DOOM: The Dark Ages - Can Your PC Handle This Medieval Shooter?

Prepare yourself now, as you’re about to delve into DOOM: The Dark Ages – a prequel to the 2016 game. In this medieval-themed adventure, you’ll once again take on the role of the Slayer, battling hordes of demons with fresh new weapons and combat styles. This time around, expect to pilot a mech and even ride atop a fearsome dragon!

This time around, id Software, the long-standing creators of the DOOM series since its inception, have crafted what promises to be their most epic game yet. Known for constantly testing the boundaries of PC gaming and optimizing their games for cutting-edge hardware, this team is sure to deliver an exceptional experience.

The Dark Ages” operates using id Tech 8, a cutting-edge engine developed by id Software and shared with their affiliate studio, MachineGames. This advanced technology enables id Software to showcase its graphics more impressively than ever before, even exploring the potential of ray tracing. Notably, “DOOM: The Dark Ages” is capable of full path tracing support.

Considering that, it would be wise for you to verify if your PC meets the official system requirements for DOOM: The Dark Ages before proceeding. Here are the details you require, presented below.

DOOM: The Dark Ages PC requirements and specs

As an analyst, I’ve just learned that Bethesda Softworks and id Software have disclosed the official PC specifications for DOOM: The Dark Ages. Notably, this game will necessitate a graphics card that supports ray-tracing. Additionally, to install the game, you’ll need an NVME SSD, similar to the requirements for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, another recent title developed by MachineGames leveraging id Tech.

Minimum requirements

The game’s minimal specifications are designed to allow smooth gameplay at a resolution of 1080 pixels and 60 frames per second, while operating on lower graphics settings.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X or Intel Core i7-10700K
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super or AMD RX 6600
OS: Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 64-bit
RAM: 16GB
STORAGE: 512GB or higher NVME SSD (100GB Available)

Ultra 4K

To run DOOM: The Dark Ages smoothly at a 4K resolution and 60 frames per second with all Ultra graphics settings, the system needs to meet Ultra 4K standards. However, this setup won’t support path tracing.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X or Intel Core i7-12700K
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 or AMD RX 7900XT
OS: Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 64-bit
RAM: 32GB
STORAGE: 512GB or higher NVME SSD (100GB Available)

How to check your Windows PC specs

It’s all right if you can’t recall the specific hardware components of your computer. Finding out your system details and what software you have running is quite straightforward.

Type dxdiag in your Windows taskbar.
Choose dxdiag to run the diagnostic tool and grab your info.
The system tab will show memory information for your Windows PC.
The display tab has the various information on your graphics capabilities.

How to upgrade your Windows PC

The method you’ll follow when updating your computer will depend on what components are outdated. If it’s just the RAM that needs an upgrade, this is usually straightforward. For a new graphics card, compatibility with your power supply might be a factor. If your CPU is significantly older, then building or purchasing a new PC would be more appropriate.

We’ve got a variety of guides across Windows Central that can help with this process.

Can DOOM: The Dark Ages run on gaming handhelds?

More and more gamers are choosing to experiment with handheld devices as an alternative to playing PC games on their desktop computers. These portable game systems, while not offering the same high-end specifications as a dedicated desktop, can still deliver impressive performance thanks to smart optimization techniques. This makes them appealing either as an entry point into the world of PC gaming or simply for their convenience and flexibility.

Here’s what we can roughly expect for DOOM: The Dark Ages on gaming handhelds.

Will DOOM: The Dark Ages run on Steam Deck?

It’s unlikely that DOOM: The Dark Ages will perform optimally, or even run at all, on the Steam Deck. This is because the game demands more robust ray tracing capabilities than the Steam Deck currently provides. Similarly to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, it requires hardware with greater ray tracing strength.

Will DOOM: The Dark Ages run on ASUS ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go?

Compared to the Steam Deck, both the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go boast superior hardware. Consequently, running DOOM: The Dark Ages on these devices is feasible, although you may need to adjust most settings to lower levels. This especially applies to the more powerful (and pricier) version of the ASUS ROG Ally, the X model.

Based on my observations thus far, DOOM: The Dark Ages appears to be one of the most anticipated games of the year, serving as an impressive addition to the Xbox’s 2025 first-party lineup. Its medieval theme, coupled with innovative weapons to learn and a dragon and mech to engage with, makes for an enticing package.

As a diehard fan, I’m thrilled to announce that “DOOM: The Dark Ages” is set to drop on my gaming console of choice – Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5 – starting May 15, 2025! If you preorder the Premium Edition, you’ll be among the first to experience the game, with a two-day early access advantage. Plus, here’s some great news for Xbox fans like me: all standard editions of the game are included in my beloved Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscriptions! Can’t wait to dive back into the DOOM universe!

2025-01-24 02:39

DOOM: The Dark Ages – Can Your PC Handle This Medieval Shooter?