DOOM: The Dark Ages – Unlocking All Secrets in Khalim Village

DOOM: The Dark Ages contains numerous concealed spots across its maps that players should definitely look for. While some of these locations may simply hold collectibles like Toys or Codexes, many also offer valuable in-game items such as upgrade materials and Life Sigils. Although they are marked on your map, reaching these areas can occasionally be challenging.

The first level in DOOM: The Dark Ages features secrets that are slightly easier to uncover compared to some of the later stages, but they might still elude you on your initial playthrough. With the transition from DOOM: The Dark Ages to DOOM Eternal, you’ll likely be focused on mastering new mechanics. I’ve detailed a step-by-step guide to help you uncover all the secrets in the first level of DOOM: The Dark Ages.

How Many Secrets Are There In Village Of Khalim?

There Are Six Secrets In Village Of Khalim

In total, the Village of Khalim level has six hidden secrets. Among these are two Collectible Toys, two Codexes, a Weapon Skin, and a Secret Key. The linear design of this introductory level likely aids players in discovering these secrets, giving even newcomers a chance to stumble upon hidden areas and encouraging exploration.

It’s a good idea to check your map at the beginning of a new level. While it won’t reveal the exact locations of all secrets, it will indicate how many secrets are available on that level. As you explore more, the map will gradually mark the locations of secrets you haven’t found yet. Although you’ll have to figure out how to access them, knowing where to look can streamline your treasure hunting. Below, I’ll outline how to locate each secret in the Village of Khalim level step-by-step.

How To Find Each Secret In Village Of Khalim

You won’t need to hunt for secrets until you’ve progressed through the initial segments of the Village of Khalim, where DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces its gameplay concepts. The first secret becomes accessible only after you complete the melee tutorial. During this tutorial, you’ll spot the initial hidden Life Sigil through a gate to your left, setting the stage for your exploration.

How To Find The Hidden Life Sigil

The first secret area in DOOM: The Dark Ages is located immediately after the melee tutorial when you enter a burning building. Your quest tracker will indicate that you need to ascend to the building’s second floor, but pause before moving forward. First, you need to collect this secret because once you proceed, you’ll hit a Point of No Return and won’t be able to backtrack to retrieve it.

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As you eliminate the enemies on the first floor of the burning building, take a look at the wall on your left. You’ll spot a faint blue circle on some exposed wooden boards. Charge through this wall with your shield to access the first secret area, which contains the Life Sigil you observed earlier. Once you’ve collected it, return through the burning building to continue your mission.

How To Get The First Toy

After crossing the initial Point of No Return, you’ll fall into a courtyard featuring a Blue Key door. Once you’ve cleared this area, you’ll proceed to a smaller courtyard to search for the Blue Key. You’ll notice another Blue Key door here. Although you cannot access it yet, it’s important to note that this is where the first hidden Collectible Toy lies in DOOM: The Dark Ages.

Follow the quest markers until you locate the Blue Key. After securing it, you’ll break through some wooden planks, ultimately returning to the large courtyard with the initial Blue Key gate. While the objective marker suggests you move through the gate, you should turn around and head back through the small opening to the other Blue Key door. Now with the key in hand, you can unlock it and claim the Toy.

How To Get The First Codex

Upon unlocking the Blue Key gate and advancing further into the level, you’ll need to destroy four Demonic Portals. After securing the first area, spot a large statue with a glowing purple Secret Key door beneath it. Run past it and continue along the path until you encounter another Demonic Portal in front of a rocky cliff. Eliminate the demons to close the portal, then head to the right of the cliff where you’ll find a climbable section.

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Climb up until you’re directly above the location of the Demonic Portal. Here, you’ll find the first Codex in DOOM: The Dark Ages. There’s technically no set sequence in this part, so you could also discover the Weapon Skin or the second Collectible Toy first based on your exploration.

How To Get The Weapon Skin

After acquiring the first Codex, return to the vicinity of the Secret Key door. Exiting that area to the left of the Secret Key door, you will find another Demonic Portal to conquer. Once destroyed, you will notice a small wooden fence directly across from where the portal was, looking over a cliff. Carefully walk to the fence’s left side and jump over it onto the rock outcropping.

Once you’ve cleared the fence, look down to see a ledge leading to a cave. Drop down, and you’ll land in a cave filled with explosive barrels, with the Weapon Skin positioned at the back. Enemies will spawn as you approach the Skin, so be prepared to fend them off. You can clear this area swiftly by detonating the barrels; just be cautious not to get caught in the blast yourself.

How To Get The Second Toy

After exiting the cave with the Weapon Skin, you’ll find yourself facing a tunnel. Proceed through it to reach the next area, where you’ll receive a new weapon if this is your first run. After defeating the enemies here, you will see a Demonic Portal positioned up on the cliff above you. Walk directly beneath it; to your left is a broken fence extending toward the edge of a cliff.

Looking down from the broken fence, you’ll spot a rock ledge leading to another cave. Inside this cave, you’ll find health supplies, ammo, and the second Collectible Toy in this level. Be ready for a fight when you exit the cave, as an enemy will spawn as you do.

How To Get The Secret Key

After your return from the cliff where the second Toy was located, proceed up the ramp to encounter the last Demonic Portal. After sealing that, don’t jump down just yet. Go to the left of the portal and cross a small bridge, then follow the winding path on the rocky ledge to discover the elusive purple Secret Key.

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Once you have the Secret Key, your quest marker will direct you back to the door you can now open, provided you’ve destroyed all four Demonic Portals. Return to the Secret Key door below the statue, unlock it to acquire an additional Life Sigil.

How To Get The Second Codex

While you’re able to obtain some of the earlier secrets in various orders, the second Codex must be the last one you collect. This is due to its location being past another Point of No Return. After leaping down to enter the Point of No Return and dispatching the enemies, follow a narrow path beside a large mace lying on the ground.

As you pick up the small armor packs on this path, look to your right and you’ll see scratch marks that lead up to a ledge. Climb up to find the final Codex, flanked by a few friendly soldiers. Now you’ve collected all the secrets in this level, and you’re ready to move on to the next challenge in DOOM: The Dark Ages.