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الوسم: DOOM: The Dark Ages

  • Completing Chapter 22 of Doom: The Dark Ages – All Secrets Solved

    Completing Chapter 22 of Doom: The Dark Ages – All Secrets Solved

    The Reckoning is the concluding chapter of Doom: The Dark Ages. True to its name, this chapter is packed with some of the most challenging encounters in the game. It can be especially frustrating to get through, as you’ll frequently find locked gates, and you’ll need to collect keys that won’t be available until later in the level.

    This guide will assist you in overcoming tough battles, solving platforming challenges, and discovering treasures throughout the chapter. With our support, you can gather every collectible and, if you follow our directions, you should complete this stage with all chapters at 100%. Let’s get started!

    Secrets

    11

    Gold

    335

    Rubies

    3

    Wraithstone

    1

    Demonic Essence – Ammo

    1

    Codex

    1

    Toys

    2

    The Codex at the Start of the Level


    When you start this chapter, head straight down a narrow corridor, drop into the area below, turn right, and pick up the Codex. This collectible is one of the few you can grab without needing the Secret Key, which won’t be available until you complete the chapter.

    The First Major Battle and the Life Sigil

    This stage is heavily gated—most areas are locked. Besides the Codex, you’ll need to push through some tough fights before getting your rewards. After reaching the Codex, you’ll be thrust into a huge melee. Expect to face many foes, including Nightmare Imp Stalkers, a Mancubus, a Cyberdemon, Hell Knights, a Revenant, Arachnotrons, a Whiplash demon, a Komodo demon, and a Cacodemon Hybrid. Focus on eliminating the Mancubus and Hell Knights first.

    Once empowered demons appear, head to the northeast corner of the map to confront a Cyberdemon leader. Take them out quickly to avoid being overwhelmed. Move around the arena, isolate foes, and eliminate them one by one. The last phase includes battling a Komodo demon and a Cacodemon Hybrid.

    After you’ve defeated the demons, collect the Life Sigil in the southern area that has now opened.

    How to Find the Great Old One Toy

    Make your way to the eastern side of the map, where a demonic tree awaits. Smash through it and prepare for an intense battle. Initially, you’ll face a Pinky Rider, two Acolytes, and an Agaddon Hunter alongside an Arachnotron. Given the ample space and the large tree for cover, this fight shouldn’t be too difficult.

    Then comes a Battle Knight and a Revenant, along with several Nightmare Imp Stalkers and Stone Imps. This is quite hectic, as the Imp Stalkers can ambush you. Using grenades can help clear them out. Finally, you’ll contend with two Cosmic Barons simultaneously. This fight isn’t too challenging, as long as you time your parries correctly. However, mistiming even one parry can break your shield, making you vulnerable. Once all demons are defeated, you’ll find the Old One Toy tucked away in the southeastern corner of this area.

    If you’re concerned about tackling the Cosmic Barons, consider using your B.F.C. Bolt to take them out quickly. This will also count towards completing one of your challenges.

    Obtaining the Blue Skull

    The Blue Skull in The Reckoning chapter of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Ascend to the second floor in the northern section where you had that major fight. Follow the quest marker until you reach a large block. Look for a breakable wall nearby. After breaking it down, toss your shield into the glowing gears and then climb the wall that lowers on your right.

    Jump down the hole above, then shield charge the big block. Move to the other side of the area, climb the block you just destroyed, and drop down into the area below. Take out the Whiplash demon, Shield Soldiers, and the Mancubus. After that, grab the Blue Skull, but don’t leave this area just yet.

    The Treasure Chest and Ruby in the Blue Skull Area

    In the same room as the Blue Skull, there’s a hole in the floor. Jump down into it, and you’ll land on a launch pad that sends you to the floor above. You should see a wall with a breakable symbol. Destroy it to access the first Treasure Chest.

    The Gold Cache

    Go to the western side of the arena and unlock the door using the Blue Skull. Afterward, drop down and sprint past the Agaddon Hunter. Be sure to eliminate the Shield Soldier demon leader first, as this will prevent a stronger hunter from coming after you. Continue down the hall and pull the lever to lift a gate, but be prepared for a wave of enemies, including a Hell Knight, multiple fodder demons, a Whiplash demon, and several Shield Soldiers. Just run through them, as they are empowered.

    Use grenades to thin the crowd as you push through. Reach the end where you’ll encounter an Arachnotron Demon Leader. Blast it with your Super Shotgun and finish it off with your mace. Once the area is cleared, continue down the hallway to collect piles of gold.

    In the open area, look up to spot a chain above. Cut the chain, then shield charge the block that drops. This will open a gate; shield charge it from the other side to push it across the arena. Climb up the block, navigate around the path, and collect more gold. At the end, go for those gold piles at the end of the hallway. Just be cautious of the Revenant demon hiding there.

    The Second Treasure Chest

    The second treasure chest in The Reckoning chapter of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Next, stand on the large button and throw your shield through the hole in the wall at the distant gears. Proceed through the newly opened gate while your shield is still turning those gears. Once inside, you can recall the shield and continue onward. In the next area, you’ll face an Arachnotron. To your right, you’ll find another breakable wall. Shield Charge through it to discover the second Treasure Chest.

    In the same area, you’ll confront a Mancubus, Acolyte, Cosmic Baron, Pinky Demon, and then another Cosmic Baron, culminating in an encounter with a Cyberdemon.

    The Third Treasure Chest, Second Life Sigil, and Second Ruby

    In the following area, a Mancubus will burst through the wall. Once you take him down, enter the room he was hiding in to gather the gold. Now, find another breakable wall in the main chamber. Once you spot it, break it with a Shield Charge and place your shield in the newly exposed gears. A climbable wall will appear. Ascend it, and you’ll uncover the third Treasure Chest.

    Continue along this path, jump across a gap, throw your shield into some gears, climb up the scalable wall, and grab a Life Sigil. Now, recall your shield, which will open the gates ahead. Jump over to that area, climb up, and find another Ruby.

    The Final Section of The Reckoning

    Ahzrak's ship in The Reckoning chapter of Doom The Dark Ages.

    To finish up the stage, you’ll face one last epic battle against a variety of demons. However, you will enter this fight with berserk status, making it feel more empowering than difficult. You’ll be able to tear through enemies until you reach the end. And speaking of the end, you’ll come face to face with Ahzrak once more. For more tips on this challenging final boss fight, check our detailed guide below.

  • DOOM: The Dark Ages – Unlocking All Doom Slayer Skins

    DOOM: The Dark Ages – Unlocking All Doom Slayer Skins

    The Doom Slayer’s fearsome look in DOOM: The Dark Ages can be customized by unlocking various skins throughout the game. Some skins are awarded for reaching specific milestones, while others are obtained as special bonuses for completing particular tasks. To collect all the cosmetics for the Doom Slayer, you’ll need to follow some specific steps beyond just playing the game.

    Fortunately, accumulating in-game currency isn’t necessary in Doom: The Dark Ages to start unlocking Slayer skins. These skins are not tied to mission progress; instead, they serve as completion rewards for endgame achievements. Some cosmetics can be accessed through additional content from sources you might not typically interact with.

    How to Earn All Free Slayer Skins in Doom: The Dark Ages

    Unlock All Suits from Different Difficulties

    As soon as you dive into Doom: The Dark Ages, you automatically gain access to the Doom Slayer’s Default skin, which features his signature green armor enriched with new elements. This revamped look, complete with a flowing cape and a more robust design, complements the game’s medieval theme, where the Slayer battles alongside the Sentinels against the forces of Hell. Equipped with the shield saw and various weapons, this Default skin makes for a great starting option.

    Throughout most of the game, the Default Slayer skin is what you’ll primarily use as you navigate through the events set in the modern DOOM timeline. However, you can earn four other unique skins by engaging with the game or accessing an online portal.

    Below is a table listing every skin you can acquire for free and how to unlock them:

    Doom Slayer Skin

    How to Unlock

    Nightmare

    Complete every main mission of Doom: The Dark Ages‘ campaign on any difficulty.

    Reverent

    Complete every main mission of Doom: The Dark Ages‘ campaign on Pandemonium difficulty.

    Conqueror

    Complete every main mission of Doom: The Dark Ages‘ campaign on Ultra-Nightmare difficulty.

    Butcher

    Opt into receiving Bethesda emails at bethesda.net and claim a free Slayer skin reward bundle by scanning a QR code found in the game’s start menu.

    A useful strategy for acquiring skins by completing the game on various difficulties is to adjust the gameplay sliders while playing. Even if you increase the difficulty, certain features tied to sliders can make the game easier.

    Some Slayer skins also provide new appearances for the Atlan mech and Dragon pet used during different missions in the game’s campaign. These skins are earned separately from weapon skins, which are unlocked by completing multiple objectives during missions. Remember, no Slayer skin is collectable, so don’t expect to find them hidden within Doom: The Dark Ages.

    How to Obtain All Premium Slayer Skins in Doom: The Dark Ages

    Additional skins for the Doom Slayer are available through the purchase of extra content in the game. For instance, acquiring the Premium Edition or opting for the Premium Upgrade of Doom: The Dark Ages will unlock a unique Slayer skin along with another cosmetic for the Atlan and Dragon.

    Premium Slayer skins will typically appear as DLC downloads once unlocked. Players who enjoyed Early Access to Doom: The Dark Ages will have already received one of these cosmetics, but they need to visit the game’s online page to verify their new additions. Here’s a table showing the Premium Slayer skins you might have:

    Doom Slayer Skin

    How to Unlock

    Void

    Receive as a pre-order bonus for purchasing Doom: The Dark Ages early, or download it as DLC if you have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

    Divinity

    Buy the Premium Edition of Doom: The Dark Ages.

    Executioner

    Purchase a Limited Edition Doom: The Dark Ages Wireless Controller and redeem the accompanying code on bethesda.net.

    Some bundled game versions may include all these skins in one package, albeit at a significantly higher price than the Standard Edition. These Slayer skins can be acquired later if you later decide to purchase a Premium Upgrade, subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate, or buy the special controller.

    How to Acquire Every Collab Slayer Skin in Doom: The Dark Ages

    Redeem Cosmetics from Unlikely Sources

    With the launch of Doom: The Dark Ages, several collaborations have made additional Slayer skins available via channels other than Id Software or Bethesda. By using your bethesda.net account, you can redeem specific codes from various sources to add the last few cosmetics for the Doom Slayer. However, similar to the Premium skins, these will usually require real-world purchases.

