I’ve spent the last three years hunting down rare custom Doom mod merchandise, and nothing stumped me longer than the doom the dark ages chapter 17 toy. Most casual fans of the popular total conversion mod don’t even know this limited-run collectible exists, since it was only released to a small group of playtesters and mod contributors back when the Chapter 17 update dropped. It’s not a mass-produced action figure you’ll find on Amazon, and that’s part of what makes it such a coveted piece for both Doom collectors and Dark Ages mod superfans. If you’ve been curious about this item, whether you want to buy one, make your own, or just learn why it’s so sought after, this guide covers every detail I’ve picked up through trades, community forums, and even a few dead-end leads.
What Makes the Doom The Dark Ages Chapter 17 Toy Unique?
Unlike official Doom action figures sold by Bethesda, this toy is 100% community-made, designed by the mod’s 3D art team to replicate the Fallen Templar, the iconic final boss of Chapter 17. Each original unit is 3D printed with resin for fine detail, hand-painted by members of the mod team, and comes with a tiny, detachable replica of the Unholy Greatsword that players unlock after beating the boss on any difficulty. Every figure also has a unique serial number etched into the bottom of its stone-textured base, tied to the original 120 units produced for the launch team.
You might come across fan-made versions online, but original units also come with a digital download code for the Chapter 17 developer commentary track that’s not available anywhere else. Most counterfeit versions you’ll find on auction sites don’t have the etched serial number, so that’s your first check for authenticity. Even if a seller claims their unit is original, ask for a clear photo of the base before you agree to any purchase.
How to Source an Authentic Version Without Overpaying
If you’re actively hunting for the doom the dark ages chapter 17 toy, skip mainstream auction sites first. Most listings there are either counterfeits or wildly overpriced, with some sellers trying to charge $700 or more for units that originally sold for $50 directly from the mod team. The best places to look are official mod community spaces, where you’re far more likely to find legitimate sellers who are active fans instead of resellers looking to flip rare items for profit.
As of latest community sales data, the average price for a mint, unopened original unit hovers between $280 and $350. Damaged units or ones missing the sword accessory usually sell for $200 to $250, and signed units from the mod’s lead developer can go for up to $450 for superfans. Never send payment as a friend or family transfer on PayPal, even if the seller says it’s to avoid fees. You’ll lose all buyer protection if the item never arrives or turns out to be fake.
Watch for these common red flags when browsing listings:
- Blurry photos that don’t show the serial number on the base of the figure
- Sellers who refuse to do a live video call to show you the item before purchase
- Prices listed below $200, as even damaged authentic units rarely sell for less than that
- Claims that the toy was sold at retail stores, since it was never mass produced
Easy Customization Ideas for Your Collectible
Even if you only paid a small amount for your doom the dark ages chapter 17 toy, small modifications can make it feel far more personal, and you don’t need advanced crafting skills to pull most of them off. One of the most popular mods is swapping the default Unholy Greatsword for a 3D printed replica of the secret plasma rifle you can find in Chapter 17’s hidden catacomb level. Free STL files for the rifle are available in the mod’s community resource hub, so you don’t have to design it yourself.
Another simple modification is adding tiny LED lights to the eye slots of the Templar’s helmet, so it glows red just like it does during the boss fight. You can pick up a pack of tiny battery-powered LEDs for less than $10 at most craft stores, and they fit perfectly into the pre-cut eye holes on both original and 3D printed units. If you’re handy with paint, you can also repaint the armor to match the secret golden Templar skin you unlock for beating Chapter 17 on Ultra Nightmare difficulty.
If you plan to resell the toy later, keep all original parts so you can revert it back to stock if a buyer prefers the unmodified version. Modified units usually sell for the same price as stock units unless they’re signed or feature extremely high-end custom work, so don’t expect to make a profit on modifications alone.
Is Making Your Own Custom Chapter 17 Toy a Good Alternative?
If you don’t want to drop hundreds of dollars on a rare original, making your own doom the dark ages chapter 17 toy is a great budget-friendly alternative, and it’s a fun weekend project for crafty fans. The mod team released the official STL files for the figure for free non-commercial use a year after the Chapter 17 launch, so you can download the exact same files used to make the original units. If you don’t own a 3D printer, you can get the figure printed in resin at most local maker spaces for less than $20.
All you’ll need after that is a set of fine-tip paint brushes, acrylic paint in dark grey, gold, and red, and a clear sealant to protect the paint job. You can find step-by-step painting tutorials posted by other fans on the mod’s subreddit, so even beginners can get a professional-looking finish. The total cost for materials usually comes out to under $30, which is a fraction of the cost of an original unit.
Home-made versions are completely fine for personal use, but selling them for profit violates the mod’s non-commercial use policy. The mod team made the files available for free for fans, not for resellers to make money off their work, so stick to making copies for yourself or as gifts for other fans. For the most accurate look, use reference screenshots from Chapter 17's boss fight instead of fan art, since fan interpretations often change small armor details.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the mod or a casual Doom collector looking for a unique piece to add to your shelf, the doom the dark ages chapter 17 toy is a fun, niche item that tells a story about the passion of the Doom modding community. You don’t have to drop hundreds on an original to enjoy it either – making your own custom version is a great weekend project that lets you connect even more with one of the best Doom total conversions ever made. If you end up hunting one down or making your own, don’t forget to share your build in the community spaces – you’ll likely find dozens of other fans who are just as excited about this little piece of modding history as you are.
