy, each with a unique purpose.

65. Power Gauntlet: The Brawler. Your starting melee weapon is fast and focuses on single-target damage. It has multiple charges and is perfect for quick strikes to generate ammo from isolated enemies. Its charge is restored instantly when you parry a Hell Surge.
66. Flail: The Crowd Controller. The Flail is slower but hits in a wider arc, creating a small explosion on impact that damages nearby enemies. It is your best melee tool for breaking armor and dealing with groups of weaker demons simultaneously.
67. Dreadmace: The Ultimate Finisher. The Dreadmace has only a single, slow charge, but it deals colossal damage in one swing, often enough to stagger a super heavy demon. Its unique property is its greatest strength: a single hit with the Dreadmace instantly refills all of your weapon ammunition to full. Save it for when you are running on empty.

The BFC: Wielding Ultimate Power

68. Ballistic Force Crossbow: The Screen Clearer. The BFG’s medieval successor fires a massive lance of concentrated energy that obliterates everything in its path. With only three shots and scarce ammo, its use must be strategic.
69. Know the BFC’s Trade-Off. Wielding the BFC is a total commitment. While you have it equipped, you CANNOT use your Shield Saw for blocking or parrying. This makes you extremely vulnerable. Only bring it out when you have a clear shot and a safe moment to fire.

Part IV: Know Thy Enemy – A Tactical Bestiary

To defeat the legions of Hell, you must understand them. Each demon is a puzzle, a unique challenge designed to test your mastery of the “Stand and Fight” philosophy. This bestiary provides spoiler-free tactical counters for the threats you will face in DOOM: The Dark Ages.

Fodder Class

These are the foot soldiers of Hell. Never underestimate their threat in large numbers.

70. Imp/Soldier: Your bread-and-butter enemies. A single shotgun blast, a shield throw, or a melee strike is usually sufficient. Use them to generate resources.

71. Shield Soldier: Do not waste ammo on their shields. Use a plasma weapon to superheat the shield, then shatter it with a shield throw for an explosive finish. Alternatively, a well-timed Shield Charge can often bypass their defense.
72. Stone Imp: These variants are uniquely vulnerable to your Shield Charge. A successful charge will cause them to detonate, turning them into a walking bomb you can use against their allies.

Heavy Class

These demons form the backbone of Hell’s army. They require specific tactics and a mastery of your core abilities.

73. Hell Knight: This aggressive brawler will relentlessly charge you. Its attacks are heavily telegraphed with a green glow. Stand your ground and parry its slams to open it up for a devastating counter-attack with the Super Shotgun.
74. Arachnotron: This ranged threat will pepper you with its plasma turret. Its standard fire is unparryable. The best counter is to hit it with a Shield Throw to embed the saw, stunning it and stopping its fire. Use that window to close the distance or land a precision shot with the Impaler.
75. Mancubus: This lumbering beast is often armored. Heat its arm cannons and chest plate with plasma fire, then shatter the armor with a Shield Throw. Once its armor is gone, a Shield Throw will stun it, allowing you to deal direct damage safely.
76. Revenant: The jetpack-equipped skeleton returns. Its rocket barrages can be parried and sent back for heavy damage. If it enters its ghost form, a parry empowered by the Heaven Splitter rune can instantly knock it back into a vulnerable state.
77. Whiplash: This fast, serpentine demon can be difficult to hit. A Shield Throw is your most reliable tool for stunning it, holding it in place long enough for you to land a killing blow.
78. Pinky Rider: This new variant features a demon archer riding a Pinky. Focus on parrying the rider’s projectiles. A successful parry will often dismount the rider, allowing you to deal with each threat separately.
79. Battle Knight: This armored variant of the Hell Knight summons throwing axes. Prioritize parrying its melee attacks, as this is the most reliable way to break its stance and destroy its armor.

Super Heavy Class

These are the titans of the battlefield. Facing them requires flawless execution of your skills.

80. Cyberdemon: The ultimate test of your parrying skill. Many of its most powerful attacks are telegraphed Hell Surges. Mastering the parry is not optional here; it is the key to survival and victory.
81. Cosmic Baron: This fearsome variant of the Baron of Hell wields twin blades and generates psychic blasts. Its multi-hit combos require a series of rapid, well-timed parries. Do not get greedy; focus on defense until you create an opening.
82. Agaddon Hunter: A new apex predator designed to go toe-to-toe with the Slayer. It is incredibly agile and aggressive. Like the Cyberdemon, its attacks are designed to be parried. Stand your ground, read its movements, and counter its fury with your own.
83. Identify the Buff Commander. If you see an enemy glowing with blue energy and possessing a bronze health bar, they are being buffed by a demonic leader—an Enforcer holding a blue flag. You cannot damage the buffed enemy effectively. Ignore them and hunt down the flag-bearer first. Killing the Enforcer will return all buffed enemies to their normal state.

