DOOM: The Dark Ages Will Allow Players to Finish it With Only Melee Weapons

Hugo Martin, director of “DOOM: The Dark Ages,” has disclosed a unique challenge for gamers: they can complete the entire game without ever using any of the weapons provided! In an interview with PCGamer, Martin shared that although it’s tough and might seem a bit unconventional (“slightly out of bounds”), it is indeed possible to play solely through the melee combat system during the game’s narrative.

Martin likened the difficulty of engaging in melee combat solely in “DOOM: The Dark Ages” to completing previous DOOM titles like “DOOM 2016” with only the starting pistol and without sustaining any enemy damage, using popular single-weapon challenges as a point of reference.

Martin mentioned, ‘If gamers can complete Dark Souls without taking any damage or using a pistol-only Nightmare mode in DOOM 2016, then I’m confident they can do it with the shield and melee weapons too. However, it will be quite challenging, that much is certain.’

Producer Marty Stratton cautioned that playing only hand-to-hand combat throughout the game DOOM: The Dark Ages might not provide an enjoyable gaming experience. He explained that the game was not intended to be played that way.

Stratton mentioned, “The game might not have been designed with that specific function in mind.” He explained further, “It’s not like a game such as Dishonored, where the mechanics are carefully balanced to allow players to perform that action.

It’s intriguing to draw parallels with Dishonored, as both the initial game and its sequels were thoughtfully crafted to empower players to discover their unique playstyles. Stealth was generously rewarded, but players could also opt for exhilarating melee combat, slicing through enemy lines with the game’s finely tuned systems.

Players who prefer challenging games often derive pleasure from re-experiencing the game while tackling additional hurdles simultaneously. This tendency is particularly noticeable among the fan communities of FromSoftware’s games, such as Dark Souls and Bloodborne. In these gaming circles, a common challenge is to attempt completing the games without leveling up at all.

2016’s DOOM witnessed a surge of runs where players aimed to complete the entire game without sustaining any harm, relying exclusively on the pistol that is initially provided in the game.

During the same interview, Martin unveiled an analogue to DOOM Eternal’s Marauder in DOOM: The Dark Ages, which he named the Agadon Hunter. According to Martin, this new adversary would serve as a challenge for players, assessing their proficiency in mastering the game’s diverse mechanics.

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: “Up until that point in the game, you’ve been tackling various tasks and challenges. But when you reach the boss battle, it’s like stepping into the finals. Everything else leading up to it is just practice, preparation for this ultimate test.

The game titled “DOOM: The Dark Ages” is set to launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on May 15th. This forthcoming title will incorporate a novel gore system, showcased vividly through weaponry such as the Skullcrusher. For further insights regarding this upcoming shooter, feel free to read our interview with its creators.

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2025-03-10 16:42