How Doom: The Dark Ages Runs on Xbox Series X – Performance, Graphics, and Gameplay Review

How Doom: The Dark Ages Runs on Xbox Series X – Performance, Graphics, and Gameplay Review

The king of demon-slaying is back—this time in medieval hellfire. Doom: The Dark Ages takes everything we loved from Doom Eternal and adds brutal fantasy vibes, complete with dragons, ancient weapons, and gritty, gothic landscapes. But how well does it run on the powerful Xbox Series X? Let’s break it down.

A Medieval Twist on a Modern Powerhouse

Doom: The Dark Ages shifts away from the ultra-futuristic look of its predecessors. Instead, it embraces dark, medieval settings filled with fire-lit castles, blood-soaked fields, and supernatural horrors.

Thanks to the Xbox Series X’s hardware, the game doesn’t just run—it roars.

From the moment you boot it up, the smoothness is noticeable. The loading times are nearly nonexistent, and transitions between areas happen in the blink of an eye. This is Doom on next-gen, and it shows.

Performance: 4K and Fluid

Let’s talk numbers.

  • Resolution: Native 4K
  • Frame Rate: Solid 60 FPS (up to 120 FPS with Performance Mode)
  • HDR Support: Yes, and it’s stunning

Even during the most intense demon battles—complete with fireballs, explosions, and gore—Xbox Series X doesn’t flinch. There’s no screen tearing, stuttering, or noticeable frame drops.

In Performance Mode, it pushes up to 120 FPS at a slightly reduced resolution. The difference in fluidity is noticeable, especially for fast-paced action scenes where milliseconds matter.

AI and Enemy Design: Smarter and Scarier

Enemies are relentless. AI improvements mean they now coordinate attacks, flank your position, and adapt to your tactics.

Boss fights feel more strategic. You can’t just blast your way through anymore—you have to think fast and fight smart.

And yes, the dragon mount teased in trailers is real—and it’s every bit as metal as it sounds.

Graphics: Gothic Glory and Detail Overload

This game is visually stunning. Thanks to the Series X, Doom: The Dark Ages is rich with environmental detail.

  • Lighting: Volumetric fog, dynamic lighting, and eerie shadows create a haunting mood
  • Textures: Razor-sharp with high resolution even during fast movement
  • Particle Effects: Blood sprays, ash clouds, and glowing magic feel ultra-real

Every level is handcrafted with layers of detail. From crumbling stone temples to lava-filled fortresses, the atmosphere feels alive—and threatening.

Sound Design and Haptics: Brutal and Immersive

If the visuals don’t pull you in, the sound will.

Chainsaw slashes, monster roars, and explosive combat are delivered in crisp, 3D spatial audio. The bass-heavy soundtrack pulses through your chest with every kill. It’s a perfect mix of doom metal and atmospheric tension.

If you’re using a controller with haptic feedback, you’ll feel the recoil of every shot and the growl of every nearby enemy. This adds another layer of immersion that elevates the gameplay experience.

Gameplay: Fast, Furious, and Fresh

The core gameplay loop remains tight: move fast, kill faster, and never stop. But Doom: The Dark Ages spices things up with new weapons, magical artifacts, and an expanded upgrade system.

Combat now includes melee-heavy moves using ancient axes and flails. This brutal shift brings fresh variety without sacrificing the iconic gunplay. Momentum is key, and the game rewards aggression with health and ammo boosts.

New platforming mechanics like wall-running and grappling from ledges add agility, making exploration more exciting than ever.

Final Verdict: Doomguy’s Darkest and Most Beautiful Fight Yet

Doom: The Dark Ages on Xbox Series X is not just a game—it’s a showcase. Bethesda has tapped into the console’s full power to create something that looks and feels both medieval and modern.

DOOM Slayer holding a giant medieval axe in a fiery castle background.

If you love high-speed action, jaw-dropping visuals, and brutal combat, this is the game you’ve been waiting for.

Whether you’re a long-time Doom fan or jumping in for the first time, this is a must-play title that proves Xbox Series X is built for more than just pretty graphics—it’s made for mayhem.

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