DOOM: The Dark Ages focuses entirely on a single-player campaign with no multiplayer or co-op options, a deliberate move by id Software to go all-in on solo gameplay.
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| Does DOOM: The Dark Ages Have Multiplayer? |
Summary
- DOOM: The Dark Ages has no multiplayer or co-op options.
- id Software focused entirely on creating the largest campaign yet.
- Ditching multiplayer allowed for new features like dragons and mechs.
Is DOOM: The Dark Ages Multiplayer?
The answer is simple: DOOM: The Dark Ages multiplayer does not exist. The game is entirely a single-player experience. Unlike past DOOM titles that featured some form of competitive play, the developers decided early in development that this game would focus solely on solo gameplay.
According to executive producer Marty Stratton, the choice to scrap multiplayer allowed the team to go "all in on the campaign" — resulting in what id Software describes as the most expansive campaign they’ve ever developed. The decision was revealed during a Q&A session at Xbox’s Developer Direct.
Why Was Multiplayer Left Out?
Previous DOOM games like the 2016 reboot and DOOM Eternal offered online modes such as arena deathmatches or the Slayer-vs-Demon Battlemode. But those features were never the biggest draw — most fans came for the adrenaline-pumping single-player combat.
For DOOM: The Dark Ages, id Software made the trade-off to eliminate multiplayer in favor of developing standout new features: a massive mech suit, rideable dragons, and a completely revamped melee-parry combat system. These additions might not have been feasible had development resources been split across multiplayer components.
What About Co-op or Future Updates?
While some fans may be disappointed by the lack of a co-op or online mode, id has made it clear that the focus is entirely on delivering a rich, immersive solo campaign. Even future DLC is expected to remain single-player only. No co-op or PvP content is planned at this time.
Final Thoughts
DOOM: The Dark Ages chooses quality over quantity by focusing entirely on single-player. While multiplayer fans may be left out, the trade-off delivers a deeper, more ambitious campaign. For more DOOM news and gameplay updates, stay tuned to Gameort.