Bethesda Softworks and id Software's DOOM: The Dark Ages is getting even better, with Update 3 bringing a significant number of improvements for the game's Horde-style "Ripatorium" mode that was added back in August.
With this latest update, the Ripatorium now supports up to five rounds for one encounter, with up to 10 respawn waves per round. Most importantly, each round also has a unique Passcode, allowing players to share presets with friends by simply having someone load the Passcode in question.
The announcement does note that this feature is officially in beta testing, so it's not impossible that players could encounter some issues when using it.
The Ripatorium Jukebox also now has five new tracks from the game's soundtrack, adding some additional music variety for when players carve through demons. Here are the tracks in question:
- “Theomachy”
- “Bloodspill”
- “Divine Retribution"
- “From the Ashes”
- “Wither and Writhe”
- Next Melee Weapon
- Previous Melee Weapon
- Next Shield Rune
- Previous Shield Rune
These allow players to swap between melee weapons and shield runes without having to pause and go into the game's menus, speeding up gameplay and making it easier to just keep cutting through demonic hordes.
A cool update, but bring on the expansion
It's cool to see id Software continuing to update and expand the Ripatorium mode. Hopefully this continues in the months to come, as I'd love to have even more variety and customization options for seeing up encounters for myself and my friends.
Of course, the biggest thing I'm looking forward to for DOOM: The Dark Ages is the promised campaign DLC. The Ancient Gods DLC packs were some of the most brutal fights offered in DOOM Eternal, and it'll be interesting to see if that pattern repeats.
We don't really know much right now, including when to expect the DLC. I absolutely loved DOOM: The Dark Ages, so I'll be eagerly waiting to learn more. Personally, I'm hoping it'll be something of a sequel, following the events of The Dark Ages and leading to what transpires in DOOM (2016), bringing the entire trilogy full circle.
I'm also curious to see if DOOM: The Dark Ages ends up being ported to Nintendo Switch 2 at some point next year. It might be a challenge, but id's sister studio MachineGames is bringing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to the system next year.
Additionally, id Software recently put out an optimization update that specifically brought improvements for handheld devices, including Steam Deck and the Xbox Ally X. We'll have to wait and see, but it doesn't seem impossible.
FAQ
Is DOOM: The Dark Ages a prequel?
Yes, it is. DOOM: The Dark Ages takes place chronologically before the events of DOOM (2016), DOOM Eternal, and DOOM Eternal's Ancient Gods DLC.
Is DOOM: The Dark Ages getting DLC?
Yes. DOOM: The Dark Ages is currently slated to get campaign DLC, though other details aren't known at this time.
Is DOOM: The Dark Ages coming to Nintendo Switch 2?
No, at least not right now. DOOM: The Dark Ages is currently available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (Battle.net, Steam, and Xbox on PC), and PlayStation 5.
With that said, Bethesda Game Studios' Fallout 4 and MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, so it's possible a Switch 2 version of DOOM: The Dark Ages could be announced in the future.
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