DOOM: The Dark Ages reveals Cosmic Kingdom with Lovecraft-inspired boss

With only a few weeks left until the release, DOOM: The Dark Ages has received a new video from id Software, revealing one of the most daring areas ever seen in the franchise: the Cosmic Realm, directly inspired by the cosmic horror of H.P. Lovecraft. The setting mixes classic elements of Hell with a supernatural dimension full of cyclopean architecture, greenish color palettes, and deformed enemies, including a new incarnation of the Cacodemon — now with tentacles and an advanced shield.

The highlight of the revealed content is the Cosmic Baron, the boss of the region, a creature that symbolizes the collapse of reason in the face of the inexplicable, echoing the themes of insanity so present in Lovecraft's works. According to the developers, this will be the first time that the DOOM universe directly flirts with the subgenre of cosmic horror, and promises to bring narrative and visual elements that allude to Cthulhu himself.

"The fusion between infernal terror and cosmic mythology allowed us to create more unpredictable enemies and scenarios that evoke the feeling of insignificance in the face of the unknown," explained id Software in the promotional video.

In addition to the setting, the material reveals new combat mechanics, such as the use of the Reaver Chainshot, a long-range weapon with chain attacks, and the return of the Saw-Shield, already popular among fans. The movement and exploration system has also been improved, focusing on verticality and interaction with the environment to access new routes and ambushes.

DOOM: The Dark Ages will be released on May 15, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with support for ray tracing, dynamic lighting, and 60 FPS. Pre-orders are available on the PlayStation Store and other digital stores.

With this new territory inspired by Lovecraft, DOOM temporarily moves away from demonic military realism and plunges into the unknown, offering a type of terror that is less visual and more psychological. Nevertheless, the insane shootouts and adrenaline at a frenetic pace remain the backbone of the experience.