Introduction - Guide to Easter Eggs in Doom
Whether you're a seasoned Slayer or just jumping into the franchise, Doom: The Dark Ages doesn’t hold back when it comes to intense action. But if you're the type of player who loves to slow down and look for the little things—hidden references, nostalgic nods, and developer winks—then you're in the right place.
While some longtime fans might feel this installment is a bit light on secrets compared to earlier titles, there’s still a solid batch of clever Easter eggs tucked away in various corners of the game. From callbacks to 90s classics, tributes to past Doom games, and a few mysterious surprises, Doom: The Dark Ages offers more than just carnage.
In this guide, we’ll walk through every known Easter egg and hidden gem in the game—step by step. Whether it’s the subtle switch that spawns rare items or that skeleton in the blue cape (seriously, what is that about?), we’ve got all the juicy details right here.
The Classic Terminator Nod Returns
One of the easiest—and most recognizable—Easter eggs to spot is a repeat from Doom 2016. During any segment that involves lava, let your Slayer slowly sink into it. As your health drains to zero, you’ll see the Doom Guy give a now-iconic thumbs-up as he goes under. It’s a clear reference to the unforgettable scene in Terminator 2: Judgment Day where the Terminator does the same in molten steel.
This homage has become a fan favorite, blending dark humor with nostalgia, and it's nice to see it make a comeback in The Dark Ages. Just make sure you're ready to respawn.
The Return of “Intimacy is Best” Rune
Another familiar Easter egg for returning fans is the rune inscribed with the phrase “Intimacy is Best.” You'll find it during the Harbor of Souls level, just after exiting the blood pool. One of the surrounding stones bears the marking, a subtle throwback to the infamous Dopefish—originally from Commander Keen, another id Software game.
This small touch is a layered nod to the developer’s history and is part of Doom’s long-running tradition of referencing its past titles.
Hidden Switch in Harbor of Souls
If you’re combing levels for secrets, don’t skip over Harbor of Souls. Tucked away off the main path before you reach the ferry, there’s a switch that’s incredibly easy to miss. It’s unmarked and offers no immediate feedback—but press it, and something interesting happens.
Backtrack a bit, and you’ll spot a newly spawned soul sphere. A rare power-up, this item is well worth the detour. But keep in mind—nothing in Doom: The Dark Ages comes without a fight. Grabbing it might trigger some tough resistance, so come prepared.
The Mysterious Skeleton in Sentinel Barracks
Among the prison cells in Chapter 4 (Sentinel Barracks), you’ll come across a scene that has left many players scratching their heads. Inside one cell stands a skeleton draped in a blue cape, striking a proud pose. The body language screams Superman, yet the cape oddly references Batman.
No one seems entirely sure what this is supposed to mean—it could be a mashup joke, a dev’s private nod, or just something thrown in to mess with us. Either way, it’s one of the most cryptic Easter eggs in the game. Got a theory? It’s worth sharing with the community.
Wanted Posters Featuring the Dev Team
At the beginning of your journey through Doom: The Dark Ages, in the village of Khaleim, you’ll spot several wanted posters scattered across the walls. They’re not just filler graphics—these posters actually feature members of the game’s development team. Among the faces, you might recognize Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton.
Some fans believe one of the posters may even be a tribute to the late John "TotalBiscuit" Bain, a popular YouTuber and devoted Doom fan who was previously honored in Doom Eternal. It’s a subtle but heartfelt gesture embedded in the game’s world.
Paintings That Pay Tribute
Art lovers and eagle-eyed explorers will find even more hidden gems in the form of background paintings. One notable portrait appears to depict John Romero, one of the original Doom creators. Others look like nods to iconic works of art—like one resembling Wanderer Above a Sea of Fog, a famous painting by Caspar David Friedrich.
Some of the artworks are obscure or possibly custom creations, but the devs clearly had fun blending high culture with Doom’s gritty aesthetic. If you recognize more of these, be sure to share your discoveries with fellow fans.
Classic Doom Guy Face Returns on HUD
One of the more charming throwbacks is the inclusion of the classic Doom Guy face in the game’s HUD. As you fight your way through the campaign, the little face at the bottom reacts in real-time—smirking, bleeding, and grimacing with each blow.
Even better, you can enable a classic mode from the settings. This swaps the new face with a pixelated version that mirrors the original design from early Doom titles. It even changes appearance as the Slayer becomes undead later in the story, making it a dynamic nod to old-school fans.
Glowing Eyes and God Mode Callback
When the Slayer is under the Makers’ control early in The Dark Ages, his eyes glow a vivid yellow. This isn’t just a stylistic choice—it’s a direct reference to the classic Doom “God Mode” cheat. Activating this in the original game also caused Doom Guy’s eyes to glow yellow.
