DOOM: The Dark Ages kicks off Early Access period today

If you’ve picked up a copy of DOOM: The Dark Ages‘ Premium Edition (or Upgrade) or the Collector’s Bundle, you’re ready to raze hell.

Have shield saw, will slay

The prequel to the DOOM saga that soft-rebooted the series back in 2016 is here with DOOM: The Dark Ages. Or, it is for fans who’ve bought themselves a copy of the game’s Premium Edition or Collector’s Bundle that is, or for that matter, those who’ve grabbed the Premium Upgrade (from a standard version). All of the above will get you access to the first-person shooter’s Early Access period, which starts today.

Of course the two days of Early Access isn’t all that’s included in those special versions of the game. Along with the head start, players are also in for the “Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, the Divinity Skin Pack, and access to the campaign DLC coming at a later date”, accordion to Bethesda.

Developed by id Software and powered by the latest idTech 8, DOOM: The Dark Ages is a single-player prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal. Players will experience a new, yet familiar grounded combat loop that challenges them to master new abilities and weapons. Explore never-before-seen worlds, take flight atop the fierce Mecha Dragon, pulverize Titans in a massive Atlan mech, and beat demons to a pulp in this cinematic action story worthy of the Slayer’s legend.

Bethesda press release

Although the Early Access period has officially begun for the premium editions of DOOM: The Dark Ages, the standard launch isn’t far off either. Players who buy in on the base level for the game can start ripping their own way through the forces of hell this week too, on May 15th.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is available for the Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC (via Xbox PC, Steam, and Battle.net), and is also a part of Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. And finally, those who have both an Xbox Series X|S and a PC can get in on the action via Xbox Play Anywhere. That’s a lotta DOOM.