Doom: The Dark Ages is the latest installment in the Doom franchise, released May 15, 2025, on various platforms such as Steam on the PC. If this is the first game you play in the franchise, then it's best to have some beginner tips and tricks to help you get started.
Just like other Doom games, you'll play as the Doom Slayer, who has to continously fend off hordes of demons, from the smallest to the biggest ones. You will be using various types of guns to plow through all of them and potentially stop the demonic invasion, along with the masterminds behind it. Not to mention that we finally get to pilot an Atlan.
What Are Some Doom: The Dark Ages Beginner Tips and Tricks?
In general, you'll need to stay constantly on the move, switch guns to maximize damage, and keep track of your map at all times in Doom: The Dark Ages.
While it's fun just to shoot the enemies, using your shield and melee weapons, it will progressively become harder as you face more variations of demons. That's why it'll be best to be ready for the adventure with some tips and tricks to get you prepared to be the Doom Slayer.
Keep Moving
One thing's for sure: you have to keep moving in Doom: The Dark Ages. Standing still means you are welcoming all the attacks that are coming your way. Before you know it, you'll start to hear warning alarms as your HP gets too low.
Moving constantly allows you to get the armor and HP that are scattered around the area. You also get rid of the smaller demons that also give you some ammo and HP back. While you're moving, you have to make sure that you're also not cornered at the end of the area.
Switch Guns
Throughout the chapters in Doom: The Dark Ages, you'll get more and more weapons from special pods. It can be a bit overwhelming at first since there are various uses for these guns. Not to mention that some weapons share a slot, and you'll need to press a specific button to switch them. When you hold the weapon wheel button, time will slow down a bit to allow some breathing room for you.
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+ 5Remember to utilize all the guns in your arsenal, as they are effective against various types of demons. For example, you should use the Chainshot against demons with armor. Though to be honest, you can use the Chainshot for everything because of its damage output.
Check Your Map
It's essential to keep checking the map per area or chapter, since it allows you to keep track of the things you can get. Getting all the gold and rubies you can get is also great, so that you can upgrade your weapons later on. There are areas on the map that are considered secret areas, so make sure to check every corner and elevation there is.
Before moving forward with the story per chapter, make sure that you have cleared all the areas, as there are specific points when you can't go back anymore.
click to enlarge+ 5Upgrade Your Weapons
When you have enough gold, rubies, and wraithstones, you should consider upgrading your guns, melee, and shield to unleash their full potential. This can be done by interacting with a Sentinel Shrine. These upgrades significantly enhance the ability to take down demons more efficiently and effectively. While you're at it, you can also get trophies such as the Berserker trophy when upgrading.
click to enlarge+ 5Learn How To Use Your Shield
Doom: The Dark Ages mixes what players were used to with new elements, such as the introduction of the shield saw. This shield can help you block incoming attacks, parry them, throw it, and even allows you to bash into enemies that deal some AoE damage (which kills smaller hordes of demons).
Don't be afraid to keep using your shield since you'll barely notice the cooldown it has. Also, when there are invisible enemies (which are possibly the most annoying enemies in the game), throw your shield when you see their faint outline, and it will reveal them.
click to enlarge+ 5As you play through the game, you'll notice the green attacks (or differently colored) that come your way. Whenever you see these, make sure that you parry them by using your shield's block. This will cause the attacks to return to the enemy, which will greatly assist you. The time window for parries is also forgiving, so it's easy to get the hang of. Also, it's just fun and satisfying when you parry.
Use Your Melee Weapons
Probably one of the things I forget the most while playing Doom: The Dark Ages is that I have a melee weapon at my disposal. Using melee is limited, but it does regenerate over time (regeneration time depends on the type of melee weapon you're using), and you can pick up melee charges. When you're low on ammo, you can bash the demons with your melee to replenish some ammo or health. It's also cool to be in the demons' faces and see them fall.
click to enlarge+ 5If you're having a hard time, try checking out your difficulty settings. While it's fun to take on a challenge, there's nothing wrong with wanting a smooth gameplay with balance while enjoying the story.
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