Introduction
Doom: The Dark Ages throws players into a chaotic mix of brutal combat, medieval visuals, and bloodthirsty demons. While the core gameplay is as aggressive and satisfying as ever, this latest entry in the franchise introduces several hidden mechanics and quirky features that even veteran Slayers might overlook.
Whether you're trying to find new ways to dominate your enemies or just looking to appreciate the little design details, this guide highlights 10 lesser-known features that make the game even more entertaining.
Let’s dive into the demon-slaying secrets you probably missed.
1. Disable Demons by Blasting Off Their Arms
In Doom: The Dark Ages, disabling enemies goes far beyond basic damage. You can target and destroy specific limbs—especially arms—on heavier demons like Hell Knights and Mancubi. If both arms are destroyed, these enemies can no longer attack. They’ll just stand still, completely disarmed and unable to fight back.
This mechanic isn’t just effective; it’s also pretty hilarious. Watching a hulking demon stare at you helplessly while you decide its fate never gets old. It's a brutal but strangely satisfying twist that adds a bit more strategy and comedy to combat.
2. Enemies Can’t Detonate Red Barrels—Only You Can
You’d think that with all the explosions in the game, those iconic red barrels would be a constant threat. Not in The Dark Ages. No matter how chaotic things get, enemies never trigger explosive barrels, even if they’re firing directly at them.
That makes red barrels a strategic tool for players. You can hide behind them or set up traps without worrying about a random projectile setting one off. They only explode if you decide to detonate them, giving you full control over these high-damage hazards.
3. Slow Motion Tricks You Can Use Anytime
If you've ever needed a breather during battle or wanted to line up the perfect shot, Doom: The Dark Ages has your back with several slow-motion features. The game slows down when you bring up the weapon wheel, and some weapons, like the Impaler, have upgrades that trigger slow motion for precise aiming.
The most flexible option? Holding the shield throw button (L1 on controllers) slows the game down while you're aiming—and you can still shoot. It acts like a built-in bullet time mode with almost no cooldown. It's perfect for dodging, shooting, or just showing off in style. Plus, it recharges fast, so you can use it again with almost no delay.
4. Ground Pounds Are Much Easier Than You Think
You probably noticed ground pounds when the game lets you crush a pack of weaker enemies after a big fall. But here's the surprise—you don’t need to jump off high ledges to trigger it. Even small drops, like stepping off a ledge or sliding down a slope, can trigger the shockwave if you land near enemies.
It’s not the most powerful move in your arsenal, but it’s way more forgiving than it looks. Use it for quick crowd control or just for fun. You’re already a walking tank—why not bring the pain from above too?
5. Hidden Glory Kills Are Still Around
While The Dark Ages tones down the flashy, cinematic glory kills from previous Doom games, they’re not completely gone—they’re just harder to trigger. Once you unlock the shield saw, you can stun an enemy and jump at them to initiate a visceral animation where you slice them in half.
This doesn’t happen automatically. You need to combine stunning with the right approach angle or use a shield slam. It’s a little trickier, but it brings back that classic Doom feeling in a more subtle way. Think of it as a nod to longtime fans without breaking the medieval vibe.
6. Crank Game Speed Up to 150%—If You Dare
If you think the game moves too slowly, there’s a game speed setting buried in the options menu that lets you ramp things up to 150%. This increases not just player movement, but enemy speed, animation timing, and even dialogue. It’s like playing the entire game on fast forward.
Most players will find 150% overwhelming—enemies become incredibly fast and dodging becomes almost impossible. But if you're up for a serious challenge, you can combine this with Nightmare difficulty for an experience that’s equal parts chaos and punishment.
7. Trigger Ground Pounds From Minimal Heights
You don’t need towering cliffs to unleash a ground pound. This mechanic is more generous than you’d think. Even slight elevation changes—like stepping off a small ledge or descending a modest incline—can trigger the shockwave effect that damages nearby enemies.