    The following table includes all Slayer skins from different collaborations and the requirements for unlocking them:

    Doom Slayer Skin

    How to Unlock

    Ranger

    Buy a Hellfire Pepperoni Pizza or a Slice from a participating Prince St. Pizza store, and redeem the provided code on your bethesda.net account.

    Verdant

    Create an NVIDIA account and join the GeForce rewards program. Then, download and log into the NVIDIA app on a PC or device using a GeForce GTX 10 Series or newer graphics card. In the app, visit the “Redeem” section, select the Doom: The Dark Ages Slayer skin reward, and enter the respective code on your bethesda.net account to redeem it.

    Legionary

    Purchase a limited edition ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080 DOOM EDITION Bundle and redeem the code it includes on bethesda.net.

    Guardian

    Link your Bethesda account with a Twitch account, watching a participating Doom: The Dark Ages stream for one hour. After that, a code will be provided through a Twitch Drop that can be redeemed for the Slayer skin on bethesda.net.

    Keep in mind that the Verdant Slayer skin from the GeForce rewards program is only available for a limited time, so be sure to sign up for the NVIDIA app quickly to snag this exclusive bonus.

    Some collaboration skins are quite limited, notably the Legionary Slayer skin, which is exclusive to a specific series of hardware for PC. The Twitch Drop Slayer Skin will only be obtainable from May 12 to June 2, 2025, meaning you’ll have a short window to get this cosmetic. Since there are no Slayer skins available through a physical edition of Doom: The Dark Ages, you’ll need to be prompt in taking advantage of these collaborations.

    Many of these additional cosmetics come at a cost, whether through purchasing limited items like the Limited Edition controller or acquiring a Premium version of the game. Anyone who unlocks one of the many Slayer skins in DOOM: The Dark Ages can use it throughout all missions, including in cutscenes where the Slayer dominates with every move.

    Source: bethesda.net

  • Completing Prince Ahzrak & Witch Boss in Doom: The Dark Ages

    Completing Prince Ahzrak & Witch Boss in Doom: The Dark Ages

    Even after defeating Prince Ahzrak in one-on-one combat, your journey in Doom: The Dark Ages isn’t finished. His escape in Chapter 21 leads to Chapter 22, where you’ll face him again, this time accompanied by his witch ally in the ultimate boss battle.

    This fight will feel familiar as it mirrors your previous encounter with Ahzrak, but you’ll have to deal with two enemies instead of just one. Although this is the final combat segment of the game, it’s surprisingly straightforward and can be completed faster than some of the earlier confrontations with less formidable foes.

    Phase One

    The climactic battle can be divided into two distinct phases: first, you’ll fight both Ahzrak and the witch, and then you’ll go head-to-head with the Prince alone. At the beginning, the witch will shield herself with a force field, so your initial focus should be on Ahzrak.

    He will use many of the same spear attacks you’ve encountered before, but the witch will also be launching energy projectiles your way to complicate things. Fortunately, dodging her shots is quite easy due to their wide spread. Concentrate on parrying Ahzrak’s hits and retaliating with your Super Shotgun or melee attacks.

    Both Ahzrak and the witch share a single health bar, so any damage you inflict on one will also affect the other.

    After some time, the force field will shift to cover Ahzrak, requiring you to redirect your attention back to the witch, who will try to escape while hurling projectiles at you. Close the distance with a shield charge and unleash a barrage of gunfire and melee combos until she retreats again.

    Once you’ve dealt enough damage, both Ahzrak and the witch will be encased in force fields. The Prince will then hurl fireballs your way—none of which can be parried. After this sequence, his defense will drop, and you’ll go back to battling him.

    The force field will continue to alternate between both enemies until their health is fully depleted. At that point, you can execute the witch, concluding the first phase of the battle.

    Phase Two

    Now, it’s just you and Ahzrak again. At this stage, you can easily take charge of the fight. His speed is noticeably slower than during your earlier encounter, likely because he’s no longer powered up.

    You won’t need to dodge any challenging attacks and can focus on standing your ground, parrying his moves before launching into your own strikes. Keep the pressure on until Ahzrak’s health bar runs out, and you’ll be rewarded with the final cutscene and the ending credits. Congrats on completing The Dark Ages!

  • Completing Enhanced Prince Ahzrak in Doom: The Dark Ages

    Completing Enhanced Prince Ahzrak in Doom: The Dark Ages

    In the Doom: The Dark Ages campaign, you’ll get a good look at the main villain, Prince Ahzrak. While he typically sends his minions to handle the dirty work, he finally faces you in a direct confrontation towards the end of the story.

    Your first battle with Prince Ahzrak occurs in Chapter 21, shortly after you defeat The Old One. He descends from his floating platform, armed with a spear. This boss fight is divided into three phases, testing your skills in the game’s mechanics.

    Phase One

    The first phase is quite simple. Ahzrak will swing his spear at you repeatedly, and all of these attacks can be parried. Time your dodges to wait for the end of his combos, then hit back hard with the Super Shotgun, rocket launcher, and melee attacks.

    If you need a moment to regroup, you can back away from Ahzrak with relative ease. He might fire an energy blast at you, but it moves slowly and is easy to dodge.

    Once you fill his stun meter, you can execute a Glory Strike. Keep this strategy up until you drain Ahzrak’s health, and a cutscene will follow.

    Phase Two

    Realizing you’re a tougher opponent than he expected, the Prince will drop his regal guise, unlock his third eye, and sprout fleshy wings from his back.

    During this phase, Ahzrak will summon four metal pillars to rise from the ground, which can periodically spew fireballs. To make things easier, destroy these pillars with a shield toss to earn health pickups.

    Overall, this phase plays similarly to the first one. Ahzrak becomes more aggressive, so keep an eye on the timing of his faster swings. Parry when necessary and counterattack to move on to the final phase.

    Final Phase

    This last phase kicks off with Ahzrak stabbing you. Just then, Serrat swoops in off-screen to protect you, unleashing his fire attack. Unfortunately, the Prince fatally impales Serrat, leaving you to seek revenge for your fallen ally.

    At this point, Ahzrak deploys some new moves. He’ll conjure red figures that send projectiles your way. Parrying these will grant you health items to keep fighting. After that, he’ll crash down from above, surrounded by blades that will shoot outwards.

    Some of those blades will be green. If you strafe back and forth, you can parry them to dodge damage.

    Once you handle that assault, he returns to attacking with his spear and summoning pillars. Keep countering after your parries, and you’ll eventually defeat the Prince. Sadly, he manages to escape, setting up the stage for one final showdown.

  • Completing the Ancestral Forge of Doom: Solving the Secret Key

    Completing the Ancestral Forge of Doom: Solving the Secret Key

    The Sentinel Command Station is one of the more straightforward sections in Doom: The Dark Ages. Unlike more open levels, this area features numerous blocked paths and locked doors, meaning you’ll need to navigate through it at least twice to collect everything available.

    This guide will help you locate each hidden item, how to access them, and provide tips on handling the enemies you’ll encounter along the way. By the end, you’ll have cleared the command station completely and collected a wealth of treasures.

    Secrets

    9

    Gold

    177

    Rubies

    1

    Wraithstone

    1

    Demonic Essence – Health

    1

    Codex

    1

    Toys

    1

    The First Codex

    After being trapped in a room, you’ll navigate through some vents. On your right, you’ll notice a pile of gold at the first fork. Upon exiting the vent, move forward and take a right to find more gold and the first Codex.

    If you overlook these items, you’ll have to replay the stage to get them since a point of no return appears shortly after exiting the vents.

    The Chainshot Nightmare Skin


    The Nightmare Skin in The Sentinel Command Station of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Make your way to the end of the room and check to your left for a breakable gate. Use your Shield Charge to break through, then follow the path of gold to discover the Nightmare skin for the Chainshot. Expect to encounter a couple of Stone Imps and an Imp Stalker here. In the back of the room, behind the tank, lies another stash of gold. Be sure to grab it before moving on.

    Drop down and eliminate the Mancibus, Revenants, Hell Knights, and Shield Soldiers. After clearing the area, take some time to heal before entering the next room. Move through the hole in the wall, and once you reach the end of the hallway, you’ll find a lever to pull.

    This action will release a Pinky Rider and a Cyberdemon. Engaging them in such close quarters can be tricky, so be sure to rely on parrying heavily. If you’ve maintained your health and collected healing items, you should have some safety net. Proceed through the area where the Pinky Rider emerged, follow the trail of gold to a summoning circle and a Sentinel Shrine. Activate the lever on the console to open the door back into the hallway.

    The First Life Sigil And The Ravager

    In the same area where you pulled the lever to free the Pinky Demon, look at the wall behind it; it’s climbable. Scale that wall, then turn right in the vent. You’ll find a gold trail leading to your first Life Sigil. Raise your shield to push through the fireballs, and you’ll land in a room where you’ll find a new weapon—the Ravager.

    Demonic Essence – Health And The First Treasure Chest

    Your next challenge is another intense battle with Revenants, Battle Knights, Mancibus, Pinky Riders, and Arachnotrons. Focus on eliminating the Pinky Rider leader first to quickly clear the enemy horde. This will grant you a Demonic Essence that permanantly boosts your health.

    After dispatching the enemies, proceed forward to discover a room filled with human soldiers. On the left, you’ll see a button to open a gate, while on your right, there is a treasure chest.

    The Ruby

    Return to the initial area where you crashed down. Now the left room will be open. Enter it and ride the elevator up. You’ll need to perform a shield jump to cross a gap. Keep going down the corridor until you reach a door. Do not enter; instead, look for a nearby hole.

    A Stone Imp will emerge from this hole. After dealing with the nearby demons, jump down into the hole to collect the Ruby along with a pile of gold. Take out the Nightmare Stalker Imp waiting for you below, then use your Shield Charge on the large box to climb back up.

    The Cultists And The Yellow Key

    Next, you’ll navigate a twisting hallway packed with empowered demons. Ignore them for now and rush to the end where you’ll find a Pinky Rider Enforcer. Eliminate him to dispel the empowerment effect before dealing with the Whiplash demon to clear the area.

    Follow the hallway to the very end and enter the room where the Cultists are located. Dispatch them, collect the gold, and take the Yellow Key from the fallen soldier.

