Doom: The Dark Ages | Revelations is a high-scoring DLC expansion for the 2026 title Doom: The Dark Ages, developed by id Software and published by Bethesda. Despite receiving a 9/10 review score for its combat and “Chain Spear” mechanics, the expansion launched amid reports that Microsoft laid off over 130 employees from id Software, including the majority of the team that worked on the DLC.
Microsoft Layoffs Hit id Software During Revelations Launch
The release of Revelations coincides with a significant workforce reduction at Microsoft. According to reports, more than 130 people were laid off from id Software during the same week the expansion debuted. These cuts reportedly targeted the majority of the staff responsible for developing Revelations.
While Microsoft has attempted to downplay the impact, suggesting the studio can still produce new games and engines, the timing has left the future of the Doom franchise uncertain. The DLC arrived with minimal promotional fanfare, leading to concerns that this may be the last Doom for a very long time.
Did you know? The Revelations expansion is an entirely separate option from the main menu and explicitly warns players to play the parent game, The Dark Ages, first.
Combat Evolution: The Chain Spear and Mobility
Revelations shifts the gameplay loop away from the “walking tank” feel of The Dark Ages. The central addition is the Chain Spear, a versatile tool that restores the agility and dashing capabilities missing from the base game. According to the review, the spear serves as a mobility device, allowing players to yank themselves toward enemies or nodes to execute pot shots and melee attacks.
The weapon system evolves through upgrades that introduce:
- Automatic Orbit: Allows the player to automatically orbit around an opponent.
- Specialized Attacks: Javelins, stabs, and ground pounds tailored for armored or flying enemies.
- Projectile Deflection: The spear can deflect attacks, similar to the shield mechanic in the base game.
This complexity brings the combat closer to the tactical depth found in 2020’s Doom Eternal, while offering a variety of options that the reviewer claims exceed those of Eternal.
Level Design and Metroidvania Elements
The expansion departs from the giant open-world areas of The Dark Ages, returning to a structure more reminiscent of Doom Eternal. One significant change is the removal of secret locations from the map, forcing players to find hidden areas the old-fashioned way.
The expansion introduces a central hub area accessible after a couple of hours of play. This hub utilizes “Metroidvania” design, where players must unlock new abilities to access additional areas. The experience includes proper puzzles and post-game rewards, such as redesigned maps from the original Doom titles from the 90s.
Because your shield is broken when you first acquire the spear, mastering the spear’s deflection and mobility is critical for survival in the early stages of the DLC.
Comparing the Modern Doom Trilogy
The modern era of Doom, starting with the 2016 reboot, has been characterized by a tension between pure action and complex mechanics. Revelations is positioned as a corrective to the flaws of its predecessors.
| Title | Core Strength | Primary Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Doom Eternal | Complex, tactical combat | Frustrating platforming |
| The Dark Ages | Accessibility / Shield play | Shallower action / Slower movement |
| Revelations | Chain Spear / Hybrid design | High complexity / Poor story |
Despite the mechanical success, the storytelling remains a point of criticism. The reviewer describes the plot—involving interdimensional angels and space Vikings—as a “bewildering mess of intensely uninteresting lore” that clashes tonally with the over-the-top action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Revelations DLC?
The main experience lasts at least six to seven hours, though completionists searching for secrets may spend twice that.
What platforms is Revelations available on?
It is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
Do I need the base game to play the DLC?
Yes, Revelations requires Doom: The Dark Ages to play and is priced at £17.99.
What is the “Chain Spear”?
It is a new weapon in Revelations used for both attacking and rapid movement, allowing players to dash and pull themselves toward targets.
What happened to the id Software developers?
According to reports, over 130 staff members were laid off by Microsoft during the release week of the expansion.
Do you think the “Metroidvania” approach works for a first-person shooter? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep-dives into the latest gaming industry shifts.
Keep reading