One of the most iconic series' gameplay mechanics that returns in Doom The Dark Ages is the hidden collectibles and secret areas. This is a great way to throw in Easter eggs and lore devices into each level as a reward for players who take the time to explore each level. Some of the hidden sections in the game require secret keys that are hidden in almost every chapter. Here's how you can find the secret key in Chapter 1, and the door to use it on.

How to Fix Doom the Dark Ages Crashing on PC
How To Fix Doom The Dark Ages Crashing Error On PC

Doom The Dark Ages runs quite well on PC, but it's prone to random crashes & black screens that disrupt a player's experience, here's how to fix it.

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Khalim Village Secret Key Location in Doom The Dark Ages

Players can find the secret key in Doom The Dark Ages chapter 1, the Village of Khalim, quite early on. After the Doom Slayer deploys to the battlefield, he'll push forward through the enemies and reach the gate requiring a Blue Key.

Once players find the Blue Key, they'll enter a smaller open sandbox area, where they'll find the majority of the secrets. To find the Secret Key here, you'll need to head across the area and follow the path on the left. Keep heading on that path, and use the jump pad on the ledge to reach the left portion of the map.

Here, players will get the Shredder weapon and will need to defeat a few enemies to open up pathways. Now, into the arch on the right and follow the left path uphill, lined with armor pickups. Here, you'll need to close the Demonic Portal and then make your way across the makeshift wooden bridge to get the purple secret key.

Where to Use the Secret Key in Doom The Dark Ages Chapter 1

Once you've got the Secret Key in the Village of Khalim, head down the cliff and enter the doorway ahead. Some demons will spawn in the tunnel that you'll need to defeat in order to open the pathways up. Once they're opened, exit the tunnel and follow the path ahead lined with armor pickups.

Once you reach the main area with a Demonic Portal, look to the left, and you'll spot a caged door with a purple lock on it. Go near the door, and it'll open for players to pick up a secret Life Sigil. These items allow players to respawn after death, without having to restart an entire section in Doom The Dark Ages.

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Top Critic Avg: 86 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
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Released
May 15, 2025
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
Developer(s)
id Software
Publisher(s)
Bethesda Softworks
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SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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Engine
id Tech
Franchise
DOOM