Doom: The Dark Ages brings some of the toughest challenges, especially for beginners who have never witnessed games from this franchise.
Beginners should focus on mighty weapons in every chapter. That will make the gameplay easier.
Managing resources is another thing that players need to focus on to succeed in the game.
Doom: The Dark Ages, the latest entry in the iconic Bethesda franchise, is running successfully. Released in May 2025, Doom: The Dark Ages stands at a 7.1 Metacritic score. This signifies, despite massive hype, that the game received an average welcome from the gamers. This installment tried new things that were thought to take the game to a new height, but the reception tells a different story.
Departing from its predecessors, this game blends medieval aesthetics with futuristic weaponry to emphasize heavy and grounded combat systems. The latest Doom series game takes players to an alien in-game world, where a strategic approach is the only way to win. So, beginners who are suffering, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Doom: The Dark Ages has focused mostly on combat. Therefore, naturally, the game presents a diverse weapon range for players to try, master, and create strategies accordingly. Those who are at the early stages of the campaign should go for the Combat Shotgun and Power Gauntlet.
The first weapon excels in mid-to-close-range battles. Mastering it properly will allow players to deliver substantial damage, especially if the weapon is upgraded. Next comes the Power Gauntlet. This weapon is introduced during chapter 1, and it allows players to have a melee attack on enemies. Each successful attack refills ammo, specifically when players execute their three-hit combo.
As the campaign progresses, players will gain access to more weapons that are tailored for different combat scenarios. For example, players should go for The Shredder that unlocks in Chapter 1. This weapon functions as a rapid-fire spike launcher that players can use to take down enemies at various ranges.
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In Chapter 2, players will get the Shield Saw. This is again one of the most versatile tools that can stun large demons. This weapon can dismantle enemy shields. Aside from that comes the Accelerator. This is a plasma weapon, which is highly effective against armored foes.
Chapter 4 gives players the Pulverizer. This weapon uses crushed demon skulls as ammo to become massively effective against groups of enemies. In Chapter 5, players will get the Cycler. This offers an alternative plasma weapon option, which is capable of shock effects. This increases the vulnerability of enemies.
Coming to Chapter 6, this chapter introduces Flail, a powerful melee weapon. This generates a blast upon impact. This weapon is massively effective against shielded and clustered enemies. So, the point is, players need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon to use them properly according to battle scenarios.
The next thing to prioritize in Doom: The Dark Ages is the combat. The game revolves around players’ skills to strategically fight enemies. Therefore, strategic movement and resource management play key roles in the game. Players need to have good mobility to survive. Employ lateral movements, quick dodges, and environmental awareness to get the best output during battles.
The next thing is resource management. It's also an integral part of the game that helps players survive. Players should try using weapons like the Power Gauntlet and Flail. These weapons not only deal damage, but they also restore ammo and health.
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If players can execute Glory Kills, they can get enhanced and slow-motion effects that play a crucial role in health recovery. This weapon maintains a balance between ranged and melee engagements.
Next comes enemy prioritization. Identifying and eliminating the high-threat enemies can turn the tables toward players. These high-threat targets include shielded or ranged demons. Take them down so as not to become overwhelmed. Players must adapt strategies based on enemy behaviors to achieve success.
That’s more or less everything that a newcomer should know about Doom: The Dark Ages to become successful. Players need to adjust their combat style according to the enemies they face. If the enemy is tough, one should switch to a heavier, more deliberate combat style that emphasizes strategic weapon usage, resource management, and tactical movement. The more players keep mastering weapons, the closer they will reach to success.