How Many Chapters Are In Doom: The Dark Ages? Here’s A Quick Breakdown

Doom: The Dark Ages contains 22 chapters, the biggest campaign in the new Doom franchise. That is higher than the 13 chapters found in Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal.

Each chapter has its own environments and gameplay mechanics. There are some levels that are enormous with open-world elements that promote non-linear exploration, and there are also more linear levels that are action-oriented. Worth mentioning are some chapters with new gameplay mechanics, such as flying the Atlan mech or riding the cyber-dragon Serrat.

How Long Does It Take to Beat Doom: The Dark Ages?

How long it takes to complete Doom: The Dark Ages is up to your playing style and objectives.

• Main Story (Critical Path): Approximately 12–14 hours for players who only do the main objectives with little or no significant exploring.
• Standard Playthrough: Approximately 14–18 hours for players who do some middle-of-the-road exploring and go after some of the collectibles.
• Completionist Run: 25–35 hours for those players wanting to reveal all secrets, complete all mission challenges, and fully upgrade their arsenal.

It is fair to say the game skips traditional side quests or a multiplayer mode in favor of having all content integrated into the main campaign, with an emphasis on exploration and mastering each level.

What to Expect in Different Missions

In Doom: The Dark Ages, while the average level duration is 45 minutes to an hour, certain chapters stand out for their unusually long and intricate duration. Especially, missions like Siege Part 1, Ancestral Forge, and The Forsaken Plains stand out for their lengthy, open-ended level structure. Said levels allow for meticulous exploration and tactical combat, often taking players over an hour to complete them, especially when finding every secret and collectible.

The increased chapter lengths are a product of the intricate designs and incorporation of new gameplay features. By way of illustration, Ancestral Forge and The Forsaken Plains have non-linear goals and large environments, both taking longer and more planning from players. On the other hand, levels like Barrier Core and Hellbreaker are linear and direct, providing the generally shorter game experience.

Overall, while the game has a well-balanced level pacing, these longer missions add depth and variety, pleasing those who appreciate deep exploration and complex level design.

Gameplay Highlights

Doom: The Dark Ages brings many new gameplay mechanics to the table that extend the classic Doom experience:

• Atlan Mech Sections: Certain chapters allow players to pilot the Atlan, a massive mech that rains down devastating blasts onto swarms of demons.
• Cyber-Dragon Serrat: In specific levels, players can ride Serrat, a cybernetic dragon, adding aerial combat and traversal to the gameplay. Like, c’mon, it’s THE Doom Slayer riding a freaking dragon. How cool is that?!
• Collectibles and Secrets: The game is rich with hidden collectibles, including miniature toys, weapon skins, and valuable resources like rubies and gold. These are scattered across 19 of the 22 chapters, encouraging thorough exploration.

Tips for Maximizing Your Playthrough

• Go Exploring: There are secret areas in several chapters that provide beneficial upgrades and lore. Exploring takes time, but it can make a huge difference in your gameplay.
• Face Challenges: Mission challenges are not only rewarding but also increase your knowledge of the game mechanics.
• Experiment with New Mechanics: The Atlan mech and Serrat sections must be used to varying degrees to mix up combat and traversal tactics.

Final Thoughts

Doom: The Dark Ages offers a good and entertaining single-player experience based on the franchise tradition. Its 22 different chapters and gameplay duration that can fit many different playstyles make it both deep and replayable. As a veteran Slayer or a recruit, this game has in store for you a thrilling journey through a hellish medieval world.

And with so much content, with even more hidden, I won’t blame you for wanting a guide or two. Take the time to find what you need here!