For those champing at the bit to dive into the visceral world of “Doom: The Dark Ages,” the wait just got a little shorter. Bethesda, under the Microsoft umbrella, is offering early access to the highly anticipated first-person shooter (FPS) for fans willing to invest in the game’s Premium Edition.
Developed by id Software, “Doom: The Dark Ages” is set to officially launch on May 15, debuting on Xbox Game Pass for PC and the Ultimate tier. However, those who purchase the Premium Edition can begin their demon-slaying adventures two days prior, starting on May 13.
The Premium Edition, priced at $99.99, not only grants early access but also includes a trove of additional content. Fans will receive the game’s soundtrack and artbook, along with exclusive in-game skins: the Divinity Slayer, Divinity Dragon, and Divinity Atlan skins for the Doom Slayer, his dragon, and his mech, respectively. Furthermore, the Premium Edition encompasses campaign downloadable content (DLC), though details on this front remain sparse. For Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, a Premium Edition Upgrade is available for $31.49.
While specific plans for the campaign DLC are yet to be revealed, there’s speculation that more information may surface during the 2025 Xbox Games Showcase on June 8. Xbox has announced that it will use this event to unveil its gaming lineup for late 2025 and beyond, leaving room for “Doom: The Dark Ages” to potentially make an appearance and provide a glimpse into its future content.
For now, Doom enthusiasts should mark their calendars: May 13 for Premium Edition owners and May 15 for the official launch on Xbox Game Pass and other platforms. The opportunity to get a head start in “Doom: The Dark Ages” is on the horizon, promising an early taste of the carnage to come.