Launching on May 15th, 2025 (two days earlier with the Premium Edition!) DOOM: The Dark Ages redefines the series with a brutal medieval twist, combining demon-slaying action with breathtaking new environments and a fresh arsenal of weapons.
With dynamic ray-traced lighting, hyper-realistic shadows, and massive, expansive environments, this much-anticipated prequel pushes the limits of what’s possible. But what does it mean for your system? Here’s everything you need to know about the official system requirements to make sure your PC is up for the carnage.
Built on the same powerful idTech 8 engine as Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, DOOM: The Dark Ages promises to push the boundaries of gaming visuals and performance.
Just as Indy’s daring adventures showcased hyper-realistic environments and fluid action, DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to bring that same level of detail and immersion to DOOM. Whether you're soaring through the skies on a dragon or tearing through enemies with the Atlan mech, you can expect next-level fluidity of combat and traversal.
However, as with The Great Circle, achieving these heights of next-gen graphics may push your hardware to its limits. Let's take a look at what's needed.
DOOM: The Dark Ages' stunning visuals and complex lighting effects are set to be a sight to behold, but they rely heavily on modern hardware. Here are the official minimum and recommended system requirements:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 64-Bit / Windows 11 64-Bit
Processor: AMD Zen 2 or Intel 10th Generation CPU @3.2Ghz with 8 cores / 16 threads or better (examples: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X or better, or Intel Core i7 10700K or better)
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA or AMD hardware Raytracing-capable GPU with 8GB dedicated VRAM or better (examples: NVIDIA RTX 2060 SUPER or better, AMD RX 6600 or better)
Storage: 100 GB available space
Additional Notes: 1080p / 60 FPS / Low Quality Settings, NVME SSD storage required
These minimum requirements will allow for 60 FPS at 1080p, but graphical effects will be scaled back significantly. The key takeaway here is that a ray tracing-capable GPU is essential at all settings, meaning older cards like the GTX 10-series won’t make the cut. Time for an upgrade?
While the minimum specs are enough to run the game, to experience DOOM: The Dark Ages at its best, your system should meet or exceed the following recommended requirements:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 64-Bit / Windows 11 64-Bit
Processor: AMD Zen 3 or Intel 12th Generation CPU @3.2Ghz with 8 cores / 16 threads or better (examples: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X or better, or Intel Core i7 12700K or better)
Memory: 32 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA or AMD hardware Raytracing-capable GPU with 10GB dedicated VRAM or better (examples: NVIDIA RTX 3080 or better, AMD RX 6800 or better)
Storage: 100 GB available space
Additional Notes: 1440p / 60 FPS / High Quality Settings, NVME SSD storage required
So, if you are looking to upgrade, a modern RTX 30/40-series card will provide a smooth performance and stunning visuals at 1440p with high settings.
Without wishing to be repetitive, DOOM: The Dark Ages promises some of the most visually advanced graphics seen in an FPS. However, as we've seen, with great power comes great hardware demands. With that in mind, here are some tips for optimizing performance without sacrificing too much on visuals:
Enable NVIDIA DLSS 4: DOOM: The Dark Ages supports DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation and Ray Reconstruction, allowing RTX users to enjoy higher frame rates without sacrificing image quality. (If AMD FSR is included at launch, it will provide a similar performance boost for non-NVIDIA GPUs)
Adjust Path Tracing Settings: The game features full Path Tracing, significantly enhancing lighting realism, but if performance is an issue, tweaking ray-traced reflections and global illumination can help balance visuals and FPS.
Set Texture Quality to High: If your GPU has 10GB+ VRAM, running textures at High or Ultra settings will ensure maximum visual fidelity.
Use an NVMe SSD: This is required for fast loading times and seamless world streaming.
Whether you aim for ultra settings or need to fine-tune for higher FPS, these adjustments should help you rip and tear through the game with minimal compromises.
With DOOM: The Dark Ages launching on May 15, 2025, idTech 8 promises a visually stunning and smooth experience. However, the game’s cutting-edge technology demands powerful hardware, especially with ray tracing enabled at all levels. Basically, if your system meets or exceeds the specs, you're in for a treat. If not, this could be your perfect excuse for an upgrade!
Pre-order DOOM: The Dark Ages at 2Game now for a discount and the exclusive Void DOOM Slayer Skin. The battlefield awaits—make sure your rig’s ready!
Is your rig ready to rip and tear?