This makes it a reliable tool for thinning out fodder enemies or adding flair to your movement. While it’s not the strongest offensive move, it adds a layer of fun and surprise when exploring vertical spaces or improvising in battle.
8. Find a Skeleton Wearing a Cape
Doom: The Dark Ages includes its fair share of oddball Easter eggs, and one of the most random is a caped skeleton. In mission four, head to the barracks area filled with locked passageways. Use your shield to pull up to a hidden ledge, and behind one of the gates, you’ll find a skeleton draped in a blue cape just... standing there.
It doesn’t do anything, and there’s no in-game explanation. But it’s one of those weird developer jokes meant to reward the curious. Crank up the brightness or shine a gunshot to see it better—it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment.
9. Everything in the Environment Is Breakable
One of the most satisfying parts of The Dark Ages is how much of the environment you can destroy. From medieval carts to torture devices and decorative iron maidens, nearly everything reacts to your presence. Just walking through areas causes objects to fly, fall, or break apart.
This destruction gets even better when you pilot a mech. Not only can you crush enemies, but you can also blast and stomp through pretty much every piece of scenery in sight. It adds a level of immersion and chaos that feels true to the Doom experience—even if it serves no purpose other than sheer fun.
10. Classic Doom Guy Face Returns in the HUD
Nostalgia fans, this one’s for you. In the settings, there’s an option to change the player portrait on your HUD. You can switch from the glowing default to the original Doom Guy face, complete with all the original animations and damage states.
Just like the 1993 classic, Doom Guy’s eyes move around, and his expression changes based on your health and incoming damage. It doesn’t change gameplay, but it’s a nice callback to the series’ roots—and a cool way to personalize your HUD.
Conclusion: Secrets That Enhance the Slayer’s Journey
Doom: The Dark Ages may look like a gritty, medieval take on the franchise, but it hides a wealth of mechanics that reward players who pay close attention. Whether it's discovering that enemies won't trigger red barrels or unleashing surprise slow-motion attacks, these hidden features deepen the experience and make every demon encounter feel more dynamic.
From environmental destruction to nostalgic Easter eggs, the game invites exploration and experimentation. If you're diving into this brutal world, keep these secrets in mind. They won’t just make you a better Slayer—they’ll also make your playthroughs way more fun.
FAQs – Doom: The Dark Ages Hidden Features Guide
Q1: Can you really disarm demons in Doom: The Dark Ages?
Yes. If you target and destroy both arms of certain heavy demons, they become completely harmless. They’ll stop attacking and simply stand still.
Q2: Do enemies trigger explosive barrels in this game?
No. Red barrels will only explode if the player sets them off. Enemy attacks do not trigger them, which adds a layer of safety and strategy.
Q3: Is slow motion a built-in ability or tied to specific weapons?
Both. Slow motion activates during the weapon wheel, shield throw, and with certain weapon upgrades like the Impaler. It’s highly flexible and useful.
Q4: How high do you need to fall to use ground pound attacks?
Not very. Even small steps or inclines can trigger a ground pound, making it easier to use than it initially appears.
Q5: Are glory kills completely removed in The Dark Ages?
Not completely. Hidden glory kill-style animations can still be triggered using specific actions like the shield saw jump or a shield slam.
Q6: What does increasing game speed do?
It speeds up every aspect of the game, including movement, enemy actions, and even dialogue. At 150%, the game becomes extremely difficult to manage.
Q7: Is there a way to change the Doom Guy portrait in the HUD?
Yes. You can switch to the classic Doom Guy face in the settings, which brings back original animations and expressions.
Q8: What’s the deal with the skeleton wearing a cape?
It’s a hidden Easter egg found in mission four. It serves no purpose other than being a quirky, hard-to-spot visual joke by the developers.
Q9: Can you destroy everything in the environment?
Pretty much. The game world is filled with breakable objects, especially when you’re in a mech. It enhances immersion and fun.
Q10: Are there developer Easter eggs in the game?
Yes. Early in the game, you can spot wanted posters featuring real developers like Hugo Martin. It’s a subtle tribute hidden in plain sight.
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