Knowing DOOM: The Dark Age’s file sizes across platforms and how to preload the FPS can prepare you right now. Our guide will coach you on everything you need to know about installing the game and the space required.
I might be a “boomer” for remembering the old days when you bought a game. You put the game in the machine and play it instantly. Now, there’s Early Access to deal with, consoles requiring exorbitant amounts of space, and finicky preload details.
We’re looking to cut out the fiddly details and have you prepped for the arrival of the Doomslayer in DOOM: The Dark Ages.
When Can You Preload DOOM: The Dark Ages?
You can preload DOOM: The Dark Ages 24 hours before launch.
Launch times for regions do vary, so bear this in mind. But as you can see in X user Pizza Pit‘s screenshot, Xbox lets you preinstall DOOM in the final 24 hours leading up to launch. This likely applies to PlayStation and PC, too.
YOU CAN PRE-INSTALL THE NEW DOOM GAME !!!
How to Preload DOOM: The Dark Ages
To preload DOOM: The Dark Ages, you must pre-purchase a digital copy of the game, check the storefront your bought the game from close to release, and press to download once the time is right.
First things first, you can’t preload with physical editions. Why? Because more often than not, you only get the game on release day, and if you get it before, you can usually start playing anyway if the game is on the disc.
If you’re going the digital route, follow these steps:
- Choose PlayStation, Xbox, or PC for your DOOM: The Dark Ages purchase.
- Once you’ve done this, go to the platform’s storefront and search for the game.
- Select any of its editions.
- Complete your purchase.
- Wait for the preload option to appear.
- Click the download option once it does.
- You can now play DOOM: The Dark Ages the second it releases!
DOOM: The Dark Ages File Size Explained
DOOM: The Dark Ages reportedly requires 85 GB on PS5, and up to as much as 100 GB on Xbox and PC.
We haven’t seen this directly, but X user Corey Cooper has revealed the PS5 version is 84.3 GB. Curiously, even if you buy the physical disc, virtually all of the game must be downloaded anyway.
One of our lovely Patreon Supporters got their hands on a copy of DOOM: The Dark Ages PS5 early. Just a 85 MB stub and a blocker to go online and update. (deleted the previous tweet about this due to hope getting in the way of our basic reading ability ;-))
As for Xbox and PC, neither Steam nor the Microsoft Store has provided an accurate number. Both formats indicate players need approximately 100 GB of available space to play. However, I’d hazard a guess you won’t need the full 100, and it’ll be closer to the PS5’s 85 GB required.
Which DOOM: The Dark Ages moment are you looking forward to for the first time? Wielding the Skullcrusher? Piloting a 100ft Doomguy? Flying on a robot dragon? Let us know in the comments and leave a message through the Insider Gaming forum.
Don’t stop as we have more DOOM: The Dark Ages guides, including news on Early Access, Game Pass, and the complete Trophy List.
Andy is Insider Gaming's Senior Evergreen Editor and has been in the games journalism sphere in one way or another for over 7 years. His video game taste is as…
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