Confronting the Commanders: Spoiler-Free Boss Tactics

The champions and lords of Hell present the ultimate challenge in DOOM: The Dark Ages. While each has unique patterns, a core set of principles will guide you to victory.

84. Parrying Drains Stamina. Your primary goal against most bosses is not just to deal health damage, but to drain their stamina meter. The most effective way to do this is by successfully parrying their close-range attacks.
85. Create Your Damage Window. Once a boss’s stamina is depleted, they will be staggered and vulnerable for a short period. This is your window to unleash your most powerful weapons, like the Super Shotgun, a fully charged Chainshot, or the Dreadmace.
86. Recognize Attack Patterns. Every boss has a set of attack cycles. Spend the early phase of the fight observing their movements. Learn to distinguish between their blockable red attacks and their parryable green attacks.
87. Manage Your Resources. Boss fights are wars of attrition. Keep your resource loop flowing. Use fodder enemies that spawn in the arena to melee for ammo. Keep an eye on your health and armor, and play aggressively when low on health to trigger more health drops.
88. The Dreadmace is a Mini-Boss Killer. The colossal damage from a single Dreadmace swing can often one-shot or severely wound mini-bosses and champion-level demons, especially after their stamina has been broken.

Part V: Colossal Carnage – Mastering the Atlan and Mecha Dragon

DOOM: The Dark Ages breaks up its core combat with massive-scale vehicle sections. While visually spectacular, these “mini-games” feature a simplified mechanical loop. Mastering them is about efficiency and understanding their unique, rhythmic gameplay.

Piloting the Atlan

Stepping into the 30-story Atlan mech is a pure power fantasy. Combat becomes a titanic boxing match where timing is everything.

89. Learn the Atlan Rhythm: Dodge, Counter, Build. Atlan combat is not about free-form movement. It is a rhythmic dance. Your giant demonic opponents have the same red (block/dodge) and green (perfect dodge/counter) attack tells as ground enemies.
90. Time Your Dodges Perfectly. Dodging a green attack at the precise moment will not only avoid damage but will also supercharge your mech’s weapon systems, allowing you to deal massive counter-damage.
91. Build Your Special Meter. Every successful hit you land fills a special move bar. Landing repeated hits without taking damage is key to building this meter quickly.
92. Unleash Your Special Moves. You can trigger a powerful special attack once the bar is half-full, or wait until it is completely full to unleash an even more devastating enhanced version.
93. Save the Stomp for Crowds. Your Atlan has a powerful area-of-effect stomp attack. In a one-on-one fight against another titan, it is generally inefficient. Save it for the rare moments when you are surrounded by smaller (though still giant) enemies.

Taming the Mecha Dragon ‘Serrat’

Taking to the skies on your cybernetic dragon, Serrat, offers a different kind of combat experience, focused on aerial dogfighting and objective-based strikes.

94. Master the Dodge-to-Empower Loop. When facing enemy ships or turrets, they will fire Hell Surge projectiles. Instead of parrying, you must dodge them with Serrat. A successful dodge will supercharge your dragon’s mounted cannons.
95. Wait for the Green Light. You can only deal significant damage to shielded targets after empowering your cannons with a dodge. This means combat often involves patiently waiting for the enemy to fire a green projectile, dodging it, and then unleashing your supercharged counter-attack.
96. Use Boost for Fire Rate. Serrat is equipped with powerful thrusters. Boosting not only increases your flight speed for chasing down targets but also increases the fire rate of your cannons, allowing you to shred enemies once their shields are down.
97. Assault Mode is for Stationary Combat. When engaging fixed targets like turrets, you will enter Assault Mode. This locks your view and movement, allowing you to dodge only up, down, left, or right. Be prepared for this more rigid, quick-time-event style of combat.
98. Scan for Secret Landing Zones. The large, open aerial maps are not just for flying. Keep your eyes peeled for landing areas that are off the main path. Dismounting Serrat at these secret zones is often required to find hidden collectibles and complete mission challenges.

