All we Know About DOOM: The Dark Ages – Release Date, Preload Time, System Requirements and More

The release of the shooter DOOM: The Dark Ages is just around the corner. Bethesda has officially announced the exact launch time for different regions, as well as the dates for preload and early access.

DOOM: The Dark Ages - Release Date and Preload Time

Preloading for DOOM: The Dark Ages will begin on May 11 at 2:00 AM CEST for those who pre-ordered the game. Owners of the Premium Edition will gain access on May 13, while the full release is scheduled for May 15. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series, and will launch day one on Game Pass.

Early Access (Premium Edition)

Players who purchase the Premium Edition will be able to start playing on May 13. Here is the regional launch schedule:

• Los Angeles (PDT): May 12, 17:00
• Dallas/ Mexico City (CDT): May 12, 19:00/ 18:00
• New York (EDT): May 12, 20:00
• São Paulo (BRT): May 12, 21:00
• London (BST): May 13, 01:00
• Paris/ Frankfurt (CEST): May 13, 02:00
• Riyadh (AST): May 13, 03:00
• New Delhi (IST): May 13, 05:30
• Beijing/ Hong Kong (CST/ HKT): May 13, 08:00
• Seoul/ Tokyo (KST/ JST): May 13, 09:00
• Sydney (AEST): May 13, 10:00
• Auckland (NZST): May 13, 12:00

Let me know when you're ready to send the full release times.

Full Release (All Editions)

The official launch of the game will take place on May 15. Here’s the global release schedule by region:

• Los Angeles (PDT): May 14, 17:00
• Dallas/ Mexico City (CDT): May 14, 19:00/ 18:00
• New York (EDT): May 14, 20:00
• São Paulo (BRT): May 14, 21:00
• London (BST): May 15, 01:00
• Paris/ Frankfurt (CEST): May 15, 02:00
• Riyadh (AST): May 15, 03:00
• New Delhi (IST): May 15, 05:30
• Beijing/ Hong Kong (CST/ HKT): May 15, 08:00
• Seoul/ Tokyo (KST/ JST): May 15, 09:00
• Sydney (AEST): May 15, 10:00
• Auckland (NZST): May 15, 12:00

Sure, a couple of days might not seem like much — but it’s hard to wait when DOOM: The Dark Ages promises so much engaging story and action-packed gameplay. Let me give you a quick overview of what to expect.

DOOM: The Dark Ages — Story and Gameplay Evolution

Naturally, a new installment means a new story. The lore continues to expand, offering longtime fans even more to dive into. And let’s be honest — what would a DOOM game be without fresh gameplay features? DOOM: The Dark Ages is no exception. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store for us this time.

Story and World

DOOM: The Dark Ages takes place long before the previous entries in the franchise — in a grim fantasy era inspired by the Middle Ages. Against the backdrop of an approaching apocalypse, the Doom Slayer finds himself in the kingdom of Argent D'Nur, where fate forges him into a weapon of gods and kings — the last hope in a desperate war against demonic hordes. By joining the Night Sentinels, he becomes part of a great conflict that sets the stage for the downfall of an entire world.

Unlike earlier titles, this game places a much stronger emphasis on storytelling. Through cutscenes, dialogue, and narrative sequences, players will not only gain insight into the Doom Slayer’s inner world but also explore the mythology of the DOOM universe in greater depth.

Personally, I think this is a fantastic approach to storytelling. I love games where immersion and gameplay are so seamlessly intertwined that you lose yourself in the experience — it feels like you're living the game, not just playing it. It’s like watching a great movie, but you're in control. Sure, sometimes that feeling can be broken by difficulty spikes… but thankfully, that’s not something I worry about.

Gameplay Features

DOOM: The Dark Ages delivers a heavier, more deliberate combat style where every strike feels powerful and impactful. The arsenal has been expanded with brutal new weapons:

• A saw-shield that not only blocks enemy attacks but also tears through them in close quarters;
• A warhammer capable of obliterating foes with a single crushing blow;
• Firearms that shoot bone-like projectiles — as if ripped straight from the flesh of hell itself.

The gameplay also gains depth through unique mechanics: we’ll get the chance to pilot a massive mech and ride a cyber-dragon into battle. These additions bring variety and cinematic flair to the fights, all while preserving DOOM’s signature pace. A dark fantasy mech? That already sounds like something worth playing.

DOOM: The Dark Ages — Editions

DOOM: The Dark Ages will be available in three main editions. Let’s take a look at what each version includes:

Standard Edition

• Base game
• Pre-order bonus: “Void Slayer” skin
• Available on Game Pass from day one

Everything here is basic and straightforward — though the bonus skin is a nice little touch. It’s always good to get a small reward just for committing early.

Premium Edition

• Base game
• Up to 2 days of early access
• Digital artbook and official soundtrack
• “Gods” skin pack — for the Doom Slayer, his mech, and his dragon
• Story DLC (to be released later)
• Pre-order bonus: “Void Slayer” skin

This edition lives up to its Premium name. With just a modest price difference, it brings plenty of value and goodies that fans will definitely appreciate.

Collector’s Bundle

• Everything included in the Premium Edition
• 12-inch Doom Slayer statue with a cape and interchangeable weapons
• Metal replica of the red keycard
• SteelBook case

Now this one’s for the true DOOM fans. Bethesda really put heart into making this edition feel special — a collector’s item that’s bound to leave a lasting impression.

DOOM: The Dark Ages — System Requirements

Let’s talk about what kind of hardware this game demands. It’s fair to say that DOOM: The Dark Ages is quite resource-hungry — but honestly, it looks like it’ll be worth every bit of it.

Minimum (1080p, 60 FPS, Low Settings):

• OS: Windows 10/ Windows 11 (64-bit)
• CPU: AMD Zen 2 or Intel 10th Gen @ 3.2 GHz, 8 cores/ 16 threads (e.g., Ryzen 7 3700X or Core i7-10700K)
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super or AMD RX 6600
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 100 GB

Recommended (1440p, 60 FPS, High Settings):

• OS: Windows 10/ Windows 11 (64-bit)
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X or Intel Core i7-12700K
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 or AMD RX 6800
• RAM: 32 GB
• Storage: 100 GB

Ultra (2160p, 60 FPS, Ultra Settings):

• OS: Windows 10/ Windows 11 (64-bit)
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X or Intel Core i7-12700K
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 or AMD RX 7900XT
• RAM: 32 GB
• Storage: 100 GB

The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and it will launch day one on Game Pass.

Expectations for DOOM: The Dark Ages

In my humble opinion, this game has all the potential to become one of the best entries in the entire series. From what I’ve seen so far, it combines everything that worked in the previous titles, while introducing fresh mechanics and diving deeper into the story and lore of the universe.

Judging by the trailers, even with the addition of massive mechs and more heavy weaponry, the gameplay still looks fast-paced and intense. At this point, my expectations are pretty high — and I believe many fans feel the same way.

So I’m counting down the days, and to all of you: enjoy the game and may your battles be fierce!