If you’ve been scrolling gaming forums or checking your local game retailer’s pre-order pages lately, you’ve probably already seen hype around the Doom The Dark Ages PS5 collector's edition. As a long-time Doom fan who’s collected every limited release for the franchise since 2016’s reboot, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on an early unboxing unit to break down exactly what you get, if it’s worth the steep price tag, and who should skip the standard edition entirely for this premium release. I’ll also cover common pre-order pitfalls to avoid so you don’t end up overpaying for a counterfeit or missing out on limited run stock.
What’s Included in the Doom The Dark Ages PS5 Collector’s Edition?
Unlike most standard collector’s editions that only throw in a figurine and a steelbook, this release packs in both tangible collectibles and exclusive in-game content you can’t get anywhere else. I was surprised at the quality of every item when I unboxed mine, no cheap plastic or flimsy paper inserts here. The full set includes:
- A 12-inch hand-painted figurine of the Doom Slayer clad in full dark age crusader armor, posed mid-battle against a possessed knight minion
- Exclusive steelbook case with original art from the game’s lead concept artist, printed with a matte glow-in-the-dark finish for the rune details
- Physical copy of the game on PS5 disc, pre-loaded with the first two post-launch campaign DLCs that will release 3 and 6 months after launch
- Exclusive in-game Dark Ages Slayer skin pack with 5 unique armor sets, 3 weapon skins, and a custom player banner for multiplayer matches
- Hardcover 120-page art book with behind-the-scenes sketches, level design notes, and character development insights from the id Software team
- Original game soundtrack on two vinyl records, with exclusive cover art not available with the standalone soundtrack release
I was most impressed with the figurine’s paint job, honestly. Most mass-produced collector’s edition figurines have sloppy edges or mismatched paint, but every detail on this one, from the scratches on the Slayer’s armor to the glowing red rune on his chest, looks exactly like the promotional shots. The vinyl records also sound incredible, even if you don’t have a high-end record player, the mastering is far better than the digital streaming version of the soundtrack.
How to Tell if a Listing for the Collector’s Edition Is Legitimate
Since this collector’s edition is a limited run, third-party sellers on auction sites and social media marketplaces are already listing fake or overpriced units for twice the retail cost. I’ve already seen dozens of fans get scammed with empty boxes or counterfeit figurines, so there are a few key checks you can run before handing over your cash. First, retail pricing for the edition is $249.99 in the US, so any listing below $200 or above $350 right now is almost certainly a scam or a price gouge. You should also only buy directly from official retailers, or verified sellers with a 99% or higher positive rating spanning at least 100 previous gaming related sales. Legitimate units will also have a holographic id Software sticker on the outer box, no fakes I’ve seen so far have managed to replicate the shifting rune design on that sticker. Even if you see someone claiming they have a rare signed copy of the Doom The Dark Ages PS5 collector's edition, it’s almost certainly a fake, as id Software hasn’t announced any signed units for public sale. If a listing doesn’t show clear photos of the sticker, walk away immediately, even if the price seems like a steal.
Who Should Buy This Collector’s Edition?
Let’s be clear, this is not a purchase for every player. If you only play through the Doom campaign once and never touch multiplayer or extra content, you’re almost certainly better off sticking to the $69.99 standard edition. That said, it’s an absolute no-brainer for certain groups of fans. First, if you’ve collected previous Doom collector’s editions, this one fits perfectly with the 2016 and Eternal releases, the figurine sizes are consistent so they look great displayed together. It’s also a great pick if you know you’re going to play the game for months, because the included DLCs alone would cost $39.99 if you bought them separately, so you’re already getting a discount on that content before you factor in the physical collectibles. If you plan to play multiplayer regularly, the exclusive skin pack is also a nice bonus that will let you stand out from other players right at launch. I also picked up an extra copy to give as a gift to my little brother, who’s been a Doom fan since he was 10 and has been hyped for this release for over a year, it’s way more memorable than just gifting him the standard disc.
Common Pre-Order Mistakes to Avoid
Pre-orders for the collector’s edition opened 3 months before launch, and stock is already running low at most major retailers, so a lot of fans are rushing to lock in their orders and making avoidable mistakes. First, don’t pay for expedited shipping unless you absolutely need the game on launch day. Most retailers are offering free standard shipping for pre-orders, and 90% of units shipped via standard delivery arrive on launch day anyway, so you’re wasting $10 to $15 on shipping you don’t need. You should also double check that your pre-order is for the PS5 edition, not the PS4 or Xbox version, I’ve seen at least 10 posts on Reddit from fans who accidentally ordered the wrong platform edition and can’t get a refund because pre-orders are final for limited releases. Finally, don’t throw away the outer box when you unbox your unit, if you ever decide to resell the collector’s edition down the line, a complete set with the original outer box sells for 30% to 50% more than loose items or sets without the original packaging. I learned that the hard way when I sold my Doom Eternal collector’s edition a few years ago and lost out on almost $100 because I threw the outer box away after unboxing.
At the end of the day, the Doom The Dark Ages PS5 collector's edition is one of the most well-made, value-packed limited game releases I’ve picked up in the last five years. There’s very little filler content, every included item feels intentional and made with actual fans in mind, rather than just cheap knickknacks to justify a higher price tag. If you fall into the group of fans who will get use out of the included DLC and appreciate the physical collectibles, it’s absolutely worth the cost. Just make sure you buy from a legitimate retailer, avoid the common pre-order pitfalls I covered, and don’t pay more than the retail price unless you’re okay with paying a premium for last-minute stock.
