Beginner Tips & Tricks | Doom: The Dark Ages Guide — *Image Credits: id Software, DOOM: Dark Ages*

Whether you're new to the franchise or a veteran who survived Eternal’s whiplash-speed platforming, Doom: The Dark Ages shakes things up with slower, more deliberate combat and a focus on strategy over sheer speed. It’s still brutal, still bloody, and still very Doom, but you’ll need to master some new tools if you want to make it out in one piece.

Here’s a list of essential tips that’ll carry you through from rusty recruit to godlike demon executioner.

Turn On Auto-Sprint and Parry Indicators

Start by tweaking your settings. Go to the menu and enable Auto-Sprint. There’s no reason to hold a button down for something you’ll be doing 99% of the game. Then switch your Threat Detector setting to "Parryable Only" so you’re alerted to off-screen attacks you can counter. This saves your life constantly, especially with fast melee demons or surprise Hell Surge projectiles.

Parrying Is Mandatory, Not Optional

Unlike older Doom titles, The Dark Ages revolves around parries. Green attacks (Hell Surges) are all parryable. Time your block right before the hit and it’ll deflect back to the sender, and sometimes kill nearby enemies too. Upgrade your shield to boost these returns with shockwaves or holy damage. The sooner you start parrying regularly, the more ammo, health, and breathing room you’ll have in fights.

Don’t Waste the Shield Throw

Your shield isn't just a block button, it's also your best stun tool. Throw it at a bigger demon and it will stick into them, stunning them for a few seconds. That gives you time to reposition, heal, or just blast them in the face. And if you need it back fast, press the parry button and it’ll instantly return to you.

Always Check the Map Before Crossing Doors

Every chapter has point-of-no-return doors that lock off areas you just came from. They’re marked on the map with door icons. Before stepping through, check for any unexplored rooms or question mark secrets you might’ve missed. Some collectibles won’t even appear on the map until you’re close to them, so if something looks suspicious, check it. There’s no backtracking once you step through that final arrow door.

Prioritize Upgrades for Shield and Melee First

Don’t blow all your gold on shotguns early. Upgrade your shield and melee weapons first, they stay useful the entire game, and they’re your main source of ammo, health, and control. If you fully explore every level, you’ll get just enough gold, rubies, and Wraithstones to unlock every upgrade. But if you’re skipping stuff, you’ll want your essentials leveled up first.

Switch Weapon Mods Anytime, Anywhere

Most weapons offer two upgrade options, like more splash damage vs. utility effects. But here’s the thing: you can swap these anytime from the weapon menu, no upgrade shrine needed. Test both and use the one that fits the current enemy or arena. For example, use Ricochet on the Shredder for group fights, but switch to Pin Cushion for boss damage.

Exploit Enemy Weaknesses

Some enemies are designed to be countered by specific weapons. Plasma weapons like the Accelerator shred energy shields. The Chainshot melts armor. And some guns (like the Flail or Cycler) get huge bonuses from status effects. Always read the weapon tooltips and try different combos. Using the right gun for the right job saves you ammo and time.

Always Be Swapping (Weapons)

No single gun will carry you through the whole fight. Use the weapon wheel constantly and switch to whatever suits the next wave. Close-range? Pull out the Super Shotgun. Crowd of fodder? Use the Pulverizer or Flail. Shielded demons? Go for the Accelerator or Cycler. If you're not swapping, you're wasting time.

Don’t Be Afraid to Use Melee

Your melee weapons run on cooldowns, but they are vital. Use them to knock out demons for quick ammo and health drops. The Dreadmace, Gauntlet, and Flail each serve different purposes. If you’re ignoring them, you’re running out of ammo for no reason. Melee is meant to be part of your loop — don’t save it, spend it.

Complete Chapter Missions for Free Rewards

Every mission includes optional Chapter Missions. These give extra gold, rubies, or weapon skins, stuff you’d have to grind for otherwise. Open the mission screen and check your goals before starting. Most are simple, like “kill X demons with the Flail” or “parry this enemy type three times.” Free upgrades are free upgrades.

Don’t Skip “Optional” Leaders

Leaders (marked by colored orbs over their heads) drop permanent upgrades to health, armor, or ammo. These fights are often hidden in secret areas or locked behind puzzles, but they are worth it. If you're struggling mid-campaign, it's probably because you're under-upgraded. Go find and destroy them.

Use Atlan Combos Wisely

When you’re in the Atlan mech, build up your combo meter by chaining punches and dodges. Once it’s full, unleash stomp AoEs or finishers. If you get hit, the combo resets — so keep dodging, even when holding your giant cannon. The longer you stay clean, the more damage you’ll deal.

Difficulty Settings Are Your Friend

Struggling with a parry window or projectile spam? Head to the Accessibility settings. You can stretch out parry timing, slow projectiles, or change their colors for visibility. Tweak the game until it feels good for you.

Final Blurb

Doom: The Dark Ages is slower, meaner, and way more strategic than its predecessors. Master the shield, switch weapons often, and don’t be afraid to punch demons in the teeth if it means getting your health back. Explore everything, parry everything, and above all, play aggressive. Hell won’t wait.