    The Second Treasure Chest


    The treasure chest on the other side of the shaft in The Sentinel Command Station of Doom The Dark Ages.

    In the room where you found the Yellow Key, go through the door that requires it. Jump across to the room on the other side and you’ll discover another treasure chest. Next, turn around and Shield Charge through the breakable wall on the opposite side of the shaft. This will lead you to the ventilation system.

    The Second Life Sigil


    The second Life Sigil in The Sentinel Command Station of Doom The Dark Ages.

    While in the vent, take a left to grab some gold. You’ll encounter a Stone Imp and a Shield Soldier inside. After defeating them, climb up at the end of the vent. Once you’re up, turn around to find a Life Sigil. Jump over and collect it.

    The Secret Key


    The Secret Key in The Sentinel Command Station of Doom The Dark Ages.

    After using your Shield Charge to get out of the vent, you’ll land in a room filled with demons. This is a prime opportunity to complete the “Wait For It Challenge” since there are explosive barrels and many low-level demons to defeat. Before long, you’ll face Stone Imps and Nightmare Imp Stalkers as well. Once every foe is defeated, you’ll finally earn the Secret Key.

    The Wraithstone

    Once you exit the room with the Secret Key, move across the hallway to the previously locked door. Inside is a Wraithstone, but it’s out of reach at first. You’ll need to eliminate the Agadonn Hunter that appears to disable the force field and claim it.

    The Auto Turret Shield Rune


    The Auto Turret Shield Rune in The Sentinel Command Station of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Jump down the shaft to claim the Auto Turret Shield Rune. You’ll face a massive onslaught of demons, culminating in a fight against the Cyberdemon. Be prepared, as there will also be a Battle Knight in the mix. This is your last chance to apply melee attacks for the Punching Bag challenge, so take full advantage of the opportunity.

    Kreed Maykr Toy


    The Kreed Maykr in The Sentinel Command Station of Doom The Dark Ages.

    After clearing out the demons, head back to the room where you entered through the hole in the wall in the central area, the same room where you first encountered the Pinky Rider. You can now open the door that contains the Kreed Maykr Toy. Once you have that, move to the door that requires the Yellow Key to finish this stage.

  • Completing the Quest: Solving the Three Wolf Statues in Doom’s Forge

    Completing the Quest: Solving the Three Wolf Statues in Doom’s Forge

    The Ancestral Forge is a sprawling stage in Doom: The Dark Ages. While it may not rival the size of Siege Part 1, it is still impressively expansive. In this guide, we’ll navigate this grand monument of fire and metal, point out where to find collectibles, and prepare you for various demonic showdowns.

    Most of your time in the forge will be spent battling waves of enemies, but there are also some platforming challenges. We’ll guide you to those elevated collectibles. Plus, this level includes several wolf statues that need to be destroyed. Defeating them will earn you the Shield Rune!

    Secrets

    11

    Gold

    250

    Rubies

    2

    Wraithstone

    1

    Demonic Essence – Health

    1

    Demonic Essence – Ammo

    1

    Codex

    2

    Toys

    1

    Finding the Secret Key


    To locate the Secret Key, go straight from the starting point and turn right at the Sentinel Shrine, then make another right. You’ll find the key above you on the left after defeating a Pinky Rider and a Whiplash demon. Move up the ramp, and you’ll face more demons (details on them will follow). If you turn left after entering, you can charge through a blocked doorway and follow a trail of gold leading straight to the key.

    Demonic Essence – Health

    The Demonic Essence in The Ancestral Forge of Doom The Dark Ages.

    In the large arena outside the room where you found the Secret Key, you’ll face a multitude of demons, including Pinky Riders, Revenants, Mancubuses, Arachnotrons, Hell Knights, and Shield Soldiers. The last wave features a Demon Knight Champion. Once you defeat them, you’ll collect Demonic Essence. After clearing the area, pull the lever indicated on your mission marker.

    The First Treasure Chest

    The first treasure chest in The Ancestral Forge of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Head back to the room with the key and look across the arena for an earthen ramp leading into an alley. Jump down and proceed straight. By following that alley, you’ll pass through a gate and discover a treasure chest.

    If you go in the direction opposite the treasure chest, you’ll reach the area containing the Wraithstone. However, you’ll need to destroy a few wolf statues before accessing it, so we’ll circle back to the Wraithstone later.

    The First Life Sigil

    Return to the Sentinel Shrine near the entrance, head back toward the entrance, and take your first left. Use your new key to open the gate, then destroy the wolf statue inside. Head back toward the Sentinel Shrine, but this time take a left. Stick close to the wall on your left as you’ll be following the perimeter.

    Eliminate the Lost Souls you encounter. To your right, you’ll notice a green corpse. Throw your shield at it, then make a shield jump up to the next level. Jump across, pull the lever, and you’ll drop down the Life Sigil. Go collect it!

    The Second Treasure Chest

    The treasure chest on the west side of the map in The Ancestral Forge of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Follow the pathway to the right, and as you round the corner, look right and you’ll find a spot to jump down. Take this route, collect the gold, and at the end of the tunnel, you’ll discover the second treasure chest. After grabbing it, head back to where you jumped down and keep following the left wall.

    The Second Wolf Statue

    The wolf statue to the left of the key in The Ancestral Forge of Doom The Dark Ages.

    In this next area, you’ll face another group of demons, including a Mancubus and Whiplash. Eliminating them will give you access to the wolf statue that was previously protected by a force field. Destroy it and pull the switch to open the heart of the forge.

    The First Ruby and the Vagary Demon Toy

    Head north to engage another wave of Revenants, Pinky Riders, Hell Knights, and Shield Soldiers. Once the area is clear, pull the final lever. But don’t rush out yet. To the right of the lever is a cliff from which you’ll see a bridge ahead. Perform a running jump to cross the gap.

    Once you make it across, face the locked door and look to your left. You’ll see a pile of gold on a balcony adjoining the bridge. After collecting it, return to the door and enter. Jump across the gap to the climbable wall, and around the corner, you’ll find an Arachnotron. After defeating it, climb up, eliminate a couple of Shield Soldiers, and then ascend the ramp to retrieve the Ruby and the Vagary Demon Toy.

    After collecting your rewards, drop down and navigate toward the left side of the map (follow the gold trail) heading to the Northeast corner. During your journey, you’re likely to encounter an Agadonn Hunter.

    The Wraithstone: Finding the Three Wolves

    The Wraithstone in The Ancestral Forge of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Once you’ve eliminated the Agadonn Hunter and made your way to the Northeast corner, you’ll find yourself back near the beginning of the level where you first found the Secret Key. You’ll see the Wraithstone, which is shielded by a forcefield. Just like in Siege Part 1, you’ll need to destroy the three wolf statues.

    If you’ve been following this guide, you should have already destroyed two. The third statue is located above the Wraithstone and to the right. For completeness, here’s a quick rundown of their locations:

    1. From the stage entrance, this statue is in the first room on your right, accessible only with the secret key.
    2. The second statue is positioned on the left side of the stage, encountered along the perimeter, northwest of the southwest heart lever.
    3. The last statue is in the same area as the Wraithstone. Look toward the wolf statue in the water, then up, and it should be visible.

    Once all the wolf statues are destroyed, collect the Wraithstone, then head to the northernmost part of the map (where you battled the hunter). Ascend the stairs to find a small room with a Whiplash and a Mancubus inside.

    The Second Ruby

    This room will be filled with a Revenant and several Shield Soldiers. Once you’ve cleared them, proceed to the end of the room, smash through the door, and you’ll find yourself in a small space with a hole in the wall. Throw your shield through it to sever the chain, which will open the gate, revealing a ruby.

    The Final Treasure Chest

    The Treasure Chest at end of The Ancestral Forge of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Once you reach the brightly colored room, move to the end of the long platform. Drop down and you’ll be facing blue gears. Throw your shield into the gears to raise the platform you’re on, then jump to the platform on your left, and perform a running jump to reach the platform with the chest on the far side of the room.

    The Gold in the Secret Passageway

    You’ll pass a locked gate with a heated chain inside. After turning the corner, climb the wall and get ready for an ambush by a Nightmare Imp Stalker. Once you defeat the stalker, check to your left, and over the edge. You’ll find a balcony below. Drop down onto it for access to a passageway filled with gold.

    You’ll see a Life Sigil on a platform in front of you that will fly away. No need to pursue it; it will be waiting for you in the next section.

    The Nightmare Skin for the Shotgun and the Second Codex

    When you reach the second platform with a glowing gear, look to the left and up: there’s a chain that needs severing. Throw your shield at it. Then, throw your shield into the gears. Once the platform rises, ignore the Shield Soldiers and Mancubus for now. Instead, jump to the platform you just lowered. From there, place the shield in the green corpses to enable a shield jump across. Up there, you’ll discover both the Nightmare Skin for the shotgun and the second Codex.

    How to Unlock the Shield Rune

    Acquiring the shield rune in The Ancestral Forge of Doom The Dark Ages.

    At last, you’ll learn what those “runes” are. You will receive the Ground Fissure Shield Rune during the story, and it’s impossible to miss. You’ll also get the chance to use it immediately since you’re about to enter a large battle.

    Demonic Essence – Ammo

    Acquiring the demonic essence at the end of The Ancestral Forge of Doom The Dark Ages.

    The final battle will be packed with a diverse array of enemies. In fact, the only demons absent from this encounter are the Vagary Demon, Cyberdemon, and the Agadonn Hunter. Otherwise, you’ll face everything else and have plenty of space to maneuver. Aim to eliminate enemies with your Rocket Launcher and create a safe zone for combat.

    After defeating enough foes, you’ll face a Mancubus Champion. Defeating them will reward you with Demonic Essence, permanently increasing your ammo capacity.

  • Completing the Witch Toy Collectible in Doom: The Dark Ages’ Abyssal Forest

    Completing the Witch Toy Collectible in Doom: The Dark Ages’ Abyssal Forest

    The Abyssal Forest is a rather straightforward stage in Doom: The Dark Ages, but it has its unique features. About two-thirds of the way through, you’ll stumble into a large arena that sets the stage for an epic battle. Once you defeat all the demons, you’ll notice that most of the level’s secrets are hidden right in this area.

    We’ll outline where to find these secrets and guide you through solving the puzzles. With our help, you won’t have to wander around a fiery room searching for a way to activate a large cage. We’ve done the hard work for you!

