Doom: The Dark Ages Launch Guide – Early Access Details, Game Pass Information, and More

Our beloved Doom Slayer returns to deliver another inflictive experience in a new chapter of the franchise!

Hell reigns once again with the eagerly awaited title, Doom: The Dark Ages. This prequel to id Software’s acclaimed 2016 revival of the series is set to launch across multiple gaming platforms this week.

Here’s everything you need to know about unleashing chaos in your time zone.

1. How to Secure Doom: The Dark Ages Before Launch Day

How to get Doom The Dark Ages before launch day | Source: id Software

Eager fans can dive into the action early by purchasing the Premium Edition of Doom: The Dark Ages.

For those who want early access, the $100 Premium Edition is your ticket—if you were lucky enough to grab the sold-out $200 Collector’s Edition, that also provides early access!

Not only does the Premium Edition allow two days of early gameplay, but it also includes a plethora of bonus content. Pre-ordering players will receive the exclusive Void Doom Slayer skin and gain access to upcoming DLC for the campaign as soon as it’s available. This edition also features a digital art book, the official soundtrack, and a Divinity Skin Pack that contains unique skins for the Doom Slayer, the dragon, and the mech.

2. Unlock Times for Doom: The Dark Ages by Region

When does Doom The Dark Ages unlock in your time zone | Source: id Software

Players who pre-ordered Doom: The Dark Ages can begin their carnage starting the evening of May 12 in the Americas, while those in Africa and Eurasia can jump in during the early hours of May 13.

The complete release for all players will occur on the evening of May 14 across both North and South America. For PC users, preloading is already available, allowing both early access and standard pre-order customers to download the game ahead of its official launch.

i. Early Access Release Times for Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom The Dark Ages – Early Access Release Times | Source: id Software

(Premium & Collector’s Edition only – begins at Midnight UTC, May 13)

Time Zone	Local Time	Date
Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)	5:00 PM	Monday, May 12
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)	8:00 PM	Monday, May 12
British Summer Time (BST)	1:00 AM	Tuesday, May 13
Central European Summer Time (CEST)	2:00 AM	Tuesday, May 13
Japan Standard Time (JST)	9:00 AM	Tuesday, May 13

ii. Full Release Times for Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom The Dark Ages – Full Release Times | Source: id Software

(Available on all platforms – begins at Midnight UTC, May 15)

Time Zone	Local Time	Date
Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)	5:00 PM	Wednesday, May 14
Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)	8:00 PM	Wednesday, May 14
British Summer Time (BST)	1:00 AM	Thursday, May 15
Central European Summer Time (CEST)	2:00 AM	Thursday, May 15
Japan Standard Time (JST)	9:00 AM	Thursday, May 15

3. Availability of Doom: The Dark Ages on Game Pass

Is Doom The Dark Ages available on Game Pass | Source: id Software

Indeed, Doom: The Dark Ages will be available through Xbox Game Pass at launch, but only for specific subscription tiers. To access the game, you must be a member of either the PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate—unfortunately, it won’t be available through the Core or Standard Game Pass tiers.

Prepare for a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping experience with Doom: The Dark Ages. Set your calendar reminders, get your gear in order, and brace yourself for battle—because Hell itself is about to be confronted!

4. An Overview of Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages is a forthcoming first-person shooter crafted by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. As a prelude to the popular 2016 reboot of the Doom series and its sequel, Doom Eternal, this exciting new installment will launch on May 15, 2025. Available on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC, the game will showcase a darker, medieval-themed environment that emphasizes melee combat and shield parrying, distinctly deviating from the fast-paced combat characteristic of its predecessors.

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