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DOOM: The Dark Ages Weapon Upgrade Guide

DOOM: The Dark Ages offers a diverse selection of weapons that you can enhance as you progress through the game. You start with six primary weapons, five of which feature two firing modes each. This totals to eleven weapons available for upgrades. You can find upgrade materials hidden throughout the game or earn them by completing various challenges. While you’re ultimately able to upgrade all your gear, you’ll need to prioritize which weapons to focus on early in your playthrough.

I was fortunate enough to play DOOM: The Dark Ages before its official release for a review, and I’ve completed the game. Here are the weapons I found to be the most effective, which I prioritized upgrading first. Keep in mind that all weapons have their charm, but these stood out in terms of reliability. I’ll also provide some general tips on upgrading if you decide to experiment with different weapon combinations.

Always Upgrade Your Shield

Your Shield is Constantly Equipped

One key aspect to remember is that your shield is always equipped while you cycle through your firearms. Unlike melee weapons in DOOM: The Dark Ages, there’s only one type of shield, meaning it never leaves your loadout. Because of its consistent usage, investing in shield upgrades is a smart move. While it might not pack the punch of your guns, the shield serves as a valuable asset for both offense and defense more than you’d expect.

Basic shield upgrades follow a straightforward line of progression, meaning you won’t have to choose a complicated upgrade path—just figure out when to shift your focus to your firearms. The first few shield upgrades, especially the second one that enables you to deflect attacks off enemy energy shields, are particularly useful early on. This makes engaging shielded foes much easier. Additionally, the extended saw blade upgrade ensures you won’t squander ammo on minor enemies.

The Super Shotgun: A Boss Slayer

Massive Damage Up Close

The Super Shotgun is the first upgraded mode you acquire for your initial shotgun. Its wide spread and high damage output make it extremely effective when used point-blank against bosses. Larger enemies crumble under its firepower, allowing you to charge in with your shield for maximum effectiveness. Throughout my playthrough, it became my go-to weapon for boss fights, consistently proving its worth.

Recommended Upgrades for the Super Shotgun

While you’ll eventually want all three upgrades, focus on acquiring Shatter early on for maximum effect against armored foes. This upgrade heats enemy shields, enabling you to shatter them with a quick shield toss and start damaging the enemy’s health.

The Cycler: Pressure from Afar

High Fire Rate and Capacity

The Cycler, an advanced version of the accelerator, enhances your ranged capabilities. Although you won’t get this weapon right away, investing in it can help you maintain a steady offensive from a distance. If you still want to upgrade the Shredder while waiting for the Cycler, know that you might outgrow its usefulness.

Recommended Upgrades for the Cycler

The Cycler serves as a perfect counterbalance to the Super Shotgun, enabling long-range pressure on enemies as you prepare for a close-quarters finish. By shocking an enemy from afar, you can then unleash devastating close-range damage with the Super Shotgun.

Upgrade Wisely: Avoid Dual Weapons Early

Shared Ammo Between Weapon Variants

For weapons that have dual firing modes, be strategic about how you spend your resources. Since ammunition is shared between weapon variants, you likely won’t switch between them frequently. For example, I found myself rarely using the Combat Shotgun after unlocking the Super Shotgun, as the latter offered a far more effective use of shells.

Focus on Upgrade Paths

Start by upgrading the weapons you actually use more often, then circle back to improve the rest. After a few levels, you’ll gain access to melee weapons and runes for shields as well. I recommend prioritizing gun upgrades first, as the most efficient runes become available later on.

Although you could initially overlook melee weapons, I’ve found particular value in the Power Gauntlet during my second playthrough, which makes it a good alternative to early upgrades for the Shredder.

Conclusion

In DOOM: The Dark Ages, nearly any weapon can get the job done. If my recommended weapons don’t appeal to you, experiment with others before diving deep into upgrades. Regardless of your weapon of choice, I advise sticking with just one version of each weapon. Make sure to explore every corner of the DOOM: The Dark Ages map to uncover upgrades for your arsenal.

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