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DOOM: The Dark Ages Gets Free Slaughter Mode Endless Combat Update November 16

Bethesda and id Software say Slaughter Mode, an endless combat challenge, hits DOOM: The Dark Ages on November 16 as a free update for Revelations owners.

DOOM: The Dark Ages Gets Free Slaughter Mode Endless Combat Update November 16
Photo: XBOX Wire (official image)

Bethesda Softworks and id Software have announced that Slaughter Mode, a new endless combat challenge, arrives in DOOM: The Dark Ages on November 16. The announcement was published on November 12 and covers a free update for owners of DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations.

What Slaughter Mode offers

According to Bethesda, players tear through relentless, escalating and unpredictable waves of demons while chasing personal best scores. No two runs are the same, because each one throws random encounters, bosses and arenas at you, and the heat rises the further you get.

Completing rounds earns Skulls, which unlock rewards. Bethesda lists Slaughter Mode-only Slayer skins, weapon skins that work in all modes, and profile icons. Players can also unlock tracks from Andrew Hulshult's IDKFA soundtrack, playable in both Slaughter Mode and the Ripatorium. Weekly challenges offer more chances to earn rewards.

The risk-or-reward system

The mode's central twist comes at each Round Checkpoint. If you survive long enough to reach one, you can choose to Secure your current Skulls against death.

The alternative is Risk It, which adds to your Skull Multiplier and increases the Skulls you can earn during that run. The catch, per Bethesda, is that if you are slain while Risk It is active, you forfeit all of your unsecured Skulls.

Dying is not a total reset. Every Round Checkpoint you complete also unlocks another starting point for future runs, so you can jump back into later encounters sooner.

Who gets it

Bethesda says the mode is included at no additional cost for players who own the Revelations DLC, the DOOM: The Dark Ages Premium Edition, or the Premium Upgrade for the game. The source does not give a specific launch time for the update on November 16.

What it means for you

If you already own Revelations, the Premium Edition or the Premium Upgrade, you should not need to pay anything extra for Slaughter Mode when it goes live on November 16. Check which edition you own in your platform's store before launch day.

Also read The Game Awards 2026 Nominees Will Be Revealed Nov. 17: Start Time and How to Tune In

Quick answers

Is Slaughter Mode free?

Yes, for players who already own the Revelations DLC, the Premium Edition or the Premium Upgrade. Bethesda says it comes at no additional cost to them.

What are Skulls used for?

Skulls are earned by completing rounds and unlock rewards such as Slayer skins, weapon skins, profile icons and IDKFA soundtrack tracks.

What happens if I die while using Risk It?

You lose all of your unsecured Skulls from that run. Secured Skulls are safe, and completed Round Checkpoints still unlock new starting points for later runs.

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