Doom: The Dark Ages delivers intense combat, especially with the introduction of new weapons and an impressive parrying mechanic. However, players can easily find themselves overwhelmed and facing defeat. Often, this occurs due to a failure to fully harness the abilities of the Doom Slayer. Ready to elevate your gameplay? Grab your shotgun and dive into our essential combat tips for mastering Doom: The Dark Ages.
1. Parrying is Crucial
The addition of parrying significantly enhances the combat experience. Whenever you see attacks marked in green, take advantage of them to maximize damage. Parrying not only stuns nearby enemies but also sends their projectiles back at them. Once you unlock Shield Runes, your parries can inflict even greater damage. Just remember, you can only parry those green-marked attacks!
2. Block Them All
While parrying gets the spotlight, don’t overlook the fundamental ability of blocking. You can negate damage by holding the right mouse button to block attacks that aren’t parryable. It’s a vital skill that keeps you alive, but be cautious of its threshold; once you hit that limit, your shield temporarily ceases to function.
3. Melee Enemies to Get Ammo
Ammo scarcity can be a game-changer, especially since Doom: The Dark Ages lacks a reload button. The key to success lies in meleeing enemies, as doing so will yield ammo drops for your current weapon. Make it a point to mix up your attacks with melee hits to keep your arsenal stocked.
4. Use Your Shield Saw
The Shield Saw is a crucial asset in combat, capable of parrying, blocking, and executing powerful attacks like Shield Charge and Shield Throw. These abilities are essential for overcoming seemingly impossible situations. Use the Shield Throw to effectively deal with shielded enemies and to stun tougher foes, giving you invaluable breathing room during battles.
5. Save Up on Rubies and Wraithstones
Investing wisely in upgrades is paramount in Doom: The Dark Ages. Rubies and Wraithstones are limited resources, so focus on upgrading weapons that match your playstyle and prove effective against enemies. By prioritizing the right upgrades, you can ensure your success in battles ahead.
6. Slaughtering Enemies is the Best Way to Heal
When facing relentless enemy assaults, the instinct might be to seek out healing items. However, panic can lead to mistakes in this fast-paced game. Instead, focus on defeating enemies. By doing so, you will often receive health and armor drops, especially from elite demons. Certain weapons also trigger health drops on impact, so utilize them, particularly when your health is low.
7. Look for Strong Healing and Armor Items
To maintain your survivability, always scout the area for potent healing items. Some health items reapear frequently, providing a reliable source of recovery in battle. Engage enemies near these items, ready to grab a heal when you’re nearing defeat.
8. Pick Up Life Sigils to Avoid Death
Life Sigils serve as your safety net in Doom: The Dark Ages, preventing imminent death. While these items are limited to three, you can revisit previous chapters to collect any you missed. Don’t hesitate to revisit those past challenges when you’re running low.
9. Execute Whenever Possible
Doom: The Dark Ages has rebranded “Glory Kills” to “Executions,” yet the concept remains the same. Dazed enemies can be identified by the purple haze surrounding them, indicating they are ripe for execution. Opting for executions not only adds dramatic flair but also ensures greater item drops, including health shards and ammo, which are critical for your survival.
10. Break Armor
As you progress, you’ll encounter numerous armored foes, making strategic combat essential. Instead of wasting ammo, shoot until their armor glows, then unleash a Shield Throw to obliterate it. Utilize specialized weapons like the Flail and Shotgun for effective armor-breaking.
These ten tips for Doom: The Dark Ages will surely enhance your combat efficiency and overall experience. Are there any strategies we might have overlooked? We’d love to hear your thoughts below!
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