Last month, I stumbled on a sealed Doom The Dark Ages McFarlane Toys figure at a local comic shop, and I almost skipped it because I had no idea it was one of the rarer variants released for the franchise spin-off. If you’ve ever stared at a shelf of these figures wondering which are worth picking up, how to spot fakes, or how to make yours stand out in your display, you’re in the right place. I’ve been collecting McFarlane video game figures for over 7 years, so I’ve picked up more than a few hacks for sorting good finds from overpriced duds. This guide covers everything from pre-purchase checks to easy custom mods you can do in under an hour, no special tools required.
Key Features of Doom The Dark Ages McFarlane Toys You Should Check Before Buying
Every figure in this line is built to 7-inch scale, with 22 points of articulation that let you pose the Doom Slayer in everything from a casual standing stance to a mid-leap demon-slaying pose. McFarlane worked directly with id Software to match every detail of the in-game armor, right down to the scratch on the left pauldron you earn after beating the first campaign boss. Most figures come with three core accessories: a full-size crucible blade with a metal edge, a demon skull display stand, and two sets of alternate hands for holding weapons or making fists.
You should always verify the official McFarlane stamp on the foot of the figure to spot fakes, especially if you’re buying secondhand. Knockoff versions of these figures are everywhere online, and they often have loose joints, paint that bleeds outside the lines, and flimsy plastic accessories that break after one or two poses. I always ask for close-up photos of the foot stamp and the packaging logo before I buy any figure from a third-party seller, it only takes 10 seconds to check and saves you from wasting $30 on a dud.
The base retail version of the figure retails for $24.99, and it’s widely available at most big box toy stores and game shops. Exclusives will have a sticker on the front of the box noting which retailer they were released for, so don’t let a reseller charge you exclusive pricing for a standard retail figure.
Rarity Tiers for Doom The Dark Ages McFarlane Toys Collectibles
Not all figures in this line are created equal, and knowing the rarity tiers can help you spot a good deal and avoid overpaying for a common variant. Rarity is based on production run size, exclusive accessories, and distribution limits, so you don’t have to chase the rarest option if you just want a cool figure for your desk.
- Common retail variants: Widely available at big box stores, priced at $24.99 MSRP, no exclusive accessories, no limited run markings. These are perfect for casual fans, as they have the same articulation as rarer variants for the lowest price.
- Retail exclusive variants: Sold only at GameStop, Amazon, or Target, with one exclusive accessory (like a retro shotgun skin or alternate damaged helmet), run of 10,000 units each, typically hold their value for 2-3 years after release. Most of these cost $5 more than the base version at retail, so they’re a good middle ground for casual collectors.
- Convention exclusive variants: Sold only at San Diego Comic Con or PAX, limited to 1,000 units each, feature hand-numbered packaging and special iridescent paint finishes, can sell for 3-5x their original price on secondary markets. These are only worth chasing if you’re a serious collector or plan to resell down the line.
There are also low-print chase variants randomly inserted into standard retail cases, about 1 per 24 units, which have a full gold armor finish and can sell for $100+ even without original packaging. I once found one of these at a Walmart on clearance for $12, so it’s always worth flipping through the figures on the shelf to see if you get lucky.
If you’re buying an exclusive variant, always check for the holographic authenticity sticker on the bottom right of the box. Real stickers shift color when you tilt them, while fake ones are just printed static images. I got scammed out of $60 on a fake convention variant a few years ago, so now I always ask for a short video of the sticker tilting before I buy any high-value figure online.
Easy Customization Hacks for Your Doom The Dark Ages Figure
One of the best parts of these figures is how easy they are to customize, even if you have zero prior modding experience. You don’t need fancy airbrushes or expensive tools to make your figure feel unique, most of these hacks cost under $5 and take less than 30 minutes to complete.
You can swap hands and weapons with other 7-inch McFarlane Doom figures to create custom loadouts that match your favorite in-game build from Doom The Dark Ages. I swapped the plasma rifle from my 2020 Doom Eternal figure onto my Dark Ages Slayer last month, and it fits perfectly with no modification needed. If you want a more weathered look, you can use a fine-tip silver paint marker to add small scratch marks to the armor, it makes the figure look way more accurate to the battle-worn design in the game.
Another popular easy mod is adding a tiny LED light inside the chest plate of the glow-in-the-dark GameStop variant. You can buy a small coin cell battery and LED for $3 at any craft store, just tuck it inside the hollow chest cavity and seal the edge with a small dot of removable poster tack. It makes the chest rune glow permanently, and it looks incredible in a dark display case. Just make sure you don’t use permanent glue if you ever want to remove the battery later.
If you’re new to customizing, start with a cheap common variant first before you try modifying a rare exclusive. It’s not worth ruining a $150 convention figure to test a paint idea. I also recommend using acrylic paint instead of oil-based paint if you’re repainting parts of the figure, because acrylic adheres better to plastic and is way easier to remove if you make a mistake.
How to Properly Care for and Store Your Collection
Even the rarest figure will lose most of its value if you don’t care for it properly, and these small, easy steps will keep your collection looking brand new for decades. Most collector damage is totally avoidable, you just have to be mindful of where you store and display your figures.
You should keep your figures out of direct sunlight for more than 2 hours a day because UV rays will fade the paint, especially the bright red and orange accents on the Doom Slayer’s armor. I made this mistake with my first Doom figure, I left it on my windowsill for 6 months and the chest plate faded so badly it was worth less than half of what I paid for it. If you want to display figures near a window, invest in a UV-blocking film for the glass, it costs $10 for a roll and protects your entire collection.
If you keep your figures sealed in the box, store them in a cool, dry area away from humidity. Basements and attics are the worst places for figure storage, because temperature fluctuations can make plastic brittle and cause cardboard packaging to warp or grow mold. I keep all my sealed figures in a closet in my living room where the temperature stays between 60 and 75 degrees year round, and I haven’t had any issues with warping or fading in 5 years. You can also buy $2 plastic protective cases for the standard McFarlane boxes, they prevent dents and scratches and can increase resale value by up to 20% if you ever decide to sell.
For out-of-box displays, dust your figures once a month with a soft microfiber cloth. Don’t use household cleaning sprays, because they can strip the clear coat off the paint and cause discoloration. If you have sticky residue on a figure from a price tag or packaging glue, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to remove it, it won’t damage the paint if you wipe it off right away.
Whether you’re a casual Doom fan looking for a cool desk display or a serious collector chasing rare variants, Doom The Dark Ages McFarlane Toys are some of the most well-made, accurate video game figures on the market right now. Take the time to check for authenticity before you buy, prioritize variants that fit your personal collection goals instead of just chasing rarity, and don’t be afraid to make small custom tweaks to make your figure feel unique. At the end of the day, the best figure for you is the one that makes you happy every time you look at it.
