If you're a long-time Doom fan hyped for the franchise's gritty new take on medieval hellscapes, you've probably already started looking into Doom The Dark Ages pre order PS5 options. We've spent weeks digging through official announcements, retailer leaks, and early playtest notes to pull together every detail you need to make a smart purchase, no matter if you're a casual player or a diehard collector. There's a lot of conflicting info floating around social media right now, so we're sticking only to confirmed details directly from Bethesda and official PlayStation partners to avoid leading you astray.
What’s Included in Doom The Dark Ages Pre Order PS5 Packages?
First off, it's important to note that not all pre order packages are created equal, and bonuses vary a lot between standard, deluxe, and collector's editions. You don't want to overpay for perks you'll never use, so we've broken down exactly what you get with each tier, no fluff included.
All pre orders, regardless of edition, come with the base game on PS5 disc or digital download, plus the exclusive Hellforged Slayer skin pack that includes three custom armor sets only available to people who buy before launch. That alone is worth grabbing if you care about customizing your Slayer's look, because these skins won't be sold separately for at least six months after release, per official Bethesda statements.
If you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you'll also get an extra 10% off any Doom The Dark Ages pre order PS5 tier, which makes the deluxe edition an even better deal. Here's a quick breakdown of the extra perks you get with higher tiers:
- Deluxe Edition: Base game, first two post-launch story DLC packs, 12 additional weapon skins, 4 exclusive emote packs, and 72 hours of early access before the official launch date
- Collector's Edition: All deluxe edition content, 1:12 scale Slayer statue, hardcover art book, steelbook case, digital original soundtrack, and a replica of the new Crucible sword weapon
- PlayStation Store exclusive pre order: All standard pre order bonuses plus a free PS5 theme and 5 extra multiplayer profile banners you can't get anywhere else
If you only play single-player campaigns and don't care about DLC, the standard pre order is more than enough. But if you're planning to sink dozens of hours into the game's new horde mode and story expansions, the deluxe edition will save you about $20 compared to buying the DLC separately later. We'd only recommend the collector's edition if you're a serious franchise collector, because the price point is pretty steep for casual players.
How to Avoid Common Pre Order Pitfalls for PS5 Players
We've seen way too many players get burned by pre order scams or missed bonuses over the years, so we've got a few simple rules to follow to make sure your purchase goes off without a hitch. First, never buy from unvetted third-party sellers on social media or auction sites, even if their prices seem too good to be true. Most of these listings are either fake or won't include the pre order bonuses you're paying for.
You also want to make sure you pre order from a retailer that guarantees on-time delivery if you're getting a physical copy. Big box stores and official PlayStation Direct are the safest bets, because they prioritize pre order customers for launch day shipping. Smaller independent retailers sometimes get smaller stock allocations, so you might end up waiting a week or more after launch to get your copy if they run out. If you're looking for the lowest price on your Doom The Dark Ages pre order PS5, check both PlayStation Direct and major game retailers, as they often run pre-launch promotions for free store credit or extra accessories.
If you're buying digital, make sure you have enough space on your PS5's SSD before you pre load. The game is estimated to take up around 75 GB of space, so you might need to delete a few old games to make room. It's also a good idea to turn on auto-download so you can start playing the second the game unlocks on launch day.
One thing a lot of people miss: If you pre order and change your mind later, PlayStation allows you to cancel digital pre orders up until 14 days after the game launches, as long as you haven't started downloading the full version. That takes a lot of the risk out of locking in your copy early, so you don't have to stress if you see better deals pop up later.
What Makes the PS5 Version of Doom The Dark Ages Stand Out?
You might be wondering if it's worth pre ordering the PS5 version instead of waiting for a PC release or buying it for a last-gen console. The short answer is yes, especially if you own a PS5 with a 4K display and 3D audio setup. The PS5 version has a ton of exclusive features that you won't find on any other platform, and they make the already intense gameplay feel even more immersive.
First off, the PS5 version runs at a smooth 60 FPS at 4K resolution in both single-player and multiplayer modes, with no frame drops even during the biggest, most chaotic hellscape battles. The haptic feedback in the DualSense controller also lets you feel the weight of every weapon you fire, from the punch of the super shotgun to the hum of the new dark age crossbow. It's a small detail, but it makes combat feel way more tactile and satisfying.
The PS5 also has exclusive access to the new Slayer Horde mode for the first 90 days after launch. This mode lets you team up with three other players to fight off waves of increasingly difficult demons, with exclusive rewards you can use in the main campaign. If you play a lot of multiplayer, that alone is a huge reason to pick up the PS5 version instead of another platform.
We got to test an early build of the PS5 version last month, and we were blown away by how fast the load times are. You can jump from the main menu to a campaign mission in less than two seconds, and there are no load screens between level sections at all. That's a massive upgrade from older Doom games, where you'd spend minutes waiting for levels to load between checkpoints.
Is Pre Ordering Doom The Dark Ages on PS5 Worth It?
At the end of the day, whether pre ordering is worth it depends entirely on how excited you are for the game, and what perks you care about. If you're a casual player who might pick up the game on sale six months after launch, you can skip pre ordering and save a bit of cash. But if you're planning to play the game as soon as it comes out, there are almost no downsides to locking in your copy early.
You get exclusive skins that won't be available for months, early access if you buy the deluxe edition, and the peace of mind that you'll get your copy on launch day no matter how high demand is. We've already pre ordered our own copies, because the Hellforged skin pack and early access to the horde mode are more than enough to justify the purchase for us. Pre ordering Doom The Dark Ages on PS5 also lets you join the official launch day community event, where you can play against developers and win exclusive prizes like signed merchandise and free DLC codes.
One thing to keep in mind: Prices are unlikely to drop in the first three months after launch, since Doom games almost always hold their value really well. Pre ordering doesn't cost you any extra, and you get way more content than you would if you buy after launch. The only exception is if you wait for a holiday sale, but that's almost a year away at this point.
If you're on the fence, we recommend pre ordering the standard edition first. You can always upgrade to the deluxe edition later through the PlayStation store if you decide you want the DLC and early access, so you don't have to commit to the more expensive tier right away.
Whether you're a lifelong Doom fan or new to the franchise, taking the time to research Doom The Dark Ages pre order PS5 options will help you get the best possible value for your money. Stick to official retailers, pick the edition that fits your playstyle, and you'll be ready to blast your way through medieval hell the second the game launches. We'll be updating this guide as more details are released, so check back for the latest info on launch events and hidden pre order bonuses you might have missed.
