Where to Find the Secret Keys in DOOM: The Dark Ages - Chapter 1

The Village of Khalim is the very first chapter of DOOM: The Dark Ages, and this is where everything begins. It’s your first time stepping into the boots of the Doom Slayer, your first encounter with the forces of Hell, and your introduction to the game’s core mechanics. But don’t let the “intro level” label fool you — this stage immediately sets the tone: in this game, looking around pays off. Secrets aren’t just for show.

There are six hidden areas in this location. Inside, you’ll find two collectible toys, two Lore Codex Entries, a unique weapon skin, and some extra resources. Some of these secrets offer real gameplay advantages, while others are part of the overall progression or lore. Here’s where you can find everything in Chapter 1.

Why Do Secrets Matter in DOOM: The Dark Ages — and Where Are They Hidden?

Most secrets in DOOM: The Dark Ages are small environmental puzzles or tucked-away Easter eggs. In many cases, they serve as optional challenges that help you complete the game 100%. Not all of them are practical, but a few can be genuinely useful — or at the very least, interesting to discover.

Below, I’ll walk you through all the hidden areas in the first level and explain exactly where to look so you don’t miss a thing.

Secret 1 — Behind the Door with the Blue Shield

Right after you acquire the Power Gauntlet, you’ll run into an Imp Stalker inside a building. Once the fight is over, don’t climb the wall straight ahead. Instead, turn left — there’s a wooden door with a blue shield symbol painted on it.

If you hold up your shield to block, a target symbol will appear on the door. Charge forward and smash through it — inside, you’ll find a Life Sigil that increases your maximum health.

Secret 2 — Side Street with the Blue Lock

Early in the level, after clearing out a courtyard, you’ll come across a locked gate. The key to open it is located in a nearby church. Fight your way through the cultists, grab the blue key, and head back — on your way, unlock the door on the side street you passed earlier.

Inside, you’ll find an Imp Toy — a collectible item that counts toward 100% completion.

Secret 3 — Cave Beneath the Slope

After destroying the second portal, move through the tunnel. As soon as you come out, turn right — you’ll enter an area with a Shredder. Look around carefully: just below the slope, there’s a cave entrance. Use the torch by the doorway as your visual cue.

Jump down into the cave. Inside, you’ll find explosive barrels and a secret chamber. But as soon as you approach the collectible, enemies will spawn — two Imp Stalkers and a Pinky Rider. Take them out, and you’ll be rewarded with the Nightmare Combat Shotgun Skin.

Secret 4 — Cliffside Path by the Ocean

Head back to the area with the Shredder, but this time face the ocean. At the edge of the cliff, where there’s no railing, you can drop down onto a hidden stone path. It leads to a cave that’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.

Inside, you’ll find some armor, ammo, and a Soldier Toy. As soon as you pick it up, an Imp Stalker will appear behind you. It’s not a tough fight, but it can catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention.

Secret 5 — Chamber Beneath the Statue

After sealing all the demon portals and picking up the purple key, don’t head straight toward your next objective. Instead, return to the hill with the giant statue. Beneath it, there’s a small locked chamber that can be opened with the purple key.

Inside, you’ll find another Life Sigil. This isn’t just cosmetic — it’s a real upgrade that boosts your survivability.

Doom Slayer Codex — On the Cliff to the Right

It’s not officially marked as a secret, but it’s easy to overlook. After destroying the fourth portal (to the right of the first one), follow the path along the cliff and climb up the walls. At the top, you’ll find the Doom Slayer Codex.

Secret 6 — Path to the Allies

Once you’ve closed all the portals, a Titan will appear. You won’t fight it just yet, but a large wave of enemies will block your path. After the battle, continue forward and look to the right side of the main path — there’s a climbable wall you can scale.

At the top, you’ll find some allies and a Codex Entry about the Village of Khalim — another piece of lore worth picking up if you’re interested in the world-building.

Are Secret Keys Hard to Find in DOOM: The Dark Ages?

Not exactly hard — but they’re easy to miss. The levels in DOOM: The Dark Ages are designed in such a way that almost every bend, ledge, or staircase might be hiding something useful. But the game rarely points you in the right direction. There are no arrows, glowing trails, or pop-up hints — it’s all about observation and curiosity.

Most of the secret keys and hidden areas aren’t far off the main path. Sometimes they’re behind a wall you can smash, other times behind a door you might overlook entirely. But if you slow down a bit and take the time to look around, almost everything can be found without much trouble.

Some secrets offer actual gameplay advantages — like Life Sigils that boost your max health, or bonus resources that make combat easier. Others are purely cosmetic or collectible — toys, skins, lore entries. Even if they don’t enhance your power, they still make the world feel deeper and more rewarding to explore.

So really, the only people who struggle are the ones rushing through. Everything else is just a matter of paying attention. And if you're aiming for 100% completion — or simply don't want to miss anything cool — it's absolutely worth checking every corner.