    Secrets

    9

    Gold

    183

    Rubies

    2

    Demonic Essence – Armor

    1

    Codex

    1

    Toy

    1

    The Life Sigil Above the Yellow Key

    Follow the main path and take the first right when it appears. Continue up the trail, jump across the gap, take out a Shield Soldier, and watch out for a few Stone Imps. You’ll find the first Life Sigil at the end of this route.

    Getting the Yellow Key

    The Yellow Key in The Abyssal Forest of Doom The Dark Ages.

    After your first encounter with the Whiplash demon, check the left side of the arena for a spot where you can drop down. Follow the path through a stone corridor where you’ll find two Shield Soldiers and an Arachnotron. Climb up the wall, and you’ll reach the room containing the Yellow Key.

    As soon as you grab the Yellow Key, chaos will erupt. You’ll face Whiplash Demons, Nightmare Imp Stalkers, Mancubuses, Shield Soldiers, Arachnotrons, Stone Imps, and Revenants. So make sure you’re well prepared before picking it up!

    The First Ruby

    The first Ruby in The Abyssal Forest of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Open the yellow gate, clear out the Cyberdemon and Imps, then, while facing the entrance of this area, look to your right for a path that runs beneath this space. Follow it forward until you find some water.

    Jump up to a platform with a launch pad, but before using it, leap across the water to the climbable wall, where you can collect a stash of gold. After taking the launch pad up, defeat a Hell Knight, and grab the Ruby. Break through the gate and you’ll find yourself back in the area where you fought the Cyberdemon.

    The First Codex

    The Codex page in The Abyssal Forest of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Proceed down the path until you encounter a group of Shield Soldiers. Take them out, then look to your right for a root-covered wall that you can break through. You’ll find yourself in a room containing the Codex.

    Treasure Chest

    The first treasure chest in The Abyssal Forest of Doom The Dark Ages.

    After executing a shield jump over a large gap, look to your right. There’s another breakable wall that leads to a treasure chest. Use your Shield Charge to break through.

    Demonic Essence Health Increase

    The health upgrade in The Abyssal Forest of Doom The Dark Ages.

    After passing the Sentinel Shrine, you’ll find yourself in a large arena where another swarm of demons awaits. This battle includes nearly every demon you’ve encountered so far, culminating in a fight with a Pinky Rider Champion. Defeating them grants you a permanent health boost.

    Second Treasure Chest

    The second chest in The Abyssal Forest of Doom The Dark Ages.

    After defeating the arena enemies, return to the entrance, take a right up the slope, and break the chain holding the large bell. This will cause a hole to form. Jump down into the hole and deal with the Imp Stalkers. Climb the wall to access the Treasure Chest.

    From the treasure room, turn right and circle around the corner. You’ll notice a heated chain with a barrier rotating in front of it. Wait for the gap, then strike the chain with your shield throw. After breaking it, head back to the cliffside. Jump down, and you’ll face a massive gate. Look up and left to find another chain to break, which will raise the gate. Collect the gold inside, but be ready for a fight with a Whiplash demon.

    Continue straight and climb two walls. At the top, search for gold piles on the scaffolding. Head to the tower’s corner, where you’ll spot a trail of gold. Jump from platform to platform to collect the gold. Once you turn the corner, you’ll spot the second Ruby.

    Witch Toy

    Move to the corner of the arena, where you’ll find a path that loops around. Follow it, collecting gold along the way. Prepare to battle a Hell Demon and two Imp Stalkers. Be cautious of fire jets as well. In the central room, you’ll find the toy in a cage.

    Position yourself between the two fire jets aimed at the center, look up through the window, and you’ll see a chain you can cut. After severing it, throw your shield into the glowing gears in the adjacent window. This will lift the cage, allowing you to claim your toy.

    The Second Life Sigil

    The second Life Sigil in The Abyssal Forest of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Near the spot where you obtained the Witch Toy, look for a block and a climbable wall. Once you’ve located them, platform your way up to reach the Life Sigil above.

    The Gold Under The Cliff

    The gold under the tree in The Abyssal Forest of Doom The Dark Ages.

    When you’re ready, head through the gate you blew open with the turret and jump off the cliff. After dealing with any demons nearby, turn around to discover two piles of gold beneath the platform you just jumped from. Follow the path to the end, defeat the Arachnonoid there, and take the elevator down.

    Treasure Chest

    The final treasure chest in The Abyssal Forest of Doom The Dark Ages.

    In the area where you obtain the Grenade Launcher, you’ll notice a treasure chest behind a gate. For now, continue forward. A bit down this tunnel, you’ll find a corpse that allows you to perform a shield jump. Use this to leap upward and follow the tunnel. Jump over the first gap and down the second to reach the cell with the Treasure Chest.

    The Final Life Sigil

    The final Life Sigil in The Abyssal Forest of Doom The Dark Ages.

    When you reach the section where you drop down onto an old rail line, turn around to find a Life Sigil in a shaft. Your only task left is to move forward and face the large melee that wraps up the Abyssal Forest chapter.

  • Completing DOOM: The Dark Ages – First Hour Gameplay Insights

    DOOM: The Dark Ages – First Hour of Gameplay

    In the opening hour of DOOM: The Dark Ages, players are thrust into a gritty and intense world that’s both dark and immersive. The game kicks off with striking visuals and an eerie atmosphere, setting the tone right away.

    Players step into the shoes of a fierce protagonist on a mission to combat monstrous foes that have overrun a once-thriving realm. The controls feel responsive, allowing for fluid movements as you navigate through twisted environments filled with danger at every turn.

    Combat is brutal and satisfying. You’ll find an array of weapons at your disposal, from powerful firearms to melee attacks that make every encounter exciting. The enemies vary in size and strategy, which adds depth to the gameplay as you learn to adapt to their tactics.

    Throughout the hour, players also uncover hints of a broader narrative, with lore pieces scattered in the form of scrolls and artifacts. These not only enrich the story but also provide context to the chaos unfolding in this dark world.

    Overall, the first hour of DOOM: The Dark Ages is packed with action, a compelling atmosphere, and a hint of mystery, setting the stage for an epic journey ahead.

  • Completing Every Siege Secret in Doom: The Dark Ages – Part 2

    Completing Every Siege Secret in Doom: The Dark Ages – Part 2

    The Siege Part 2, as its title indicates, is the continuation of the siege saga in Doom: The Dark Ages. In this chapter, you’ll be battling your way through the stronghold, eliminating demons in their sacred surroundings, while uncovering hidden treasures along the way. Unlike the sprawling battlefield you previously navigated, this level is more straightforward, though you might find yourself backtracking occasionally.

    This stage is shorter than the last, but it features several points of no return. Make sure to gather all items before proceeding to each new area. No need to fret—this guide will provide ample warnings and lead you directly to every secret!

    Secrets

    9

    Gold

    183

    Rubies

    2

    Demonic Essence – Armor

    1

    Codex

    1

    Toy

    1

    The First Life Sigil


    Your journey begins in the courtyard with a turret section. After defeating the enemies, head to the corpse of the Titan demon and take a left. You’ll find a climbable wall in the corner. Breaking through a boarded entrance will lead to a Mancubus that you must defeat. After that, perform a Shield Charge on the large block to move it across the room.

    Do not follow that block! Instead, break through the plank wall that’s behind the large block and enter the secret room. Once you defeat the Hell Knight, gather the gold and a Life Sigil.

    The First Treasure Chest

    The first treasure chest in The Siege Part 2 stage of Doom The Dark Ages.

    After clearing the Secret Area, climb the box you pushed and up the wall. Don’t go straight ahead; look up instead. You’ll find another climbable wall nearby. Scale it to reach the treasure chest. Then, drop down onto the Arachnotron and hit the nearby switch.

    The Revenant

    The Revenant from The Siege Part 2 stage of Doom The Dark Ages.

    After crossing the courtyard, you’ll encounter a new enemy: the Revenant. These foes will shoot a barrage of skulls at you while trying to maintain their distance. Use your shield charge ability to close the gap. Rush in and defeat them with a combination of charges and melee attacks.

    Tons of Gold The first pile of gold in the back room in The Siege Part 2 stage of Doom The Dark Ages.

    After eliminating the Revenant (and a few Imp Stalkers along with a Mancubus), look up and sever the chain with your shield. Now, climb the wall in the room’s corner and up the wall you dropped down from. Once done, gather the pile of gold in the back room, but watch out—you’ll need to defeat the Imp Stalker in this area. Follow the gold trail around the room’s edge. But don’t leave yet, as there’s a toy to find!

    After this room, you will drop down to the next part of the level. There’s no turning back without restarting the mission.

    The Pinky Rider Toy

    Instead, jump back to the platform under the round window. Then, make a running jump to the corner platform (near the collapsed wall). Break through the blocked doorway and drop down into the area below. Make your way around, gathering gold, and collect the Pinky Rider toy. Once you have it, return the way you came and proceed to the next part of the level.

    The Second Life Sigil

    The second Life Sigil in The Siege Part 2 stage of Doom The Dark Ages.

    After dropping down and defeating the stalkers, you’ll reach a room filled with locked doors (which you can’t access yet) and a Pinky Rider Leader alongside two empowered Imp Stalkers. After clearing them out, you’ll find yourself in a small room with several Hell Knights and Mancubus enemies. Once defeated, make sure to grab the Life Sigil in the back corner, then head up the stairs.

    The Location of the Secret Key

    You’ll encounter an Arachnotron as you ascend to the second floor. After that, you’ll face a Revenant and some other lesser foes. In the back dining area, turn to your right. Shield Charge through the boarded-up doorway, eliminate the Nightmare Stalker, collect the gold, and leap onto the launch pad to access the other side of the stage. You’ll finally obtain the Secret Key!

    The Booby-Trapped Gold Room

    The booby-trapped gold room in The Siege Part 2 stage of Doom The Dark Ages.

    In the back room, you’ll face another Arachnotron protected by several Shield Soldiers. Toss your shield at them to dispatch them quickly, then engage the arachnid. Collect the gold present and cut the chain. However, don’t go through the gate that the chain was holding—turn around and jump into the room below instead. You’ll land in an area filled with gold and health items.

    Returning to the main room, you’ll see gold piled in the corner, but beware—the gates will close once you enter this area, trapping you with a few Imp Stalkers and a Hell Knight along with a fire trap ready to singe you.

