DOOM The Dark Ages: Best Early Weapons & Upgrades

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In the game “DOOM: The Dark Ages“, you’ll find a wide selection of weapons at your disposal for tearing through enemies. However, this abundance of choices can sometimes lead to confusion as you decide on the most effective early weapons and upgrades.

Initially, you’re equipped with just your reliable Combat Shotgun and Shield in this game. As you advance, you’ll acquire an abundance of weapons at a rapid clip throughout the campaign. However, due to the scarcity of upgrade resources at the beginning, it’s essential to make strategic choices about which weapons to prioritize!

In this tutorial, we’ll provide recommendations for the top weapons and enhancements to prioritize when you first begin playing the game.

Best Early Weapons & Upgrades | DOOM: The Dark Ages

Upgrade System Info and Shield Upgrades

To kick off, here’s an important point to note: In this game, there are absolutely no secret or hidden weapons. Instead, you acquire all the weapons by advancing through the campaign without any misses!

Although you won’t have to search for weapons, it’s still advisable to thoroughly investigate each level as there are hidden treasures and additional tasks that await you. Completing these will reward you with three essential resources: Gold, Rubies, and Wraithstones. These resources play a crucial role in upgrading your weapons, so keep an eye out for them!

In addition, it’s worth noting that the game follows a predominantly progressive path when it comes to upgrades. Although there are several options within each tier, you must unlock each level sequentially before making your choices. Essentially, you’re deciding what to focus on more rather than choosing which path to take.

In this game, your shield is constantly by your side, so enhancing it should be a top priority for you! During the initial stages of the game, when acquiring more weapons isn’t an option yet, improving your shield becomes even more crucial. We strongly suggest that you work on obtaining these Shield upgrades immediately:

  • Tier 1: Retaliation – Parrying Hell Surge attacks will trigger a larger, more powerful shockwave that causes nearby demons to Heavy Falter.
  • Tier 2: Power Surge – Energy Shields that are hit by a Shield Throw will cause your Shield to bounce to nearby enemies.
  • Tier 3: Extended Edge – Shield Throw has an extended reach against fodder demons.
  • Tier 4: Steadfast – The Shield will recover faster from taking damage, and also recover faster after breaking.

As someone eagerly diving into this new adventure, now that I’ve got the fundamentals and shield enhancements sorted, it’s time we discuss which weapons and upgrades should be my priority in the early stages of the game.

Best Early Game Gun Upgrades

Initially, you’ll find yourself equipped only with the Combat Shotgun during the game’s beginning. Given that it serves as your most effective weapon for several stages, it would be prudent to enhance or upgrade the Combat Shotgun first, so that it can handle large groups of enemies more effectively. Therefore, prioritize acquiring upgrades for your Combat Shotgun at the start.

  • Tier 1: Incendiary – Dealing enough damage to a demon with the Combat Shotgun applies Burn. Demons affected by Burn drop armor pickups.
  • Tier 2: Blast – Burn applied by the Combat Shotgun causes demons to explode on death.
    • Do note, Smelt becomes the better Tier 2 upgrade later on in the game. However, Blast makes the early game much easier. You can switch later on.
  • Tier 3: Flare-Up – The Combat Shotgun instantly applies Burn to fodder demons.

This mainly turns your Combat Shotgun into a powerful tool for swiftly eliminating clusters of common demons. Additionally, it will also serve as an excellent means of collecting armor-enhancing items!

Beyond relying solely on my trusty shotgun, I’d advise you to prioritize the Impaler as your secondary weapon of choice. You’ll acquire it in Chapter 4. As a potent sniper rifle-like weapon, it excels at taking down tough single enemies, making it an ideal companion for combat situations.

  • Tier 1: Stalwart – Hitting a demon with Shield Throw, Shield Charge, or parrying a Hell Surge attack drops Impaler ammo.
  • Tier 2: Chronospike – Holding the fire button slows down time. Impaler projectiles fired during slow time deal more damage.

Best Melee Weapon in the Early Game

In conclusion, regarding melee weapons and enhancements in DOOM: The Dark Ages, it’s advisable to prioritize the Flail. This weapon is acquired in Chapter 6 of the game. Here are some suggested upgrades for it:

When considering melee weapons and improvements in DOOM: The Dark Ages, you should primarily focus on the Flail. You’ll get this weapon during Chapter 6 of the campaign. Following is a list of recommended upgrades for it:

  • Tier 1: Conditioning – Reduce the recovery time of a Flail charge by five seconds.
  • Tier 2: Ignite – Demons hit by the Flail are scorched and drop armor.

These enhancements primarily assist in compensating for the Flail’s naturally lengthy recharge times and also provide an additional means of acquiring armor pick-ups. It synergizes particularly well with the Combat Shotgun’s upgrades if you choose Smelt over Blast as your secondary weapon later on!

*Now you have learned about the most effective early weapons and upgrades to conquer in DOOM: The Dark Ages. If you want more early game insights, don’t forget to explore our beginner’s guide for helpful hints and strategies.*

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2025-05-17 04:06