Doom: The Dark Ages – A Prequel That Won’t End Like Doom 2016

The Doom franchise has long been a fan favorite, blending fast-paced action with an iconic storyline. As the Doom Slayer rises from his coffin at the start of 2016’s Doom, players are thrust into a world of destruction, demons, and chaos. However, with the upcoming Doom: The Dark Ages set to serve as a prequel, fans are eagerly speculating how the game will unfold—especially when it comes to how it will conclude.

In the world of Doom, the Doom Slayer’s story is one of endless battles against demonic forces. But, Doom: The Dark Ages will take us back to a time before the events of the 2016 reboot, exploring the origins of the Slayer’s fight against hellish creatures. While this prequel promises a fresh narrative with a medieval twist, iD Software has confirmed that Doom: The Dark Ages will not end the way the 2016 Doom begins.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into why this distinction is important, what it means for the future of the Doom universe, and how Doom: The Dark Ages could redefine the franchise.

The Prelude to Doom Slayer’s Legendary Battle

Doom: The Dark Ages is set to explore the early days of the Doom Slayer, long before he becomes the fierce and unstoppable force we know in 2016’s Doom. As a prequel, it will showcase a different time, with the protagonist facing off against demonic enemies in a medieval setting. Think knights, castles, and ancient battlegrounds, mixed with the brutal, otherworldly horrors that are a hallmark of Doom’s aesthetic.

Since this game takes place in the distant past, many fans have speculated that it would follow the events that eventually lead to the Slayer’s confinement in the coffin at the beginning of 2016’s Doom. For many, the natural assumption was that Doom: The Dark Ages would close with the iconic moment when the Doom Slayer is sealed away, only to be awakened in the modern-day Doom 2016.

However, this won’t be the case.

The End of Doom: The Dark Ages Won’t Mirror Doom 2016’s Beginning

According to Hugo Martin, the game director of Doom: Eternal and Doom: The Dark Ages, the upcoming prequel will not conclude with the Doom Slayer’s coffin confinement. The decision to steer clear of this narrative was driven by a desire to keep the franchise open to further medieval-themed stories.

As Martin explained, if they ended Doom: The Dark Ages in a manner that led directly into the Doom 2016 storyline, it would effectively close the door on the possibility of exploring future medieval Doom stories. Since the team wants to maintain flexibility for future entries in the series, they’ve opted for an ending that leaves room for further exploration of the Doom Slayer’s early years and the broader, more mythological elements of the Doom universe.

This decision ensures that the Doom: The Dark Ages storyline can remain a unique chapter in the Doom Slayer’s journey without forcing it to tie into the well-established events of Doom 2016.

Why This Matters for the Doom Franchise

The decision not to end Doom: The Dark Ages with the Slayer’s confinement has significant implications for the future of the series. By keeping the door open for future stories set in a medieval context, iD Software is signaling their intent to continue expanding the Doom universe. This could mean that players might see additional medieval Doom games in the future, exploring new time periods, characters, and even regions within the world of Doom.

Additionally, this decision allows for more creative freedom within the Doom franchise. Rather than being tied down to the specific lore established by Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal, Doom: The Dark Ages can explore entirely new aspects of the mythology without fear of contradicting the established timeline. For long-time fans of the series, this opens up the possibility for more varied gameplay, environments, and storytelling techniques, which could make Doom even more expansive than ever before.

Exploring the Medieval Twist in Doom: The Dark Ages

While we now know that Doom: The Dark Ages won’t conclude in the way some fans expected, that doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting. The game is set to offer a fresh take on the traditional Doom formula, infusing medieval elements into the game world. The mix of ancient weaponry, medieval castles, and dark fantasy themes will give players a unique experience compared to the more modern, science-fiction inspired settings of previous Doom games.

Expect to encounter mythological creatures, ancient sorcery, and medieval weapons—all of which are sure to blend with the franchise’s signature fast-paced combat and demon-slaying action. While the Doom Slayer has typically relied on futuristic guns and power-ups in past titles, Doom: The Dark Ages will likely introduce players to more classic weapons like swords, crossbows, and other medieval tools of destruction.

The developers are aiming to keep the core elements of the series intact—intense combat, over-the-top action, and a relentless fight against overwhelming odds—while also offering a fresh setting and narrative structure.

The Possibility of Expanding Doom’s Mythology

One of the most exciting aspects of Doom: The Dark Ages is the opportunity to expand on the lore of the Doom universe. We already know that the Doom Slayer’s origins are tied to ancient, almost mythological forces. This prequel gives iD Software the chance to further explore these aspects, potentially unveiling ancient organizations, secret societies, or even demonic cults that have been at war with hellish forces for centuries.

This could lead to the introduction of new characters, enemies, and factions—each with their own unique histories and motivations within the Doom universe. The medieval setting allows for a deeper exploration of the origins of the Doom Slayer, possibly shedding light on his true purpose and how his eternal fight against demons began. Could the Doom Slayer have been part of an ancient order tasked with protecting the world from demonic forces? Will players discover more about his past life before he became the ultimate demon killer?

The Future of Doom: A Franchise That Continues to Evolve

By choosing not to end Doom: The Dark Ages with the Slayer’s confinement in the coffin, iD Software is keeping the Doom franchise open to endless possibilities. The potential for more medieval-themed stories or even new timelines in the Doom universe is thrilling for fans who have longed for a deeper exploration of the world behind the chaos and carnage.

While we’ll have to wait until Doom: The Dark Ages releases to learn more, it’s clear that iD Software has big plans for the future of the series. This prequel may not be the end of the Doom Slayer’s journey, but it’s certainly a major chapter in a story that’s far from over.

Conclusion

Doom: The Dark Ages promises to be an exciting prequel that offers fresh gameplay and storytelling while respecting the core values of the franchise. The game’s decision to avoid a direct link to the events of Doom 2016 ensures that the door remains open for more medieval Doom stories, allowing for an even larger exploration of the Doom Slayer’s origins. Fans can rest assured that this upcoming entry will offer plenty of new lore, intense combat, and devilishly fun action, all while expanding the rich universe that has made Doom a legendary series in the world of gaming.