    The First Ruby The first ruby in The Siege Part 2 stage of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Next, head to the gate that can be opened with the Secret Key in the center of this area. Inside, you can find a ruby, but be prepared—as a Mancubus will attack you. Although you can climb the wall at the top of the stairs to get back to the second floor, leave this room the same way you entered and then take a right.

    The Codex

    The codex in The Siege Part 2 stage of Doom The Dark Ages.

    In the corner of this area, you’ll find another door that can be opened with the Secret Key. Do so, and you’ll discover a treasure path that leads to a codex. Now, make your way back up to the second floor! Advance past that dining room, and you’ll fight through an extended hallway filled with Imps, Pinky Riders, Imp Stalkers, Shield Soldiers, and another Revenant. At the end of this hallway is an elevator, but don’t press the button unless you’re ready to proceed, as this is another point of no return.

    The Second Ruby

    The second ruby in The Siege Part 2 stage of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Prepare for some climbing, leading to a battle against an Arachnotron, Hell Knights, Imp Stalkers, and a Revenant. Once they are defeated, head to the back corner where all the shipping containers are piled. There, you’ll face another Hell Knight. After overcoming it, climb up to retrieve the second ruby.

    Barge through the damaged ship. Turn left and leap over the boxes to gather some gold, then drop down into the hull. This is another point of no return, so ensure you’ve collected that ruby!

    The Final Treasure Chest and Life Sigil

    Once you’ve defeated all enemies in the lower area, climb the wall, sever the chain in the room that’s ablaze, but don’t climb the wall that collapses. Instead, drop down and go into the room beside the climbable wall to obtain a treasure chest. Then, ascend the boxes outside this section and enter through the hole in the wall to discover a Life Sigil.

    Demonic Essence

    The demonic essence taken from the Hell Knight in The Siege Part 2 stage of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Your final task is to scale the climbable wall and face an overwhelming horde of demons, including Shield Soldiers, Hell Knights, and a Cyberdemon. After taking them down, a Hell Knight Champion will attack. Defeating it will grant you a Demonic Essence that permanently boosts your armor.

    If you still have challenges to finish, this battle features many fodder demons, making it an ideal spot to eliminate multiple enemies with a shield throw!

  • Top Weapon Upgrades to Prioritize in DOOM: The Dark Ages

    Top Weapon Upgrades to Prioritize in DOOM: The Dark Ages

    DOOM: The Dark Ages Weapon Upgrade Guide

    DOOM: The Dark Ages offers a diverse selection of weapons that you can enhance as you progress through the game. You start with six primary weapons, five of which feature two firing modes each. This totals to eleven weapons available for upgrades. You can find upgrade materials hidden throughout the game or earn them by completing various challenges. While you’re ultimately able to upgrade all your gear, you’ll need to prioritize which weapons to focus on early in your playthrough.

    I was fortunate enough to play DOOM: The Dark Ages before its official release for a review, and I’ve completed the game. Here are the weapons I found to be the most effective, which I prioritized upgrading first. Keep in mind that all weapons have their charm, but these stood out in terms of reliability. I’ll also provide some general tips on upgrading if you decide to experiment with different weapon combinations.

    Always Upgrade Your Shield

    Your Shield is Constantly Equipped

    One key aspect to remember is that your shield is always equipped while you cycle through your firearms. Unlike melee weapons in DOOM: The Dark Ages, there’s only one type of shield, meaning it never leaves your loadout. Because of its consistent usage, investing in shield upgrades is a smart move. While it might not pack the punch of your guns, the shield serves as a valuable asset for both offense and defense more than you’d expect.

    Basic shield upgrades follow a straightforward line of progression, meaning you won’t have to choose a complicated upgrade path—just figure out when to shift your focus to your firearms. The first few shield upgrades, especially the second one that enables you to deflect attacks off enemy energy shields, are particularly useful early on. This makes engaging shielded foes much easier. Additionally, the extended saw blade upgrade ensures you won’t squander ammo on minor enemies.

    The Super Shotgun: A Boss Slayer

    Massive Damage Up Close

    The Super Shotgun is the first upgraded mode you acquire for your initial shotgun. Its wide spread and high damage output make it extremely effective when used point-blank against bosses. Larger enemies crumble under its firepower, allowing you to charge in with your shield for maximum effectiveness. Throughout my playthrough, it became my go-to weapon for boss fights, consistently proving its worth.

    Recommended Upgrades for the Super Shotgun

    Upgrade Effect
    Speed Loader Reduces the time between shots.
    Shatter Increases damage to armor.

    While you’ll eventually want all three upgrades, focus on acquiring Shatter early on for maximum effect against armored foes. This upgrade heats enemy shields, enabling you to shatter them with a quick shield toss and start damaging the enemy’s health.

    The Cycler: Pressure from Afar

    High Fire Rate and Capacity

    The Cycler, an advanced version of the accelerator, enhances your ranged capabilities. Although you won’t get this weapon right away, investing in it can help you maintain a steady offensive from a distance. If you still want to upgrade the Shredder while waiting for the Cycler, know that you might outgrow its usefulness.

    Recommended Upgrades for the Cycler

    Upgrade Effect
    Shock Deals shock damage that spreads to nearby enemies when killed.
    Amplify Increases damage to shocked enemies.

    The Cycler serves as a perfect counterbalance to the Super Shotgun, enabling long-range pressure on enemies as you prepare for a close-quarters finish. By shocking an enemy from afar, you can then unleash devastating close-range damage with the Super Shotgun.

    Upgrade Wisely: Avoid Dual Weapons Early

    Shared Ammo Between Weapon Variants

    For weapons that have dual firing modes, be strategic about how you spend your resources. Since ammunition is shared between weapon variants, you likely won’t switch between them frequently. For example, I found myself rarely using the Combat Shotgun after unlocking the Super Shotgun, as the latter offered a far more effective use of shells.

    Focus on Upgrade Paths

    Start by upgrading the weapons you actually use more often, then circle back to improve the rest. After a few levels, you’ll gain access to melee weapons and runes for shields as well. I recommend prioritizing gun upgrades first, as the most efficient runes become available later on.

    Although you could initially overlook melee weapons, I’ve found particular value in the Power Gauntlet during my second playthrough, which makes it a good alternative to early upgrades for the Shredder.

    Conclusion

    In DOOM: The Dark Ages, nearly any weapon can get the job done. If my recommended weapons don’t appeal to you, experiment with others before diving deep into upgrades. Regardless of your weapon of choice, I advise sticking with just one version of each weapon. Make sure to explore every corner of the DOOM: The Dark Ages map to uncover upgrades for your arsenal.

  • Top Shield Rune Choices in DOOM: The Dark Ages

    Top Shield Rune Choices in DOOM: The Dark Ages

    DOOM: The Dark Ages brings in a range of new mechanics that set its combat apart from earlier games in the series. One major change is the introduction of the shield, which players can use to block, parry, or charge at enemies. The shield can also be thrown to serve as a weapon or to stun larger foes. As you advance in the game, you’ll unlock various runes that enhance your shield’s abilities, making it even more formidable.

    Runes work differently than shield upgrades in DOOM: The Dark Ages. These runes specifically alter the effects of parrying a Hell Surge attack from an enemy. Hell Surges are new slow-moving projectiles introduced in the game that can be deflected back at the demons that fired them. As battles grow more chaotic later on, you will often find yourself parrying Hell Surges, turning runes into a crucial part of your gameplay strategy.

    Ground Fissure Creates a Shock Wave of Damage

    This Rune Provides Crowd Control, Damage, and Resources

    The Ground Fissure shield rune creates a shock wave that emanates from your shield when you parry a Hell Surge attack. This shock wave damages any enemies in its path and inflicts a slight stagger effect. Being the first shield rune you unlock, you’re likely to experiment with it to see if it suits your playstyle. Below is a summary of Ground Fissure’s upgrades:

    Ground Fissure Upgrade

    Effect

    Aftershock

    Increases the range of the effect.

    Wavefront

    Burns enemies and prompts them to drop armor.

    Megathrust

    Enhances size and damage.

    Many upgrades for Ground Fissure emphasize increasing its size and impact. Personally, I appreciate the Wavefront upgrade because it provides extra armor. I found that I tended to run low on armor more often than health, so any additional means of replenishing armor is a definite plus. Plus, the final upgrade is just plain fun. Who wouldn’t enjoy taking out demons with a Megathrust? Ground Fissure became one of my frequently used runes, although it didn’t end up being my personal favorite.

    This Rune Is Great for Spreading Damage Among Enemies

    An enemy hit by Holy Swarm daggers in Doom: The Dark Ages

    The Holy Swarm rune lets you summon ethereal daggers when you parry a Hell Surge attack. These blue daggers automatically target multiple nearby enemies. The advantage is that you don’t have to aim them directly, allowing you to remain focused on other foes, but the downside is that the added damage might not always hit the most critical targets. Nevertheless, dealing extra damage to enemies in the vicinity is beneficial, and the ability to hit a larger group of enemies is a definite advantage. Here’s the list of Holy Swarm upgrades:

    Holy Swarm Upgrade

    Effect

    Outbreak

    Summons additional daggers and boosts their damage.

    Upsurge

    Increases the number of daggers further and raises damage.

    Plague

    Maximizes the number of daggers and damage.

    The upgrades for Holy Swarm are the most straightforward in DOOM: The Dark Ages. Each upgrade simply adds more daggers and enhances their damage. If you enjoy this rune’s current effects, upgrading it makes it even better. However, if this playstyle does not appeal to you, there’s no need to invest resources into this upgrade path, as it won’t introduce new effects.

    An enemy shot by the Auto Turret in Doom: The Dark Ages

    The Auto Turret is among my favorite shield runes in DOOM: The Dark Ages. When you parry a Hell Surge attack with this rune, an automated turret appears on your shoulder, targeting an enemy ahead. It tracks your movements, and you have some control over where it targets. This makes it an excellent choice for dealing extra damage to larger foes, or quickly dispatching multiple weaker enemies while you keep moving in combat. Here’s a complete list of upgrades for the Auto Turret:

    Auto Turret Upgrade

    Effect

    Extended Magazine

    Increases the turret’s active time.

    Health Extractor

    Enemies you damage drop health items.

    Rapid Fire

    Boosts fire rate and damage per shot.

