Gamers need to fight like hell once more with DOOM: The Dark Ages. id Software’s newest incarnation of the demonic franchise looks dark and deep, but let’s see if you can enter the medieval madness for free through Xbox Game Pass.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the kind of gameplay you’d dream up as a kid. Fighting demons with ridiculous guns before climbing into a 100ft mega suit to unlock your true killing potential. It’s a continuation of the amazing work id has done with the recent DOOM reboots, and while GTA 6 is the game on everyone’s lips in 2025, I’m salivating at the prospect of The Dark Ages.
Thankfully, it’s a multi-platform release. Almost everyone gets to play it (sorry Nintendo Switch owners), and Xbox Game Pass subscribers wouldn’t mind a cheeky DOOM: The Dark Ages inclusion.
Can You Play DOOM: The Dark Ages on Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can play DOOM: The Dark Ages for free if they have a valid subscription.
It isn’t technically free, but playing DOOM: The Dark Ages for so cheap should be illegal. Nevertheless, because Microsoft owns Bethesda, all new games developed or published by Bethesda arrive on Game Pass from day one.
We’ve seen it recently with Indiana Jones, Oblivion Remastered, and Starfield. Now, DOOM: The Dark Ages has followed in the same footsteps. The Doom Slayer’s footsteps are as powerful as 10 of ours, but you can experience them if you have Game Pass Ultimate.
How to Play DOOM: The Dark Ages on Xbox Game Pass
DOOM: The Dark Ages requires you to download the title from the Xbox Games Store once it’s live and you’ve verified your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership works.
It sounds like a mouthful, but it’s straightforward. For some quick tips, here’s a step-by-step process:
- Sign in to your Xbox account.
- Go to your Microsoft account and check your Xbox Game Pass status.
- If you don’t have Game Pass Ultimate, make sure you have it before The Dark Ages comes out.
- When you’ve done, head to the Xbox Store.
- Search for DOOM: The Dark Ages.
- Click on its game page.
- Press to download the title once it’s live—obviously, do this from your Xbox or PC.
- DOOM: The Dark Ages is now playable for you when it releases.
Head to the Insider Gaming forum and let us know your thoughts about the DOOM reboot trilogy. Does The Dark Ages look unbelievable? Or is id Software pushing the boat too far with Mecha Doomguy and giant flying demons?
For more DOOM: The Dark Ages content, check out its editions, PC Specs, and special limited-edition controllers.
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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