With the highly anticipated release of Doom: The Dark Ages just around the corner, players wonder how it will compare to its predecessor, Doom Eternal. Let’s discuss all the crucial differences!
The Doom series is considered one of the pioneers in the first-person shooter genre, so its fans love to know all the tiny details that set each installment apart. With a brand-new prequel almost here, one can easily worry if the title will even meet their expectations.
If you liked Doom Eternal but have no idea what to expect from the upcoming video game, let’s see how they both fare in the ultimate Doom The Dark Ages vs Doom Eternal comparison!
| Feature | Doom Eternal | Doom: The Dark Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Premise | Focuses on futuristic battles against hellish forces threatening humanity. | Prequel that explores Doom Slayer’s divine origins and early wars against Hell. |
| Setting | Earth and solar system environments; mixes hell and sci-fi themes. | Medieval dark fantasy world with dungeons, forests, and ancient ruins. |
| Gameplay | Fast-paced, platform-heavy FPS with agile movement and arcade combat. | Heavier feel, slower pacing, with shield-based mechanics and strategic movement. |
| Style | Agile and arcade-focused with fast reactions. | Strategic, brutalist style grounded in medieval fantasy. |
| Weapons | Traditional Doom arsenal, fast reloading, futuristic weapons. | New shield/saw hybrid, mech titan (Atlan), and a cyber-dragon for aerial combat. |
| Enemies | Modern demons with fast, dynamic AI; familiar faces with futuristic redesigns. | Fantasy-inspired, massive enemies requiring a strategic approach. |
| Structure | Linear missions with set paths. | Less linear with exploratory elements and hidden secrets. |
Premise
Since Doom: The Dark Ages is a prequel to Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal (2020), the game unravels the origins of the Doom Slayer as a divine weapon serving gods and kings.
Unlike Eternal, the title doesn’t focus solely on confronting hordes of hellish beasts bent on the destruction of humanity in a futuristic setting. For the first time, we can discover this silent character’s true story as he battles to defend the kingdom invaded by the forces of Hell.
Setting
Unlike the Dark Ages, Eternal’s action occurs on planet Earth and other locations in the solar system. It’s an exceptionally diverse environment, combining hellish themes with the futuristic vibe of the entire adventure.
Meanwhile, The Dark Ages takes its players to an intriguing reality, merging dark fantasy with medieval sci-fi. It’s a gritty world of forgotten ruins, dark forests, ancient dungeons, and battlefields. Furthermore, the game features a much less linear structure of locations and missions – you can prepare for plenty of hidden surprises!
Gameplay
Regarding the overall FPS gameplay experience, Doom Eternal focuses more on dynamic arcade battles involving platforming elements. Its combat feels more action-fueled and futuristic than that in Doom: The Dark Ages.
The Doom Slayer in The Dark Ages is noticeably heavier and less mobile. While combat still requires constant movement and eliminating hordes of enemies, now it also rewards more thoughtful and strategic use of weapons and a shield. That feature, paired with less linear missions, makes this title significantly more immersive than other installments in the series.
Weapons
Although Doom Slayer has always enjoyed a wide range of deadly weapons he can operate, The Dark Ages boosts that familiar experience. For the first time in the series, players can use a unique shield/saw hybrid that offers both a defensive and offensive approach. Forget constant dashing – now, you can throw it, use it in close combat, or take cover in more desperate situations.
Another change that sets the weapons available in Eternal apart from those in the Dark Ages is the powerful mech, Atlan. Players can use it in more challenging fights against mighty titans. Meanwhile, the massive cybernetic dragon is perfect for aerial combat. As you can see, weapons from The Dark Ages game can significantly influence the playstyle you got used to in Doom Eternal!
Enemies
While both installments pit players against hordes of powerful demons, each slightly tweaks this feature to fit their overall atmosphere. Therefore, Doom Eternal’s enemies feel more modern and futuristic. You’ll still encounter characters from previous games, but their abilities now support more dynamic, action-fueled combat.
The Dark Ages’ enemies involve returning and brand-new demons, but all offer heavier, more fantasy-inspired encounters. You can also expect confrontations with terrifyingly gigantic enemies that require a more strategic and thoughtful approach during each fight.
Conclusion
So, which game is ultimately better? Well, both can appeal to different types of players! Doom Eternal is an improved formula of the most iconic installments in the series, equipped with a more dynamic (and even acrobatic) gameplay experience. The title focuses on the spectacular elimination of hordes of enemies in diverse, futuristic locations with a linear structure.
The Dark Ages is a more soulslike alternative, focusing on melee-heavy, parry-oriented confrontations with hellish beasts in an alternative reality inspired by medieval fantasy. Combat requires a slightly different approach, but players can finally discover their beloved Doom Slayer’s origins.
Which one should you play? We say both, but if you only want to try one title, go for The Dark Ages. It’s so inspiring to see where the Doom Slayer comes from and how ancient wars and divine forces shaped his destiny before Doom (2016) and Eternal!