id Software has confirmed that DOOM: The Dark Ages will be a single-player-only experience, marking a departure from the franchise’s traditional multiplayer offerings. However, the studio assures fans that what the game lacks in multiplayer, it will more than make up for with the “most expansive, most epic campaign ever” in the series.
This bold decision is set to redefine what a DOOM game can be, prioritizing an immersive, story-driven experience over the usual competitive and cooperative modes.
Why No Multiplayer?
Since its 1993 debut, DOOM has been a pioneer of multiplayer FPS action. From classic deathmatch modes to the recent Battlemode in DOOM Eternal, multiplayer has been a staple of the franchise. So why drop it now?
According to id Software:
- Campaign-First Focus
- The developers are fully dedicating their resources to crafting a cinematic, lore-rich, and highly immersive single-player experience.
- Unlike previous entries, DOOM: The Dark Ages aims to deepen the Doom Slayer’s backstory, exploring his origins in a dark medieval world teeming with monstrous creatures.
- Bigger, More Expansive World
- id Software describes the game as their most ambitious single-player campaign yet, featuring larger levels, more exploration, and deeper mechanics.
- The game’s setting, inspired by dark fantasy and medieval warfare, will introduce new traversal mechanics, massive battles, and siege warfare elements.
- A Cohesive Vision
- Multiplayer development often takes away from a game’s single-player polish.
- By focusing solely on the campaign, id Software aims to deliver a more refined, immersive, and narrative-driven experience.
What to Expect from DOOM: The Dark Ages’ Campaign
While details remain scarce, id Software has teased several groundbreaking features:
- A Medieval-Inspired Setting
- The game takes players to a dark, ancient world, revealing the origins of the Doom Slayer before he became the unstoppable force seen in DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal.
- Expect massive fortresses, blood-soaked battlefields, and grotesque demonic landscapes.
- New Weapons and Combat Mechanics
- The Slayer will wield medieval-inspired weaponry infused with sci-fi technology, including a brutal shield-saw that doubles as both defense and offense.
- Combat will incorporate mounted battles, giving players control over massive siege engines and creatures.
- A Deep, Expansive Story
- While DOOM has traditionally been light on narrative, The Dark Ages aims to expand the lore while maintaining the franchise’s fast-paced gameplay.
- Players will uncover the origins of the Slayer, his connection to the ancient world, and the true war against Hell’s forces.
- Colossal Boss Fights
- The game will introduce some of the largest bosses in DOOM history, with dynamic combat scenarios and large-scale destruction.