    The Auto Turret was the first shield rune I completely upgraded, not only because it’s effective but also because it feels rewarding. It’s a real rush to take down weak enemies just by aiming at them, plus it helps conserve your ammunition. The health upgrade it provides is a fantastic way to help you survive tougher battles late in the game.

    Heaven Splitter Stuns Enemies Briefly

    This Rune is Ideal for Crowd Control

    An enemy struck by Heaven Splitter in Doom: The Dark Ages

    When you parry a Hell Surge attack with the Heaven Splitter equipped, a lightning bolt strikes enemies, causing a brief stun. You can enhance the stun duration with upgrades to Heaven Splitter. This crowd control feature allows you to get in close and use one of the new melee weapons in DOOM: The Dark Ages. Here’s a look at the upgrades available for the Heaven Splitter rune:

    Heaven Splitter Upgrade

    Effect

    Induction

    Extends the duration of the stun.

    Megaburst

    Increases the area effect.

    Gigawatt

    Applies shock to the stunned enemies.

    Most of the upgrades for Heaven Splitter make it more effective at its intended function by either extending the stun duration or expanding its area of effect. However, the Gigawatt upgrade offers an added benefit by applying shock to affected enemies. This means that they won’t just be incapacitated; you’ll be able to inflict extra damage on them, potentially eliminating them before they recover from the initial stun.

    Why You Should Choose the Auto Turret Rune

    The Auto Turret Delivers Extended Damage

    Choosing the right rune can come down to personal preference based on your playstyle. However, during my gameplay, I found the Auto Turret to be the most beneficial. I liked that its damage was more targeted compared to Holy Swarm’s, allowing you to aim it where it’s most needed. Plus, after upgrading, it lasts a significant time, making it feel impactful beyond its initial deployment. While Heaven Splitter has decent duration as well, I prefer dealing damage to stunning enemies.

    One of the great things about DOOM: The Dark Ages is its flexibility. You can succeed with various combinations of resources. If the Auto Turret isn’t your style, you can easily make other runes work for you. I encourage you to try out all the new shield options and find what suits you best. That said, if you’re unsure, I highly recommend the Auto Turret.

  • Completing the Secrets of Sentinel Barracks in Doom: The Dark Ages

    Completing the Secrets of Sentinel Barracks in Doom: The Dark Ages

    The Sentinel Barracks mission sits between thrilling experiences like piloting a giant mech and riding a dragon, making it a more traditional, straightforward mission in Doom: The Dark Ages. In this level, you’ll traverse a series of hallways, courtyards, and fortifications. Although there are numerous hidden secrets, the overall design keeps you on a more guided path.

    Don’t let that fool you—there are still puzzles to solve as you hunt for treasure. I spent more time than I’d like to admit trying to figure out how to reach a specific chest. But don’t worry! We’ll provide you with clear instructions on how to find all the secrets, so you can focus on battling demons instead.

    Secrets

    6

    Gold

    212

    Demonic Essence – Armor

    1

    Rubies

    2

    Codex

    1

    Collectible Toys

    1

    Skins

    1

    The Hell Knight Toy

    Your first collectible appears only after you’ve fought through a few monster-infested rooms. Once you reach the outdoor area, you can collect some gold. Although it may seem like that path leads to additional riches, it’s actually a dead end. Instead, head into the central room.

    In this long hallway, you’ll face three waves of Shield Soldiers backed by a Mancubus. Take out the Shield Soldiers using shield tosses, then deal with the Mancubus by parrying his Hell Surge blasts while firing at him from a distance—getting too close will result in flames engulfing you.

    After clearing the area, return to the entrance. With your back facing the entryway, look left, and you’ll spot a boarded-up doorway that can be demolished with a Shield Charge. Break through, and you’ll find a path lined with gold leading to a Hell Knight toy.

    The Treasure Chest

    During the stage where you need to stand on a button to lower a lift and access the superheated metal beneath it, there’s a corpse in the adjacent section where you can throw your shield. Do this, perform a Shield Jump, and you can grab additional gold.

    Follow that gold trail to the other end of the platform, then jump down where a significant block obstructs your path. Use Shield Rush to propel it, then climb up the block to claim more gold and open a treasure chest!

    The First Life Sigil

    After leaving the combat arena where you fend off waves of Hell Knights, you’ll enter a hallway. On your left, there’s a locked door with a terminal outside. You can only interact with this terminal after defeating all the enemies in the hallway. Once that’s done, use the terminal to unlock the door and follow the path of gold leading directly to the Life Sigil.

    The Point Of No Return And The First Ruby

    After exiting the hallway with the Life Sigil, you’ll encounter a deep elevator shaft. You must jump down to proceed, but make sure you’ve collected everything beforehand, as this is a point of no return (even though it’s not clearly marked on the map).

    After dropping down, you’ll have to deal with more demons before moving on to a large hangar where the first Ruby awaits. You won’t be able to continue until you secure it, so it’s impossible to miss.

    Demonic Essence – Armor


    The heart of the Champion Mancubus in the Sentinel Barracks of Doom The Dark Ages.

    Once you enter the area where you battle the Champion version of the Mancubus, you’ll confront a multitude of Shield Soldiers, Pinky Riders, Stalker Imps, and regular Mancubuses. Make sure to stay agile, moving around the arena and reducing the number of enemies. The Mancubus Champion won’t show up until the initial waves are defeated. Defeating the Champion rewards you with its heart, providing a permanent armor upgrade.

    The Second Life Sigil

    After taking out the Mancubus, look for armor shards leading toward the cliffside. Sprint to the ledge and jump to the nearby island. Once there, you can collect some gold and secure a Life Sigil.

    The Second Ruby, Cultists, And Gold

    Once you make it across the bridge, you’ll find a spiral tower. However, instead of moving forward, turn around to face the area you just came from. Beneath the island, there’s another space to explore. Jump over the gap and you’ll discover a gold trail on your right. Follow it while taking care of the Nightmare Stalker Imps (those sneaky, invisible foes) and lesser demons. Keep an eye out for fireballs filling the room and navigate to the back. There, you’ll find a climbable wall.

    Climb up to face another group of cultists and locate a Ruby. Next, follow the gold trail over the wall, grab any gold pile on top, and jump down. You’ll return to the upper section of the island. Then, jump back across to the other side of the bridge and head directly towards the spiral tower this time.

    The Treasure Chest


    The Sentinel Barracks climbable side of the movable block in Doom The Dark Ages.-1

    Move to the right and up the tower to find a room with a treasure chest. Be cautious—two Nightmare Imp Stalkers will be there as well.

    Nightmare Skin For The Accelerator

    As you drop into an area filled with flaming skeleton heads, look for a spiraling staircase lined with gold before you jump down. Follow these stairs to claim the skin for the Accelerator.

    More Gold And The Codex


    The Sentinel Barracks Codex in Doom The Dark Ages.

    In the area just before reaching the Dragon’s Aviary, which features a Sentinel Shrine shop, you’ll encounter several crates you can break to reveal gold. Near the Sentinel Shrine, look left while facing the shrine to find a gold trail leading up a hill. Follow that trail to discover the Codex.

  • DOOM: Dark Ages – Uncovering All Secrets in Hebeth

    DOOM: Dark Ages – Uncovering All Secrets in Hebeth

    DOOM: The Dark Ages may offer a more straightforward gameplay experience compared to typical RPGs or shooter games like Halo Infinite. Still, this doesn’t mean it’s devoid of secrets. In fact, each level features multiple concealed areas filled with upgrade materials and collectibles.

    While it’s possible to complete DOOM: The Dark Ages without hunting down every hidden item, seeking them out can significantly enhance your gameplay. In particular, upgrade materials are essential for ensuring your weapons remain effective as the game’s difficulty increases. Additionally, finding Hidden Life Sigils allows you to instantly recover after dying without reverting to a checkpoint, keeping your progress intact.

    Quick Links

    How to Find All the Secrets in Hebeth

    There are nine secrets to uncover in Hebeth. Given that this level is more expansive compared to its predecessors, finding these secrets can be somewhat challenging. You can refer to your map for indications of hidden areas, but actually discovering them requires a keen eye. Here’s a detailed guide on how to locate each concealed spot in Hebeth.

    How to Find the First Secret Life Sigil

    The first secret area in Hebeth closely resembles the initial secret in the previous level of DOOM: The Dark Ages. After mastering a new shield ability, you’ll enter a structure where you must eliminate enemies in a small room. Once they’ve been dispatched, retrace your steps to the room’s entrance, where you’ll discover a blue circle painted on a damaged metal door. Shield charge through it to confront a group of cultists.

    Beyond the cultists lies a hidden Life Sigil. Although this secret area doesn’t provide much if you’ve already accumulated all three Sigils from the prior level, finding it is essential for 100% completion of the current level.

    How to Find the Collectible Toy

    The next secret in Hebeth is located in the room that follows the one where you found the Life Sigil. After clearing out more enemies, head up some stairs. At the top, your quest marker will suggest going left, but you should head right instead and look behind a wall. There, you’ll find some crates to climb and a hole to jump into. At the bottom, you’ll come across a secret area housing the hidden Collectible Toy.

    To exit, throw your shield at the metal fastener locking the gate beside the Toy. This action will return you to the first floor of the original room. From here, you can head back upstairs and resume following the quest marker.

    How to Find the Codex

    Before doing this, turn around and head the opposite way toward a few crates.

    Jump over the crates to find some friendly soldiers, who seem to be hiding from the demons and surrounding a codex. While this area may not register as a secret on your HUD, be sure to collect the Codex for completion purposes. Once you’ve finished here, return to the gate and continue through the level.

    How to Find the First Hidden Gold

    You can stick with the quest marker for a bit after snagging the Codex. You might notice nearby hidden areas on your map, but don’t worry about them just yet. Keep an eye out for the next secret when you reach a room with high ceilings, a blue forcefield in front of you, and a large glowing blue tube on your right.

    After the battle here, move down the only available hallway, which will eventually branch off in two directions. To your left, you’ll see a damaged door marked with the familiar blue circle indicating it’s a target for a shield bash. Break through the door to reveal a secret room filled with gold.

    How to Find the Next Hidden Gold and Life Sigil

    The subsequent hidden area appears shortly after you acquire the new Accelerator weapon. Once you’ve defeated the enemies in the room and claimed the gun, head into a hallway with a large hologram of an Atlan helmet in front of you. Your quest marker will direct you to the right, but take a left instead.