This visual Easter egg is especially clever given that the Slayer is viewed as a near-godlike figure in the lore. It’s a subtle but powerful link between old gameplay mechanics and new story themes.
Retro Enemy Designs Reimagined
Fans of the classic Doom enemy designs will notice some faithful recreations in The Dark Ages. The Imp Stalker, in particular, looks nearly identical to the original 2D Imp sprite—only now rendered in 3D with modern graphics.
This kind of attention to detail is more than just nostalgia. It shows how far the franchise has come while still respecting its roots. For players who grew up with the originals, it’s a subtle but satisfying touch.
Cycler Gun and Quake’s Nailgun Similarities
The Cycler is one of the new weapons in The Dark Ages, but its design might seem oddly familiar to long-time FPS fans. It closely resembles the nailgun from Quake, another legendary series from id Software.
Though not identical, both weapons share similar aesthetics and firing styles, making this a likely tribute to Quake’s legacy. It’s one of those “blink and you’ll miss it” details that deepens the game’s connection to its lineage.
Quake 3 Logo in the Cosmic Realm
As you explore the eerie Cosmic Realm in Doom: The Dark Ages, look closely at the environmental design. Sharp-eyed players have pointed out a symbol that strongly resembles the Quake 3 Arena logo. While it’s not an exact match, the resemblance is hard to ignore—and the fan community seems convinced it’s intentional.
This hidden nod deepens the multiverse of id Software games and adds a nice reward for players who pay close attention to visual details.
Cthulhu and Lovecraftian Influence
The Cosmic Realm isn’t just a visual stunner—it’s loaded with lore-rich imagery. One of the standout creatures is the Old One, a massive being that clearly draws from H.P. Lovecraft’s mythos, particularly Cthulhu. With its tentacles, scale, and unsettling presence, it’s an unmistakable horror reference.
This is one of Doom: The Dark Ages’ most creative Easter eggs, showing the devs aren’t afraid to mix sci-fi action with cosmic horror. It’s a fresh yet fitting twist that enriches the game’s world-building.
A Double Easter Egg in the Cosmic Realm
Deep in the watery depths of the Cosmic Realm, you might notice some skeletal remains with coral growing out of their heads. This scene feels oddly familiar—and for good reason. It closely mirrors an underwater Easter egg from Uncharted 4, which itself was a nod to the infected “clickers” from The Last of Us.
Whether Doom: The Dark Ages is referencing one of those games—or both—is unclear. But the resemblance is strong enough to suggest it's a multi-layered Easter egg. Intentional or not, it's a cool find that connects across gaming universes.
Soul Sphere + Helmet Combo Surprise
In Chapter 15, there's a one-of-a-kind secret that even seasoned players might miss. If you explore carefully, you'll find the only known spot in the game where two classic power-ups—the soul sphere and a Slayer helmet—are combined into a single collectible.
The result is a unique visual treat and a fun little nod to Doom’s history of power-up designs. It doesn’t change gameplay, but it’s a great example of how even the smallest details in The Dark Ages can bring a smile to fans’ faces.
Conclusion
Doom: The Dark Ages might not be overflowing with secrets, but the Easter eggs it does have are packed with charm, nostalgia, and creativity. From heartfelt tributes and developer cameos to callbacks to Quake, Commander Keen, and even The Last of Us, the game continues the series’ tradition of hiding fun and meaningful surprises for those willing to look.
While some references are obvious and others more cryptic, they all contribute to the rich legacy of the Doom franchise. Whether you're a new fan or a long-time Slayer, exploring these hidden gems adds another layer of enjoyment to your demon-slaying journey.
FAQ – Doom: The Dark Ages Easter Eggs
Q: What is the Terminator reference in Doom: The Dark Ages?
A: When the Slayer sinks into lava, he gives a thumbs-up—just like the Terminator in Judgment Day.
Q: Who appears on the wanted posters in the village of Khaleim?
A: The posters feature developers like Hugo Martin and Marty Stratton, and possibly a tribute to John “TotalBiscuit” Bain.
Q: Is the classic Doom face in the new game?
A: Yes. You can activate it via settings, and it reacts dynamically during gameplay.
Q: Are there any Quake references in Doom: The Dark Ages?
A: Yes. The Cycler weapon resembles Quake’s nailgun, and the Quake 3 logo appears in the Cosmic Realm.
Q: What's with the skeleton in the blue cape?
A: It’s found in Sentinel Barracks. The reference is unclear—possibly a Superman/Batman mix.
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