Want early access to Doom: The Dark Ages? Here's how to unlock early play and preload the game on PC, PS5, and Xbox ahead of its launch.
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| How to Get Early Access to Doom: The Dark Ages and How to Preload on PC, PS5, and Xbox |
Summary
- Doom: The Dark Ages launches on May 15, 2025, worldwide.
- Early access starts May 13 for Premium and Collector’s Edition owners.
- Preloading begins 48 hours before your edition’s release date.
How to Get Early Access to Doom: The Dark Ages?
To get early access to Doom: The Dark Ages, you’ll need to purchase the Premium Edition or Collector’s Edition. These editions unlock the game starting May 13, 2025, which is two days before global release.
Standard Edition buyers can start playing on May 15. Game Pass subscribers will get day-one access, but early access is not included with Game Pass by default. You’ll need to buy an upgrade if you want in early.
Doom: The Dark Ages Preload Start Time and File Size
Preloading begins exactly 48 hours before the launch of each edition:
- Premium/Collector’s Editions: Preload starts May 11, 2025
- Standard Edition: Preload starts May 13, 2025
Storage requirements will vary slightly by platform:
- PC: ~100 GB
- PS5: ~85 GB
- Xbox Series X|S: ~77.3 GB
How to Preload on Each Platform
Steam / Microsoft Store (PC)
- Go to your library and find Doom: The Dark Ages.
- Click “Preload” to start the download once it becomes available.
PlayStation 5
- Find the game in your pre-orders list or on the store.
- Click “Download” when the preload option becomes available.
Xbox Series X|S
- Visit the Xbox Store or Game Pass library.
- Click “Pre-install” to begin preloading if eligible.
Release Times by Region
Early access (May 13) will go live at midnight UTC. Here’s when that is locally:
- Los Angeles (PDT): May 12, 5:00 PM
- New York (EDT): May 12, 8:00 PM
- London (BST): May 13, 1:00 AM
- Sydney (AEST): May 13, 10:00 AM
Final Thoughts
Doom: The Dark Ages offers a clean early access window for Premium and Collector’s buyers. If you want to slay demons ahead of the crowd, secure your edition and preload in advance. For more Doom guides and news, stay connected with Gameort.