The gaming world is buzzing with anticipation as Bethesda prepares to unleash the next chapter in one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. DOOM The Dark Ages, slated for release on May 13, 2025, promises to take players on a blood-soaked journey through medieval hellscapes, armed with an arsenal of brutal new weapons that blend ancient warfare with the series’ signature over-the-top violence.
As excitement builds for this prequel to DOOM Eternal and DOOM (2016), many gamers with previous-generation consoles are wondering whether they’ll be able to join the demon-slaying action. The question on everyone’s mind: Will DOOM The Dark Ages be playable on PS4 and Xbox One? With the gaming industry increasingly focusing on next-gen hardware capabilities, this question has become crucial for millions of players still using older consoles.
Table of contents
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into Bethesda’s official stance on platform compatibility for DOOM The Dark Ages, explore the exciting new gameplay features that have necessitated certain hardware requirements, and provide clarity for gamers planning their next move.
Whether you’re a die-hard DOOM fan contemplating a console upgrade or simply curious about what this medieval take on the franchise has to offer, this article will arm you with all the essential information about platform availability and the groundbreaking features that make this one of 2025’s most anticipated releases.
DOOM The Dark Ages
According to Bethesda’s official announcement, DOOM The Dark Ages will not be released on PS4 or Xbox One. The game has been developed exclusively for current-generation platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. This decision reflects the developers’ focus on harnessing the power of newer hardware to deliver a more immersive and technically advanced gaming experience. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have access to the title from day one, offering an alternative path for those within the Xbox ecosystem.
The exclusivity to current-gen platforms isn’t surprising given the ambitious scope of DOOM The Dark Ages. As a prequel to the recent DOOM titles, the game reimagines the iconic Doom Slayer as an even more formidable warrior in a medieval setting. The character design emphasizes his tank-like resilience, with gameplay that encourages standing ground and fighting through hordes of demons rather than the constant movement that characterized previous entries.
Central to this new approach is the Shield Saw, a revolutionary weapon that serves multiple functions. Players can use it defensively to block, parry, and deflect enemy attacks, or offensively to blast through opponents. The Shield Saw can also be thrown Captain America-style, returning to the Slayer while carving through demons in its path. This versatile tool represents a significant evolution in DOOM’s combat mechanics, requiring the processing power and faster loading times that only current-gen hardware can provide.
The medieval setting has inspired an entirely new arsenal of melee weapons, including a devastating flail, a spiked mace, and an electrified gauntlet. These close-combat options work in tandem with a revamped finisher system that allows for executions from any angle, creating more dynamic and visceral combat encounters. For players who prefer ranged options, the game offers weapons inspired by medieval torture devices, including a shotgun, the wall-piercing Rail Spike, and an area-clearing weapon called the Skullcrusher.
Perhaps the most spectacular addition to the Slayer’s arsenal is the Atlan, a colossal 30-story mech that can go toe-to-toe with building-sized demons. This feature alone would likely push previous-generation hardware beyond its limits, further explaining Bethesda’s decision to focus exclusively on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
DOOM The Dark Ages also introduces unprecedented customization options that allow players to tailor the gameplay experience to their preferences. Through a variety of sliders in the settings menu, gamers can adjust specific elements like the timing for deflecting projectiles, the speed of those projectiles, and even the overall pace of the game. This level of customization gives players significant control over their experience, ensuring that both newcomers and veterans can find their optimal balance of challenge and enjoyment.
While the news may disappoint PS4 and Xbox One owners, the technical requirements of these ambitious features make the decision understandable. The game’s medieval hellscape environments, coupled with the series’ trademark fast-paced action and the new mechanics, demand the enhanced processing power, graphics capabilities, and faster loading times that only current-generation hardware can deliver.
DOOM The Dark Ages Platform Availability
| Platform | Available | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Yes | May 13, 2025 | Full release |
| Xbox Series X/S | Yes | May 13, 2025 | Full release + Xbox Game Pass |
| PC | Yes | May 13, 2025 | Full release |
| PlayStation 4 | No | N/A | Not supported |
| Xbox One | No | N/A | Not supported |
| Nintendo Switch | No | N/A | Not supported |
DOOM The Dark Ages New Weapons Overview
| Weapon Type | Examples | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Shield Weapon | Shield Saw | Block, parry, deflect, throw, return |
| Melee Weapons | Flail, Spiked Mace, Electrified Gauntlet | Close-combat, any-angle finishers |
| Ranged Weapons | Shotgun, Rail Spike, Skullcrusher | Medieval-inspired, brutal effectiveness |
| Special | Atlan (30-story mech) | Can destroy building-sized demons |
EA FC25 Immortality League: Unlock 92-Rated Paolo Maldini in Ultimate Team
FAQs
A1: Bethesda has designed DOOM The Dark Ages to take full advantage of current-generation hardware capabilities. The game’s advanced graphics, complex gameplay mechanics (like the Shield Saw and Atlan mech), and customization options require the processing power and faster loading times only available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and modern PCs.
A2: DOOM The Dark Ages introduces several groundbreaking features, including the multi-functional Shield Saw, medieval-inspired melee weapons, a revamped finisher system, customizable gameplay settings, and the massive Atlan mech that allows players to battle building-sized demons. The game also shifts focus to a more stand-and-fight approach compared to previous titles.