    You’ll find a vent that you can shield charge through to enter the next secret area. Ahead, there’s some gold, and to your left, a ramp leads up to a Life Sigil. There’s also another vent nearby that you can break to return to the room where you got the Accelerator, allowing you to continue through the level.

    How to Find the Third Hidden Gold

    After acquiring the Accelerator, you’ll loop back into a hallway you’ve visited before, though it will now have been repopulated with enemies. Once you’ve dealt with them, a red barrier blocking your way previously will disappear, allowing you to find more cultists, along with ammunition, health, and armor. However, the secret area is actually just above the entrance to this area.

    Before entering to confront the cultists, you’ll notice scratch marks on the wall to your right. Jump up to the marks and enter a vent to discover hidden gold and one weak enemy. This secret area can be easily overlooked, but you can spot the gold on your map, so you’ll know it’s accessible.

    How to Find More Hidden Gold and Another Life Sigil

    After reaching a Point of No Return, you’ll exit the building you’ve been in and enter an outdoor area featuring an Atlan engaged in combat with a large demon in the background. Following a few brief skirmishes, you’ll arrive at a location with three pipes belching flames in front of a door, offering two pathways to explore. Head right, towards the flames, and make a turn at the corner. Before leaping down toward the Atlan and demon, turn left to find scratch marks that you can climb.

    At this height, you’ll discover a small trail of gold leading to a metal latch you can break with a shield throw. Jump through the gap you created, revealing a small room opposite the flaming pipes. In front of an opening overlooking the pipes, you’ll find a valve that can be turned off to stop the flames. Use a shield charge to burst out of this room and proceed to the secret area previously blocked by fire.

    How to Find More Hidden Gold

    The next secret area comes right after you leave the pipe room and is almost overt. You’ll enter into a combat scenario with red barriers that deactivate only once all the demons are vanquished. After you’ve cleared the enemies, while the quest marker will urge you to move on, you should backtrack to where you initially entered the fight.

    To your left, there’s a door that was previously closed but is now open and contains a pile of gold. You might easily overlook it after the battle, but it’s far more blatant than most secrets in DOOM: The Dark Ages. After collecting the gold, continue tracking the quest markers to your next Point of No Return.

    How to Find the Golden Chest

    Shortly after the Point of No Return, you’ll learn how to execute a shield return jump across a gap. Upon landing, you’ll observe some fleshy growths surrounding a hole in the wall. Enter this hole and follow the upward path.

    At the top, you’ll uncover a hidden golden chest. After breaking it open, you can jump right back down to your original spot. This secret may be easy to find once you’re aware, though it could be missed the first time because the hole seems too small to enter.

    How to Find the Weapon Skin

    The final secret in Hebeth is located just after finding the golden chest. Climb up the scratch marks next to the shrine near the hole, then head back in the direction opposite the shrine once you’re on the upper level. Your quest marker might suggest you head right, but ignore it.

    You’ll find a stack of crates leading to more scratch marks, allowing you to access the vents. Navigate through the vents and drop to the lower level. Eventually, you’ll reach a room containing the weapon skin along with more enemies. With no more secrets left in Hebeth, you can now proceed to the next level in DOOM: The Dark Ages.

  • DOOM: The Dark Ages – Unlocking All Secrets in Khalim Village

    DOOM: The Dark Ages – Unlocking All Secrets in Khalim Village

    DOOM: The Dark Ages contains numerous concealed spots across its maps that players should definitely look for. While some of these locations may simply hold collectibles like Toys or Codexes, many also offer valuable in-game items such as upgrade materials and Life Sigils. Although they are marked on your map, reaching these areas can occasionally be challenging.

    The first level in DOOM: The Dark Ages features secrets that are slightly easier to uncover compared to some of the later stages, but they might still elude you on your initial playthrough. With the transition from DOOM: The Dark Ages to DOOM Eternal, you’ll likely be focused on mastering new mechanics. I’ve detailed a step-by-step guide to help you uncover all the secrets in the first level of DOOM: The Dark Ages.

    Quick Links

    How Many Secrets Are There In Village Of Khalim?

    There Are Six Secrets In Village Of Khalim

    In total, the Village of Khalim level has six hidden secrets. Among these are two Collectible Toys, two Codexes, a Weapon Skin, and a Secret Key. The linear design of this introductory level likely aids players in discovering these secrets, giving even newcomers a chance to stumble upon hidden areas and encouraging exploration.

    It’s a good idea to check your map at the beginning of a new level. While it won’t reveal the exact locations of all secrets, it will indicate how many secrets are available on that level. As you explore more, the map will gradually mark the locations of secrets you haven’t found yet. Although you’ll have to figure out how to access them, knowing where to look can streamline your treasure hunting. Below, I’ll outline how to locate each secret in the Village of Khalim level step-by-step.

    How To Find Each Secret In Village Of Khalim

    A guide to the secrets in the Village of Khalim in Doom: The Dark Ages

    You won’t need to hunt for secrets until you’ve progressed through the initial segments of the Village of Khalim, where DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces its gameplay concepts. The first secret becomes accessible only after you complete the melee tutorial. During this tutorial, you’ll spot the initial hidden Life Sigil through a gate to your left, setting the stage for your exploration.

    How To Find The Hidden Life Sigil

    The first secret area in DOOM: The Dark Ages is located immediately after the melee tutorial when you enter a burning building. Your quest tracker will indicate that you need to ascend to the building’s second floor, but pause before moving forward. First, you need to collect this secret because once you proceed, you’ll hit a Point of No Return and won’t be able to backtrack to retrieve it.

    Doom: The Dark Ages key art featuring the slayer killing demons

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    As you eliminate the enemies on the first floor of the burning building, take a look at the wall on your left. You’ll spot a faint blue circle on some exposed wooden boards. Charge through this wall with your shield to access the first secret area, which contains the Life Sigil you observed earlier. Once you’ve collected it, return through the burning building to continue your mission.

    How To Get The First Toy

    After crossing the initial Point of No Return, you’ll fall into a courtyard featuring a Blue Key door. Once you’ve cleared this area, you’ll proceed to a smaller courtyard to search for the Blue Key. You’ll notice another Blue Key door here. Although you cannot access it yet, it’s important to note that this is where the first hidden Collectible Toy lies in DOOM: The Dark Ages.

    Follow the quest markers until you locate the Blue Key. After securing it, you’ll break through some wooden planks, ultimately returning to the large courtyard with the initial Blue Key gate. While the objective marker suggests you move through the gate, you should turn around and head back through the small opening to the other Blue Key door. Now with the key in hand, you can unlock it and claim the Toy.

    How To Get The First Codex

    Upon unlocking the Blue Key gate and advancing further into the level, you’ll need to destroy four Demonic Portals. After securing the first area, spot a large statue with a glowing purple Secret Key door beneath it. Run past it and continue along the path until you encounter another Demonic Portal in front of a rocky cliff. Eliminate the demons to close the portal, then head to the right of the cliff where you’ll find a climbable section.

    Doom The Dark Ages WrestleMania logo

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    Climb up until you’re directly above the location of the Demonic Portal. Here, you’ll find the first Codex in DOOM: The Dark Ages. There’s technically no set sequence in this part, so you could also discover the Weapon Skin or the second Collectible Toy first based on your exploration.

    How To Get The Weapon Skin

    After acquiring the first Codex, return to the vicinity of the Secret Key door. Exiting that area to the left of the Secret Key door, you will find another Demonic Portal to conquer. Once destroyed, you will notice a small wooden fence directly across from where the portal was, looking over a cliff. Carefully walk to the fence’s left side and jump over it onto the rock outcropping.

    Once you’ve cleared the fence, look down to see a ledge leading to a cave. Drop down, and you’ll land in a cave filled with explosive barrels, with the Weapon Skin positioned at the back. Enemies will spawn as you approach the Skin, so be prepared to fend them off. You can clear this area swiftly by detonating the barrels; just be cautious not to get caught in the blast yourself.

    How To Get The Second Toy

    After exiting the cave with the Weapon Skin, you’ll find yourself facing a tunnel. Proceed through it to reach the next area, where you’ll receive a new weapon if this is your first run. After defeating the enemies here, you will see a Demonic Portal positioned up on the cliff above you. Walk directly beneath it; to your left is a broken fence extending toward the edge of a cliff.

    Looking down from the broken fence, you’ll spot a rock ledge leading to another cave. Inside this cave, you’ll find health supplies, ammo, and the second Collectible Toy in this level. Be ready for a fight when you exit the cave, as an enemy will spawn as you do.

    How To Get The Secret Key

    After your return from the cliff where the second Toy was located, proceed up the ramp to encounter the last Demonic Portal. After sealing that, don’t jump down just yet. Go to the left of the portal and cross a small bridge, then follow the winding path on the rocky ledge to discover the elusive purple Secret Key.

    The Doom Slayer as he appears in DOOM: The Dark Ages

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    Once you have the Secret Key, your quest marker will direct you back to the door you can now open, provided you’ve destroyed all four Demonic Portals. Return to the Secret Key door below the statue, unlock it to acquire an additional Life Sigil.

    How To Get The Second Codex

    While you’re able to obtain some of the earlier secrets in various orders, the second Codex must be the last one you collect. This is due to its location being past another Point of No Return. After leaping down to enter the Point of No Return and dispatching the enemies, follow a narrow path beside a large mace lying on the ground.

    As you pick up the small armor packs on this path, look to your right and you’ll see scratch marks that lead up to a ledge. Climb up to find the final Codex, flanked by a few friendly soldiers. Now you’ve collected all the secrets in this level, and you’re ready to move on to the next challenge in DOOM: The Dark Ages.

  • Completing the Kreed Maykr Challenge in Doom: The Dark Ages

    Completing the Kreed Maykr Challenge in Doom: The Dark Ages

    Doom: The Dark Ages generally offers a lengthy campaign with a surprising lack of intense boss battles. Most of the thrilling and imaginative encounters are saved for the final chapters, where players can truly go wild with their destructive capabilities—providing a power trip that few games can rival.

    When it finally does present tough challenges, like facing the Kreed Maykr, it delivers without fail. This fight near the end of the main story requires players to master various combat strategies to win. You’ll need to dodge a barrage of projectiles, counter quick hits, and adapt to a wealth of unexpected attacks. Here’s a guide to help you defeat him.

