The highly anticipated DOOM: The Dark Ages, the medieval prequel to the 2016 DOOM reboot, is set to deliver an intense and blood-soaked experience. However, one key revelation from the developers has caught the attention of fans – the game won’t end with the Slayer trapped in a coffin like in the 2016 game. Developer id Software has revealed their plans to keep the Slayer’s story open-ended, allowing room for potential future medieval tales.
The Story Won’t Conclude With The Slayer in a Coffin
According to a recent interview with PC Gamer, Hugo Martin, the game director of DOOM: The Dark Ages, made it clear that the story will not end with the Slayer being sealed in a coffin. This revelation has created a buzz among fans who were speculating that the game would naturally lead to the beginning of DOOM (2016).
Martin explained that the team at id Software is keen to explore more medieval stories within the DOOM universe, and putting the Slayer in a coffin would restrict those possibilities.
“I mean, that would end the Dark Ages, the medieval chapter of the DOOM saga. This is kind of like the Chronicles of the Slayer,” Martin said. “So if we took it all the way to that point, then that would mean that we couldn’t tell any more medieval stories.”
This statement confirms that the developers are intentionally leaving the story open-ended, hinting at more medieval chapters in the future.
Possible DLC Expansions Are Planned
Another major takeaway from Martin’s interview was the confirmation that DOOM: The Dark Ages will receive DLC expansions, similar to the highly successful The Ancient Gods DLC from DOOM Eternal. While Martin did not reveal any specific details about the DLC, he did confirm that the game will not end with the Slayer being entombed.
“We do have a DLC and things like that, so it won’t – I’m not giving away spoilers – but it doesn’t end with him [in the coffin],” Martin said.
This clearly indicates that the developers have long-term plans for the medieval setting of the DOOM universe, which could extend the story through multiple expansions or even sequels.
Why The Ending Matters
For those unfamiliar, DOOM (2016) begins with the Slayer awakening from a coffin, signaling his long entrapment after the events of his past life. Given that DOOM: The Dark Ages is a prequel, fans naturally assumed the game would conclude with the Slayer being trapped, eventually leading to his awakening in the reboot.
However, Martin emphasized that the Dark Ages era is not something they are ready to conclude just yet. Closing the story with the Slayer in a coffin would mean ending any future exploration of the medieval-themed storyline, which seems to be something id Software is passionate about.
“The story is that they collapsed a building on top of him and then put him inside of that sarcophagus that we find him in at the beginning of 2016. And this game doesn’t end that way.”
This means DOOM: The Dark Ages could very well pave the way for more medieval-era content, or potentially expand on untold stories in future releases.
Release Date and Platforms
DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to release on May 15, 2025, and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 (PS5), and PC via Steam. Additionally, the game will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass, allowing subscribers to enjoy the game without any additional purchase.
Fans eager to witness the medieval carnage of the Slayer can expect a brand-new experience filled with gruesome combat, hellish monsters, and a rich medieval world.
What This Means for the Future of DOOM
The decision to keep the story open-ended hints at something bigger in the future. If DOOM: The Dark Ages receives positive feedback and high sales, it’s highly likely that id Software will expand the medieval storyline with more games or substantial DLCs.
Moreover, the absence of the Slayer’s entrapment means the developers have more creative freedom to explore other untold stories from the Slayer’s past or possibly introduce new foes and worlds.
For now, fans can mark their calendars for May 15, 2025, and prepare to dive into one of the most brutal and thrilling experiences in the DOOM franchise.
Final Thoughts
The confirmation that DOOM: The Dark Ages will not end with the Slayer in a coffin has left fans buzzing with excitement. This open-ended approach ensures that the medieval timeline will continue to flourish, providing future expansions, sequels, or spin-offs.
With the game’s release around the corner, the hype is already building up. Whether you’re a long-time DOOM fan or new to the franchise, DOOM: The Dark Ages promises to deliver an unforgettable, action-packed journey into hellish medieval warfare.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release date, and prepare yourself to rip and tear through the Dark Ages!
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