DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to receive its first substantial DLC with Revelations, arriving on July 7 for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC via XBOX Play Anywhere. This expansion introduces the Chain Spear, a versatile weapon that upgrades the combat dynamics by blending the series’ signature tempo with fresh movement options.
The core of Revelations is a 10- 12-hour campaign complemented by new arenas and Ripatorium content, delivering a balanced split of approximately 60% story-driven gameplay and 40% endgame challenges. The DLC retains all existing difficulty settings, ensuring accessibility across player skill levels.
Chain Spear Innovation Enhances Combat
The Chain Spear replaces the player’s shield early in the story, though later the player gains the ability to switch between the two. Developed as a multifaceted weapon, the spear supports stabbing, slashing, ranged throws, and a ground slam akin to mechanics seen in past DOOM content. Each attack style features its own progression tree, offering depth and skill development.
Significantly, the spear’s chain functions like a grappling hook, allowing players to pull themselves toward enemies or traverse the environment horizontally or vertically with precision. The spear can also orbit opponents, providing tactical positioning while firing, a mechanic compared by id Software’s Hugo Martin to the Z-targeting system from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Expanded Movement and Tactical Flexibility
Revelations builds upon the slower, more defensive combat style introduced in DOOM: The Dark Ages by integrating elements of faster movement and aggression through the Chain Spear. This is particularly notable given the series’ history, where previous entries like DOOM Eternal emphasised rapid movement, and Dark Ages initially focused on a tankier, parry-oriented gameplay. The new DLC appears to bridge these styles, broadening player options without abandoning Dark Ages’ distinctive feel.
Alongside new combat possibilities, the DLC features a substantial hub area designed for exploration reminiscent of Metroidvania games, encouraging players to revisit classic DOOM stage designs reimagined with modern graphical enhancements.
Platform Availability and Subscription Services
Revelations is exclusive to Xbox Series X|S and PC through Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning those who purchase it on one platform can access it on the other without additional cost. The DLC is included with the DOOM: The Dark Ages Premium Edition and Premium Upgrade, though availability details for other purchase options will be confirmed later.
Currently, DOOM: The Dark Ages is also available on Xbox Game Pass, but there is no official confirmation if the Revelations DLC will join the subscription service upon release. Xbox players invested in the series can expect this expansion to deepen the gameplay experience with new systems that require mastery of both old and new combat techniques.
Revelations’ launch on July 7 marks a significant content update for DOOM: The Dark Ages, extending the title’s lifespan on Xbox and PC platforms with fresh gameplay features and expansive content.