Part VI: Secrets of the Sentinels – A Spoiler-Free Guide to Exploration

The sprawling levels of DOOM: The Dark Ages are littered with secrets, collectibles, and challenges. Exploration is not just for completionists; it is a crucial part of powering up the Slayer for the trials ahead. This guide will teach you how to find secrets, not spoil where they are.

The Spoils of War

Knowing what you are looking for is the first step. These are the primary resources you will find hidden throughout the realms.

99. Demonic Essence: These are permanent, direct upgrades to the Slayer himself. They come in three types: Health, Armor, and Ammo, each increasing your maximum capacity. These are among the most valuable collectibles.
100. Gold & Rubies: These are currencies used at Sentinel Shrines to purchase standard and mid-tier upgrades for your weapons, shield, and gear.
101. Wraithstones: This rare currency is required for the final, most powerful endgame upgrades for your arsenal. They are often the most well-hidden treasures.
102. Toys & Codex Pages: These collectibles flesh out the world of DOOM: The Dark Ages. Toys are fun, miniature figures of the demons you fight, while Codex Pages provide deeper lore and background information.
103. Weapon Skins: Hidden in the most secret of places, these allow you to customize the appearance of your weapons, adding a personal touch to your crusade.

The Collector’s Eye

Train your eyes to spot the telltale signs of a hidden path. The architects of these realms left clues for those keen enough to notice.

104. Look for Glowing Cracks. The most common secret entrance is a wall with glowing green or yellow cracks. A simple Shield Charge is all that is needed to shatter these and reveal the path beyond.
105. Your Shield Throw is a Key. Many secrets are blocked by mechanisms that must be activated from a distance. Look for breakable chains holding up bridges or doors, and distant blue energy nodes that can be activated with a precise Shield Throw.
106. Scan for Flesh and Energy Nodes. Traversal puzzles often require the use of your shield. Look for the distinct green flesh nodes or blue energy nodes that your shield can latch onto, allowing you to perform the “Recall Jump” to cross gaps or reach high ledges.
107. Question Every Ledge. The level design often includes ledges and platforms that seem just out of reach or lead to nowhere. Always investigate these. A hidden path or a valuable collectible is often waiting for the curious Slayer.
108. Listen for the Chime. When you are near a secret, a subtle audio cue will often play. Train your ears to recognize this chime, as it can alert you to a hidden area you might have otherwise missed.

Mission & Weapon Mastery Challenges

Starting in Chapter 4, most missions will feature a set of optional challenges that provide valuable rewards.

109. Focus on One Challenge at a Time. Trying to complete all three mission challenges in a single, chaotic run can be difficult. It is often more efficient to focus on completing one specific objective per combat encounter.
110. Replay Earlier Levels. Some challenges require you to kill specific enemy types or use certain weapons. If you are struggling to find enough targets in a later level, remember that you can use Chapter Select to replay an earlier mission where those enemies are more common.
111. Unlock Weapon Mastery. Once you have fully upgraded a weapon by purchasing all its mods, you will unlock its unique Weapon Mastery Challenge. Completing this final trial rewards you with a rare, prestigious weapon skin, a true mark of a master.

Part VII: Forging a Legend – Advanced Slayer Optimization

You have mastered the fundamentals. You know your weapons and your enemies. Now, it is time to transcend the basics and delve into the hidden mechanics that define the true skill ceiling of DOOM: The Dark Ages. This is the knowledge that separates Slayers from legends.

The Art of the Animation Cancel

The game’s deliberate animations can feel restrictive, but the masters have found ways to bend the rules. Animation canceling is the key to unlocking a higher level of speed and combat flow.

112. Cancel Weapon Swaps with a Shield Bash. The slow weapon swap animation can leave you vulnerable. You can bypass this by initiating a weapon swap and immediately canceling the startup animation with a Shield Bash. When the bash is complete, your new weapon will be ready instantly.
113. Cancel a Parry into a Shield Bash. Certain powerful attacks from super heavy demons can push you back even on a successful parry. You can negate this knockback by immediately canceling the parry recovery animation into a Shield Bash, allowing you to stay on the offensive.
114. Shoot During the Parry Slow-Mo. The brief moment of slow-motion after a successful parry is a tactical window. You can fire a quick shot from your current weapon and still cancel into a Shield Bash, flying toward your target while time is still slowed.
115. The Rocket Swap Cancel (Advanced). This is a difficult but powerful technique. If you throw your shield and then fire the Rocket Launcher with a specific timing, you can swap to your next weapon approximately 33% faster than normal. This allows for incredibly fast combos, such as a rocket followed by an immediate Super Shotgun blast.
116. Understand Animation Locks. Be aware that not everything is cancelable. You cannot cancel a melee combo or a standard weapon swap animation with a block or parry. This is an intentional design choice. You must commit to these actions. Plan your attacks around enemy patterns, rather than trying to reactively cancel out of a bad decision.

