Doom: The Dark Ages Chapters List

Doom: The Dark Ages is a first-person shooter developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks, released on May 15, 2025. The game features a linear, mission-based campaign divided into 13 main chapters (called “Levels�) plus a prologue and an epilogue, for a total of 15 playable segments. This article provides the complete chapter list in order, along with a breakdown of level structure, mission types, and how the campaign compares to previous Doom games.

Full Chapter List in Order

The campaign of Doom: The Dark Ages is structured as a series of handcrafted levels, each with a distinct environment, enemy set, and boss encounter. Here is the complete list of all 15 playable chapters, including the prologue and epilogue:

1. Prologue: The Fall of the Night Sentinels – A short tutorial level set during the fall of the Sentinel world, introducing basic movement and combat.
2. Level 1: The Wraithgate – The first full level, where the Doom Slayer enters the Dark Ages realm and fights through a demon-infested fortress.
3. Level 2: The Cursed Citadel – A large castle level with vertical exploration and the game’s first major arena fight.
4. Level 3: The Bloodmire – A swamp-themed level with toxic hazards and the introduction of the new “Dread Knight� enemy.
5. Level 4: The Hollow Depths – An underground cave system with tight corridors and ambush encounters.
6. Level 5: The Ashen Keep – A volcanic fortress level featuring the first boss fight against the “Hell Priest.�
7. Level 6: The Shattered Spire – A vertical tower level with platforming segments and the introduction of the “Revenant� enemy.
8. Level 7: The Forgotten Catacombs – A labyrinthine tomb level with puzzle elements and the return of the “Archvile.�
9. Level 8: The Obsidian Throne – A royal palace level with a large-scale battle against a horde of demons.
10. Level 9: The Molten Abyss – A lava-filled chasm level with environmental hazards and the second boss fight, “The Titan.�
11. Level 10: The Frozen Wastes – An ice-themed level with slippery surfaces and the introduction of the “Whiplash� enemy.
12. Level 11: The Cursed Cathedral – A gothic church level with a focus on ranged combat and the return of the “Mancubus.�
13. Level 12: The Final Gate – The penultimate level, a massive demonic stronghold leading to the final confrontation.
14. Level 13: The Dark Lord’s Sanctum – The final level, featuring the climactic boss battle against the Dark Lord.
15. Epilogue: The Aftermath – A short narrative epilogue that sets up the next game in the series.

Note that the level names are based on the game’s official release; if you are playing on a different difficulty or with DLC, the order remains the same.

How the Campaign Is Structured

Unlike Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, which featured hub worlds and semi-open exploration, Doom: The Dark Ages returns to a more linear, mission-based structure. Each level is self-contained, with a clear start and end point, and you progress through the story by completing objectives. The game does not have a traditional level select in the main menu; instead, you can replay any completed level from the “Mission Select� option in the pause menu.

The campaign is designed to be played in one sitting, with an average playtime of about 15-20 hours on a normal playthrough. However, each level contains hidden collectibles (such as lore tablets and weapon mods) that encourage replayability. The game also features a “New Game Plus� mode that unlocks after you finish the campaign, allowing you to carry over your upgrades and weapons.

Level Design and Progression

Each level in Doom: The Dark Ages is handcrafted with a specific theme and gameplay mechanic. For example, “The Bloodmire� introduces toxic water that damages you over time, while “The Frozen Wastes� has slippery ice that affects movement. The game also includes a few “arena� levels that are purely combat-focused, with waves of enemies spawning until you defeat a certain number.

Progression is tied to the story: you unlock new weapons and abilities as you complete levels. The game’s core arsenal includes the Super Shotgun, the Heavy Cannon, and the new “Shield Saw� – a melee weapon that can block attacks and break enemy shields. You also gain access to the “Doom Slayer’s Crucible� – a powerful sword that is used in specific scripted moments.

Comparison to Previous Doom Games

Doom: The Dark Ages is often described as a prequel to Doom (2016), but its level structure is more similar to classic Doom games. The original Doom (1993) had 24 levels in the main campaign, divided into three episodes, while Doom II had 32 levels. In contrast, Doom: The Dark Ages has 15 chapters, which is shorter but more cinematic.

Compared to Doom Eternal, which had 13 levels in the base game, The Dark Ages has a similar number but with less emphasis on platforming and more on exploration and environmental storytelling. The game also introduces a new “Glory Kill� system that is more contextual – you can perform different finishers depending on the enemy and your position.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Doom: The Dark Ages is an open-world game. It is not – the levels are linear, but they contain large arenas and optional side areas. Another question is whether the game has a co-op mode; it does not, but it does have a competitive multiplayer mode called “Battlemode� that is separate from the campaign.

Some players have reported that the game’s difficulty spikes are significant, especially on “Nightmare� difficulty. The game includes a “Hurt Me Plenty� (normal) and “Ultra-Violence� (hard) difficulty, but there is no “Easy� mode – the lowest is “I’m Too Young to Die,� which is still challenging for newcomers.

How to Replay and Track Progress

To replay a level, go to the main menu and select “Mission Select.� You can choose any level you have completed, and the game will track your completion percentage for each level, including secrets and collectibles. The game also has a “Codex� that logs lore entries and enemy descriptions, which you can access from the pause menu.

If you are looking for a full completionist run, you will need to find all the collectibles in each level. These include:

• Lore Tablets – These provide background story about the Dark Ages world.
• Weapon Mods – These unlock alternate fire modes for your weapons.
• Praetor Suit Upgrades – These enhance your armor and abilities.
• Sentinel Batteries – These are used to unlock doors in the hub area (if you have the Deluxe Edition).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many levels are in Doom: The Dark Ages?

There are 13 main levels, plus a prologue and an epilogue, for a total of 15 playable chapters. The prologue and epilogue are shorter and more narrative-focused, while the main levels are full-length.

Is Doom: The Dark Ages a prequel to Doom 2016?

Yes, the game is set before the events of Doom (2016), but it is not a direct prequel in the sense of following the same character. It tells the story of the Doom Slayer’s origins in the Dark Ages, a period that was only briefly mentioned in the previous games.

Can I play Doom: The Dark Ages in co-op?

No, the campaign is single-player only. There is a separate multiplayer mode called “Battlemode,� which is a 2v1 asymmetric mode where two player-controlled demons fight against one Doom Slayer.

How long does it take to beat the campaign?

On average, it takes about 15-20 hours to complete the main story on a normal difficulty. If you are a completionist, expect to spend 25-30 hours to find all secrets and collectibles.

Are there any secret levels?

Yes, there is one secret level in the game, unlocked by finding a hidden teleporter in Level 6: The Shattered Spire. It is a retro-style level that pays homage to the original Doom.

Does the game have a level select after finishing?

Yes, after you complete the campaign, you can access any level from the “Mission Select� menu. This is useful for finding missed collectibles or replaying boss fights.

Final Thoughts

Doom: The Dark Ages offers a well-paced, linear campaign with a clear chapter structure. Whether you are a veteran of the series or a newcomer, the level list above will help you track your progress and know what to expect. The game’s mix of classic level design and modern combat makes it a worthy addition to the Doom franchise.

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