The countdown is almost over—Doom: The Dark Ages is still set for a May 15 release. The reboot has been a hit, successfully updating the spirit of the original Doom games for today’s audience. Now, with The Dark Ages, the series looks ready to move beyond the gameplay foundations established in 2016’s Doom and Doom Eternal.

Taking cues from medieval lore, Doom: The Dark Ages not only serves as a prequel to much of the modern Doom narrative but also promises a fresh, distinct vibe. It stays true to the familiar framework that fans love, while also exploring some of the underutilized elements from Doom Eternal. One of the most exciting aspects appears to be the expansion of the Wintherin dragons—a feature that could play a central role in the upcoming adventure.

Wintherin Dragons: Breeding Exciting New Mechanics

Doom Eternal, released in 2020, introduced a richer, more layered storyline than its 2016 predecessor. The game ventured into realms like Argent D’Nur and delved into ancient races that have shaped the franchise’s millennia-long conflict. This bold storytelling allowed the developers to introduce fresh hazards, unique locations, and innovative combat styles. Doom: The Dark Ages takes this concept further by weaving a prequel steeped in medieval imagery and enhanced melee combat.

Beyond its gritty weaponry and fierce enemies, The Dark Ages is turning heads with its expansive, open-world mission environments. Some areas are so vast that players might even find themselves piloting vehicles to navigate them. One of the standout features is the opportunity to ride a semi-mechanical dragon—a twist that blends traditional combat with high-flying action.

Expanding the Lore of Wintherin

While details remain sketchy about the origins of this cybernetic dragon, we know that Doom Eternal’s Ancient Gods expansion introduced the formidable Wintherin—a race of ancient dragons capable of aligning with different factions. In that DLC, players witnessed Wintherin fighting alongside the Night Sentinels of Argent D’Nur, as well as battling their corrupted, demonic counterparts serving Hell.

Though it’s not yet confirmed whether the mech-dragon in The Dark Ages is one of these legendary creatures, the game is set to follow the Doom Slayer’s rapid ascent through the Night Sentinels after his arrival in Argent D’Nur. Given the established ties between the Night Sentinels and the Wintherin, it seems clear that Doom: The Dark Ages will deepen this intriguing aspect of Doom Eternal’s lore through the introduction of a new, compelling companion.

A New Layer of Gameplay

Bringing a mech-dragon into the mix is a clever move that not only honors the franchise’s modern evolution but also introduces a dynamic new element to gameplay. The ability to both ride and fight with this creature could redefine how players experience the Doom universe, setting The Dark Ages apart from its predecessors. With innovative flight and combat mechanics, this dragon promises to add an exciting, fresh layer to the game’s narrative and playstyle.

In short, Doom: The Dark Ages is poised to build on the best parts of Doom Eternal while charting new territory—one where ancient legends and futuristic tech collide in a thrilling, medieval setting.