Campaign and multiplayer aspects of Doom: The Dark Ages receive an upgrade in the latest update
Doom: The Dark Ages Update 2 Introduces Major Improvements
In a significant move to expand gameplay options, refine combat, and enhance the player experience, Update 2 for Doom: The Dark Ages has been released. This update is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.
Ripatorium Endless Arena Mode
The highlight of Update 2 is the introduction of the Ripatorium, an endless arena mode that allows players to design custom combat encounters within three unique arenas: City of Ry'uul, Village of Khalim, and Harbor of Souls. Players can choose demon types and quantities, set time limits or endless waves, and even select music tracks for their battles, acting as combat designers within the game.
Combat and Balance Tweaks
Numerous weapon and combat adjustments have been made to improve gameplay flow. These changes include speedier weapon swapping, universal weapon swap interrupts for blocking, and refinements to life sigil activations that smooth out invincibility usage. Specific weapon rebalances have also been implemented, such as fixes to the Dreadmace's damage and charge mechanics, reducing exploitative bugs and refining combat strategy.
Campaign-Wide Refinements
Full campaign balance changes and quality-of-life improvements have been made to enhance pacing and reduce frustration. New save points have been added to challenging boss levels, such as Hebeth, Sentinel Barracks, and fights against Prince Ahzrak and Witch, to improve progression.
New Skins and Benchmark Mode (PC)
Two new DOOM Slayer skins have been introduced. The QuakeCon 2025 skin is available for free for a limited time, while another can be earned by completing Ripatorium encounters. Additionally, a loopable demo Benchmark Mode on PC lets users test performance with customizable flythroughs.
Enemy AI Tweaks and Bug Fixes
Enemies now have improved AI behaviors, and numerous bugs across the campaign and combat systems have been addressed to create a smoother, more polished experience.
These updates enhance the game with more player control over challenge design, greater combat responsiveness, and improved stability. The Ripatorium especially adds significant replayability and customization to Doom: The Dark Ages’ core gameplay loop.
Unlock Exclusive Skins
Completing encounters in all three arenas awards the exclusive Perfection Doom Slayer skin. Linking a Bethesda account and connecting between August 7 and September 1, 2025, unlocks the QuakeCon 2025 Doom Slayer skin for free.
Update 2 affects both the campaign experience and competitive modes, offering something for every Doom: The Dark Ages player.
Health and technology intertwine in the new Update 2 for Doom: The Dark Ages, as players can now track their progress and performance through the addition of a new Benchmark Mode on PC. Additionally, the Ripatorium's customizable combat encounters provide an opportunity for players to test and refine their strategies, improving their overall gaming health.
