Doom: The Dark Ages DLC Will Be Sequel-Sized, id Software Confirms
Studio promises substantial post-launch content for the upcoming prequel
Major Post-Launch Content Planned#
id Software has confirmed that Doom: The Dark Ages will receive downloadable content so substantial that the studio describes it as "basically like a sequel," according to Eurogamer. The announcement signals a significant commitment to post-launch support for the upcoming prequel, and it's a bold claim that immediately raises the bar for what fans should expect from this expansion.
While specific details about the DLC's content, release window, or pricing remain undisclosed, the comparison to a full sequel suggests players can expect far more than typical expansion fare. We're likely talking about something on the scale of what we've seen from other major FPS franchises - think Destiny's The Taken King or Borderlands' substantial story expansions rather than a handful of new maps and skins.
This approach mirrors the industry trend of major story-driven expansions that rival standalone releases in scope. It's a model that's proven successful for keeping communities engaged long after launch, and given id Software's track record with Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal's excellent DLC campaigns (The Ancient Gods Parts 1 and 2), there's good reason to be optimistic about what they're cooking up.
What This Means for Players#
Doom: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to the modern Doom timeline, exploring the origins of the Doom Slayer during his time as a warrior in a medieval-inspired hellscape. A sequel-sized expansion could potentially:
Extend the narrative significantly beyond the base game - The Ancient Gods DLC for Doom Eternal added roughly 8–10 hours of campaign content across two parts. If this expansion truly matches sequel scope, we could be looking at 15-20+ hours of new story content that either bridges the gap to Doom (2016) or explores entirely new chapters of the Slayer's past.
Introduce new weapons, enemies, and gameplay mechanics - The Dark Ages already features fresh additions like the shield bash mechanic and medieval weaponry. An expansion of this size could introduce entirely new combat systems, perhaps exploring different eras of the Slayer's history or introducing new demon hierarchies we haven't encountered before.
Add substantial new environments and levels - Given the game's medieval setting, there's massive potential here. We could see expansions into different kingdoms, realms of Hell we haven't visited, or even time periods that show the transition from medieval warfare to the more tech-focused combat of the modern timeline.
Expand on the game's medieval-meets-hellscape aesthetic - One of The Dark Ages' most striking features is its unique visual identity, blending gothic architecture with demonic corruption. A major expansion could push this aesthetic in bold new directions, potentially exploring how different cultures or time periods dealt with Hell's invasion.
The base game is set to launch on May 15, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (including day one on Game Pass). Players will step into the Doom Slayer's past, wielding medieval-inspired weaponry like flails and shields alongside the series' signature arsenal of devastating firearms. The game promises to be id Software's most ambitious Doom title yet, with massive scale battles and a darker, more grounded tone than Eternal's arcade-style chaos.
With id Software setting expectations this high for post-launch content, the studio is clearly positioning The Dark Ages as a long-term platform rather than a one-and-done campaign experience. This is smart business in today's market, but it also suggests confidence in the base game's foundation. You don't promise sequel-scale DLC unless you believe players will stick around long enough to buy it.
The timing of this announcement is also interesting. By confirming major post-launch content before the game even launches, id Software is signaling to potential buyers that this is a game worth investing in for the long haul. It's a vote of confidence that should reassure anyone worried about the game's longevity or replay value.
Are you planning to pick up Doom: The Dark Ages at launch, or will you wait to see what the DLC brings to the table? Given the Game Pass availability, there's a low barrier to entry for Xbox and PC players, but PlayStation fans will need to decide if they want to jump in at full price or wait for a complete edition down the line.