Optimal Loadouts for Ultra-Nightmare

While all weapons are viable, certain combinations create powerful, self-sustaining synergies that excel at the highest levels of play.

117. The “Impaler’s Judgment” Build. This build focuses on creating a constant stream of buffed, high-damage shots.* Weapon: Rail Spike Impaler with the “Salvage” attachment.* Melee: Dreadmace.* Shield Rune: Heaven Splitter.* Synergy: Any parry, shield bash, or connected shield throw will activate the Salvage buff, empowering your next Impaler shot for massive DPS. The Heaven Splitter rune provides a long-lasting stun and damage boost, creating perfect windows for these shots. The Dreadmace serves as a panic button for an instant full ammo refill.
118. The “Infinite Chain Reaction” Shock Build. This build excels at clearing entire rooms with cascading electrical damage.* Weapon: Plasma Cycler with full shock upgrades, especially “Fulmination.”* Melee: Power Gauntlet with the “Jolt” upgrade.* Shield Rune: Heaven Splitter with the “Gigawatt” upgrade.* Synergy: Initiate combat by parrying to trigger Heaven Splitter’s shock effect. Use the Jolt-enhanced Power Gauntlet on a heavy demon to apply shock. Then, switch to the Plasma Cycler. As shocked enemies die, the Fulmination perk will cause the shock status to jump to nearby demons, creating an endless chain reaction of lightning.

Customizing Your Crusade

DOOM: The Dark Ages offers unprecedented control over your gameplay experience through its difficulty sliders and quality-of-life settings. Use them to tailor the challenge to your exact preferences.

119. Create Custom Difficulty Modes. The sliders allow you to adjust game speed, player damage, enemy damage, projectile speed, and more. Experiment to create unique challenges.* “Glass Cannon” Mode: Set enemy damage to maximum but slow down their projectile speed. This creates a tense bullet-hell experience where every mistake is lethal, but threats are easier to read.* “Horde” Mode: Increase the game speed and enemy aggression but lower their individual damage. This simulates a frantic, high-body-count battle.
120. Crucial Quality-of-Life Settings. In the options menu, make these changes for a smoother experience:* Turn Off “Auto Weapon Switch On Empty.” This prevents the game from initiating a slow weapon swap animation at a critical moment, which would lock you out of blocking or parrying.* Turn On “Parryables in Threat Indicator.” This setting provides an off-screen visual cue for incoming parryable attacks, giving you vital information when enemies are behind you.* Change Parryable Color. If the default green glow blends in with the environment for you, change it to a more visible color like purple or yellow to improve your reaction time.
121. Enable Auto-Sprint. You will be moving constantly. Enabling auto-sprint reduces finger fatigue and lets you focus on combat and aiming.

The Path of the Speedrunner

For those who wish to truly break the game, the speedrunning community has already uncovered several game-changing glitches and techniques.

122. Out-of-Bounds Clipping. It is possible to clip through the game’s geometry by repeatedly dodging backward into specific collision points, often found on natural rock formations. This can allow you to bypass large sections of a level.
123. Weapon Wheel Collision Skip. An even more powerful glitch allows you to ignore all world collision entirely. By opening the weapon wheel and continuing to move, the Slayer can phase through locked doors and other obstacles, enabling massive sequence breaks.
124. Shield Charge Boosting. This is a core movement technique for speedrunners. By performing a Shield Charge in specific ways, it is possible to gain a significant burst of momentum, allowing you to cross large distances much faster than intended.
125. Map Morphing. A complex glitch that involves opening and scrolling through the map during certain actions (like climbing) can cause the Slayer to be displaced, sometimes teleporting him to different parts of the level.

This advanced knowledge is for those who seek to push the boundaries of what is possible. Use it to craft your own legend, Slayer. Now go. Rip and tear, until it is done.

Disclaimer: This is an unofficial fan work, all trademarks and copyrights for Doom: The Dark Ages belong to the developer id Software.

Find the game here! https://store.steampowered.com/app/3017860/DOOM_The_Dark_Ages/