Where Does DOOM: The Dark Ages Fit in the Series’ Timeline?

by

The Dark Ages”, it was clear that this game would serve as a prequel since its title suggested so. However, understanding where exactly it fits within the DOOM series timeline is not straightforward due to conflicting interpretations of the chronology among fans and the developer’s reluctance to provide a definitive answer. Thus, the question remains: how will “DOOM: The Dark Ages” be connected to other games in the series?

Let’s proceed methodically and one step at a time, as diving headfirst into the DOOM timeline could become overwhelming, given its similarity to other gaming franchises in that regard. Let’s begin with facts we can verify completely. We know for sure that “DOOM: The Dark Ages” will be a prequel to “DOOM (2016)”, which places it earlier in the series timeline following id Software’s soft reboot of the franchise nearly a decade ago with the mentioned title.

In essence, when we talk about “soft reboot”, it means that games like DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal are connected to the older DOOM series. This connection was confirmed in DOOM Eternal, revealing that the protagonist of the new games, the Doom Slayer, is none other than the original hero from the earlier DOOM titles, Doomguy. This may not be a surprise to many, but it was officially clarified for the first time with DOOM Eternal’s confirmation that yes, the Doom Slayer is indeed the same character who battled through the forces of Hell in the original DOOM, DOOM 2, and DOOM 64.

Indeed, that situation sparked some fresh queries, especially for those keen on aligning every detail perfectly within the timeline. The finale of DOOM 64 saw Doomguy opting to remain in Hell and wage war against his perceived mortal adversaries from the armies of Hell. Later, an indeterminate period (potentially spanning around 20 years) has passed (which may or may not have occurred), and DOOM (2016) opens with the Slayer being revived within a sarcophagus on Mars, compelled to defend against invading forces from Hell. However, one might ponder how he transitioned from his last known position at the end of DOOM 64 to his situation in 2016?

It’s unclear if DOOM: The Dark Ages will provide a direct link to the events of the original 2016 game, as many fans anticipate. However, it is certain that The Dark Ages won’t lead directly into 2016. In an interview with PC Gamer, director Hugo Martin revealed that DOOM: The Dark Ages won’t conclude with the Slayer being sealed, hinting at potential future games in the series’ medieval arc. Whether there will be direct sequels to The Dark Ages that fill in the timeline gap between The Dark Ages and DOOM 2016 remains undecided by the studio, though they may not be ready or willing to discuss it publicly yet.

The question revolves around the extent to which the upcoming game will reference or connect with the previous DOOM titles prior to the soft reboot, specifically DOOM 64. Will the storyline make it clear how the Slayer’s journey continues from where it ended in DOOM 64? It seems unlikely that The Dark Ages will heavily focus on this connection, as id Software may not want newcomers to the series to feel compelled to read the older titles to fully understand the new game’s story. Moreover, with a greater emphasis on story and narrative this time around, there might be fewer references to the past games compared to the usual trend in DOOM. Nevertheless, fans will likely expect some nods or connections to the earlier titles, given that DOOM Eternal did include such references. In essence, we wonder if The Dark Ages will follow suit and acknowledge its predecessors.

A notable older game from the DOOM series, which likely won’t be connected to The Dark Ages, seems to be DOOM 3. Its position within the DOOM timeline remains unclear, but many believe it constitutes a distinct alternate reality, making it largely irrelevant to current discussions about the series. However, there’s always a possibility that id Software might find a way to integrate it without feeling contrived or complicated in the future – although this may not be a priority for them at the moment.

In DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, we’ve gathered a wealth of information about the world of Argent D’Nur, its inhabitants called the Argent, the Night Sentinels, elite soldiers, the Doom Slayer’s time there, his transformation into a legendary warrior as he joined the fight against the invading forces of Hell. The upcoming game, DOOM: The Dark Ages, will delve deeper into this aspect of the series’ lore, focusing on the Slayer’s battles, and we can’t wait to explore it further!

We’ll not only be spectators to the epic battle between Hell and Argent D’Nur, a conflict we already know resulted in Argent D’Nur’s downfall and most of the planet being swallowed by Hell. But, we’ll also get a chance to observe the Night Sentinels at work, and delve deeper into how the Doom Slayer transformed into the revered figure he is today, a legend from an ancient war that still resonates in the series’ contemporary timeline.

In the grand narrative of this medieval saga, the ultimate game – however many installments that may be – will likely conclude with pivotal events that are well-documented in the lore: the Night Sentinels being treacherously destroyed, Argent D’Nur falling to Hell, and the Doom Slayer getting captured and imprisoned. The precise ending of the Dark Ages remains a mystery, but its emphasis on Argent D’Nur, an ancient war that blends medieval and futuristic elements, and the rise of the Doom Slayer as a legendary figure is intriguing enough in itself. Given id Software’s commitment to focusing more on storytelling for this DOOM installment, we can’t wait to see how well The Dark Ages lives up to these expectations.

Read More

2025-04-12 04:11