The secret is out, and it’s official: Doom: The Dark Ages is arriving on May 15, 2025. This marks the third installment in the ‘nu-Doom’ series from the acclaimed developer, id Software. However, this game sets itself apart by not including multiplayer, diverging from the path taken by both the 2016 classic Doom and its sequel, Doom Eternal, from 2020. Even though it’s a prequel to the 2016 hit, Doom: The Dark Ages will focus solely on the single-player experience.
During a roundtable discussion, Marty Stratton and Hugo Martin, two of the masterminds behind the Doom series, revealed this decision. They made it clear that multiplayer modes won’t be part of the new game.
“We wanted to pour everything into the campaign,” Martin explained when asked why multiplayer was being dropped, considering its presence in both previous titles. “By focusing exclusively on the single-player experience, we’ve been able to elevate [the Dark Ages] to a whole new level.”
So, what does that mean for players? For starters, you’ll find yourself in some thrilling scenarios as the legendary Doom Slayer. The decision to channel all resources into single-player has paved the way for dramatic set-pieces like battling it out with “a 30-story Atlan mech” and facing off against “a fire-breathing, gatling-gun toting cyber dragon.” Yes, you read that right!
“That’s something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, really,” stated Stratton, referring specifically to the Atlan’s inclusion. For those not fully steeped in Doom lore, Atlans are giant bipedal machines employed by the Night Sentinels in their war against Hell’s forces. Though you might have come across their dormant forms in past games, this time you’ll actually get to pilot one.
The team’s enthusiasm was palpable when discussing the mech and its role in Doom: The Dark Ages. According to Stratton and Martin, putting the Slayer in command of one of these colossal machines is a direct result of dedicating more development time to the single-player components of the game.
What’s more, they proudly announced that Doom: The Dark Ages features the largest game world in the franchise’s history. The developers teased a host of additional adventures, including secret dungeons, caves, and side battles for those willing to stray from the main storyline. Martin expressed his excitement: “You set the game’s pace. Decide where you venture, who you engage with, and what objectives you pursue.” This time, it’s all about the single-player experience, and it shows in the rich content and expansive world they’ve crafted.
In an industry increasingly obsessed with multiplayer titles and live-service offerings, it’s refreshing to see such attention poured into a single-player campaign. This move might serve as food for thought for other industry giants like Sony and Blizzard in the future.
Doom: The Dark Ages is not just hitting the shelves; it’ll be available on Xbox Game Pass for PC and Xbox Series X/S, and is also slated for PlayStation 5. Mark your calendars for May 15, as this isn’t one you’ll want to miss.
