How to Play DOOM The Dark Ages Early Access (Global Release…

DOOM is one of the longest-running video game franchises around, not to mention one of the most influential. As a result, it's found a very special place in the hearts and minds of countless gamers over the years, many of whom are excited to sink their teeth into the series' latest installment, DOOM: The Dark Ages.

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The official release date for DOOM: The Dark Ages is May 15, although the exact time people can start playing varies a little depending on their platform and the version of the game they buy. The following guide has DOOM: The Dark Ages release times for PlayStation, PC, and Xbox, as well as information on how to play the game early.

DOOM: The Dark Ages Release Times

Those who purchase the standard edition of DOOM: The Dark Ages through the Microsoft Store or play the game through Xbox Game Pass will gain access at 17:00 PDT on May 14th, with early access beginning exactly 48 hours earlier. PS5 owners will be able to start playing DOOM: The Dark Ages from midnight (local time) on May 15th, with early access once again kicking off 48 hours earlier. As always, local time will be determined by the region of your PlayStation Store account.

DOOM: The Dark Ages Standard Edition Release Times

Location / Time Zone	PS5 Release Time	PC / Xbox Release Time
Los Angeles (PDT)	21:00 (May 14)	17:00 (May 14)
New York (EDT)	00:00 (May 15)	20:00 (May 14)
London (BST)	00:00 (May 15)	01:00 (May 15)
Berlin (CEST)	00:00 (May 15)	02:00 (May 15)
Cairo (EEST)	00:00 (May 15)	03:00 (May 15)
Tokyo (JST)	00:00 (May 15)	09:00 (May 15)
Sydney (AEST)	00:00 (May 15)	10:00 (May 15)
Auckland (NZST)	00:00 (May 15)	12:00 (May 15)

DOOM: The Dark Ages Early Access Release Times

Location / Time Zone	PS5 Release Time	PC / Xbox Release Time
Los Angeles (PDT)	21:00 (May 12)	17:00 (May 12)
New York (EDT)	00:00 (May 13)	20:00 (May 12)
London (BST)	00:00 (May 13)	01:00 (May 13)
Berlin (CEST)	00:00 (May 13)	02:00 (May 13)
Cairo (EEST)	00:00 (May 13)	03:00 (May 13)
Tokyo (JST)	00:00 (May 13)	09:00 (May 13)
Sydney (AEST)	00:00 (May 13)	10:00 (May 13)
Auckland (NZST)	00:00 (May 13)	12:00 (May 13)

How to Play DOOM: The Dark Ages Early

Those who purchase the premium edition of DOOM: The Dark Ages will be able to start playing the game up to 48 hours early. As mentioned above, early access release times are 17:00 PDT (May 12) on Xbox and midnight local time (May 13) on PS5. The premium edition of DOOM: The Dark Ages retails for $30 more than the standard edition and includes campaign DLC (to be released at a later date), a skin pack, and a digital artbook and soundtrack in addition to the early access.

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FPS

Action

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

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OpenCritic Reviews: 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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'I Don't Agree With That' Doom: The Dark Ages Director Responds to 'Woke Ages' Criticism

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Engine: id Tech
Genre(s): FPS, Action, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

FAQ

Q: When Can I Start Playing DOOM: The Dark Ages?

For Xbox owners and Game Pass subscribers, the release time for DOOM: The Dark Ages is 17:00 PDT on May 14. Those who purchase the game through the PlayStation Store will gain access at midnight (local time) on May 15. If players pay extra for the Premium Edition of the game, they'll be able to start playing DOOM: The Dark Ages 48 hours earlier.