    Kreed Maykr Boss Fight Overview

    The Doom Slayer has been battling the Kreed Maykr throughout the campaign. This formidable alien overlord, hidden away and commanding fleets of angelic warriors, initially seems daunting. At the story’s start, the Maykrs have ensnared our hero with an enchantment that binds him.

    Tip: Utilize shield bashes and melee strikes effectively, especially during the second phase when the Maykr loses his armor.

    Despite their might, the Maykrs aren’t invincible. The tables turn as we invade the Kreed Maykr’s ship, eliminate his subordinates, and face him on his home turf as a storm brews overhead.

    How to Defeat the Kreed Maykr – Phase One

    As you enter the boss room, the Maykr will float above you and initiate the battle by launching yellow orbs your way. You can dodge these by moving around the arena.

    Stay alert, though, because shortly after, he’ll attack with an electrified orb encased in barriers, along with an area-of-effect attack on the ground. Step back from its reach and use your Shield Saw to break it apart.

    Once you destroy it, the Kreed Maykr will become vulnerable for a brief moment. This is your chance to unleash a heavy offense, so choose a weapon with a high rate of fire and significant damage output.

    Tip: You can inflict minor damage to the Kreed Maykr whenever possible, but the best opportunities come during moments when he is vulnerable.

    The boss will cycle through his attacks while summoning weaker enemies to distract you, which you can take out quickly for extra health, armor, and ammo. He will also send out an orb attack from above, which you can parry to open him up for a counter-attack.

    As the fight goes on, expect him to combine attacks or alternate between orbs and explosive projectiles that you can either dodge or block. Stick to your strategy to fill up the boss’s stagger gauge; this opens the way for a powerful melee blow.

    Warning: Minion enemies will keep appearing as the fight escalates, so you’ll need to manage them effectively.

    Once you’ve reduced his health by a quarter, the Kreed Maykr will unleash a new attack featuring yellow spikes that shoot from the ground. You’ll need to dodge these and get close to deal with the energy shield surrounding him, which will temporarily leave him defenseless.

    How to Defeat the Kreed Maykr – Phase Two

    In the second phase, the battle moves to the roof of the Kreed Maykr’s ship. He begs for mercy before shedding his angelic facade to reveal his true form.

    As he floats high above, he will recreate the spike attacks from before and summon walls to contain you. Keep moving to avoid damage while attempting to break through his defenses. You’ll encounter green projectile attacks that, if parried, provide additional resources and minor damage.

    Keep in mind that the walls will shift as the Maykr adapts to larger arenas, employing more complex attacks, including projectiles falling from the sky, signaled by markings on the ground.

    During this part, I recommend focusing on melee attacks and shield bashes. They not only inflict solid damage but also significantly increase the Maykr’s stagger gauge, allowing for potent finishing moves.

    As the battle intensifies, expect faster and more relentless attacks from him than ever before. Stay alert, keep your strategy intact, and you’ll emerge victorious.

  • Completing Doom: The Dark Ages – How Long Will It Take to Solve?

    Completing Doom: The Dark Ages – How Long Will It Take to Solve?

    Doom: The Dark Ages is the newest intense shooter from id Software, delivering an exhilarating single-player campaign where players can take on hordes of demons. The game features 22 unique chapters, offering multiple new locations to explore and an expansive selection of weapons to try out.

    This time around, there are no multiplayer modes or additional features, which means that the primary focus of Dark Ages is its campaign. Many levels are straightforward and arena-based, requiring you to eliminate countless monsters to survive, while others encourage more exploration. Here’s how long the campaign lasts.

    How Long Is The Main Story?

    The campaign includes 22 distinct chapters, with varying lengths depending on their narrative focus, whether you’re soaring through larger areas on your dragon, or navigating battlefields in a massive mech. Some chapters prompt you to stray from the main path, while others guide you along a single route.

    In terms of gameplay duration, it took us approximately 13 hours to finish the single-player campaign. This is comparable to the playtimes for Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, assuming you’re not chasing down every secret or playing on higher difficulty settings.

    Is The Game Easier Than Previous Installments?

    Doom: The Dark Ages is easily more accessible than its predecessors, featuring fewer tough boss battles and optional challenges, so you shouldn’t encounter many difficult encounters.

    Your total playtime may vary based on the chosen difficulty and how much time you spend exploring each level. However, given its design, it’s unlikely that your playtime will extend by more than a few hours.

    How Long Does It Take To Achieve 100% Completion?

    Doom: The Dark Ages sports an extremely helpful chapter selection screen that allows you to revisit previous sections without losing overall progress. Once you’ve completed the game, returning to pick up missed secrets or collectibles is straightforward.

    Many secrets in this installment are easier to locate than those in Doom (2016) or Eternal, often just around corners or right in front of you. The game doesn’t strongly encourage multiple playthroughs, and reaching 100% completion generally takes around 16 to 20 hours, depending on the difficulty you choose.

    What Collectibles Are There To Find?

    In Doom: The Dark Ages, you’ll discover collectible figurines, codex pages, weapon skins, and precious stones such as rubies. However, there are no Slayer Gates or secret encounters, so you’ll rely on weapon and mastery challenges to really test your skills.

  • Completing Every Hebeth Collectible in Doom: The Dark Ages

    Completing Every Hebeth Collectible in Doom: The Dark Ages

    In Doom: The Dark Ages, Hebeth serves as your initial major destination. Although you may have started treasure hunting earlier, the wealth of secrets, collectibles, and gold in Hebeth significantly elevates the experience.

    Hebeth is also where you encounter the Sentinel Shrine for the first time, acting as your go-to shop. Get ready to collect a substantial amount of gold here. This guide follows a step-by-step format to direct you to every collectible—stick with it to ensure you gather everything!

    Secrets

    9

    Gold

    210

    Demonic Essence

    1

    Codex

    1

    Toy Soldiers

    1

    Skins

    1

    First Hebeth Life Sigil

    You’ll find the first hidden room shortly after entering, just past the tutorial section on throwing your shield. Look for a door to shield-charge on your left. After dispatching the summoners, turn the corner to discover the Life Sigil.

    Hebeth Imp Stalker Toy

    Upon arriving in the room next to the secret area with the cultists, ascend the stairs. Once on top, take a right to spot a pair of crates at the end of the hallway. Jump onto the crates to reach a higher area above. Look for a large open shaft; drop down to find a vent that leads you directly to the Imp Stalker toy.

    The Hebeth Codex

    After ascending a short staircase to a climbable wall, turn back and go down the stairs. You should see a hallway blocked by crates. Jump over them to discover a Codex.

    The First Hidden Gold Cache

    The first Hebeth gold room in Doom The Dark Ages.

    Right after being introduced to the Stone Imp enemy type, enter the doorway to the right of a large statue. Turn left to find a breakable door you can smash with a Shield Charge. Inside, you’ll find a pile of gold.

    The second Hebeth gold room in Doom The Dark Ages.

    In the area following the golden chest and the Sentinel Shrine, head right to find a room sealed behind a magical barrier. Jump over this glowing red barrier to reach the climbable wall above, climb up, and you’ll enter a hallway filled with gold. But be cautious—an Imp awaits you at the end.

    The Second Hebeth Life Sigil

    In the room next to where you acquire your Plasma Accelerator, you’ll find a vent you can break with a Shield Charge. Smash through it to uncover hidden gold, plus a Life Sigil at the end of the tunnel.

    The Gold In The Vent

    The gold you get from destroying a turret in Hebeth in Doom The Dark Ages.

    When you come across a vent with a turret shooting energy blasts, take it down by deflecting the green energy bolts with your shield. You’ll receive a stash of gold for your efforts.

    The Hebeth Cultists

    Upon exiting the room featuring a large hologram of the Atlan Mech, you’ll engage a Mancubus along with several Plasma Shield Soldiers. You’ll find yourself in the area next to the Sentinel Shrine (the shop). This area previously had a red-glowing magical wall blocking access to a room, but that barrier is now gone. Enter the room, defeat the cultists, and collect the gold in the back.

    The Big Hebeth Gold Cache

    When you reach the area where flames are venting before a doorway, move upward. At the dead end, glance to your left to see a climbable wall. Climb that wall to collect gold above. Then, throw your shield at the super-heated metal door. Jump across to enter a room filled with ammo and armor. Turn the wheel to cut off the gas supply, extinguishing the flames blocking the door.

    Charge through that door into the room formerly hidden behind the fire wall, where you’ll find more gold and a Life Sigil. But beware, there’s a Hell Knight present. Navigate through the hallway, pick up the ammo, and shield charge through the door to return to the main path.

    The Gold Room Near The Titans

    Pile of gold near the end of the Hebeth stage in Doom The Dark Ages.

    After cleaning out the area filled with Mancubus and numerous Stone Imps, as well as Shield Soldiers and Hell Knights, an open area will reveal itself with titans battling in the background. Once all enemies are defeated, a room will unlock that contains a pile of gold.

    The Treasure Chest Above The Shrine

    The golden chest above the Hebeth Sentinel Shrine in Doom The Dark Ages.

    After mastering the Shield Jump, look up in the area to spot a treasure chest. With your back to the Sentinel Shrine, look left for a decayed pathway. Ascend this pathway, climb the wall, and you’ll reach the chest.

    The Shredder Nightmare Skin

    After climbing the wall beside the second Sentinel Shrine, look for an open vent above. Climb the boxes near the vent, jump into it, and collect the gold lining inside. Follow the vent down, gathering gold as you go, and you’ll arrive in a room containing the Nightmare skin for your Shredder. Be ready to face a Mancubus and an Imp Stalker here. Once cleared, you can continue along the main path.

    Before dropping down into the room with the skin, consider picking off enemies from the vent above. While it may be a bit sneaky, it can be quite effective.

    Demonic Essence

    Demonic Pinky Rider Leader in Doom The Dark Ages.

    To collect the Demonic Essence, defeat the stage boss: the Elite Pinky Rider. This tougher version of the Pinky Rider comes with a new attack that launches spiked shields all around. Keep an eye out for the glowing green shield and parry it.

    Additionally, remember to circle the arena and eliminate the smaller enemies that spawn, so you won’t be overwhelmed while battling this formidable demon. After defeating the Pinky Rider, you’ll earn your first Demonic Essence.