If you’re a fan of the brutal, retro-fantasy Doom mod that reimagines hell’s invasion against a medieval backdrop, you’ve probably stumbled across the doom the dark ages toy while scrolling fan forums or secondhand collectible marketplaces. What started as a limited-run fan creation from a small indie toy maker has exploded in popularity over the past two years, with rare variants selling for hundreds of dollars at auction. It’s not just a static display piece, either — most versions come with interchangeable parts that let you recreate your favorite in-game moments, or even modify it to fit your own custom character builds. I’ve collected three different variants myself over the past 18 months, so I’m breaking down everything you need to know before you buy, modify, or display yours.
How to Spot Authentic Doom the Dark Ages Toy Variants
With the rising popularity of these figures, fake knockoffs have started popping up on secondhand marketplaces, often sold at 50% less than the retail price to lure in unsuspecting buyers. There are a few easy checks you can do in 30 seconds or less to make sure you’re buying a genuine product, no special tools required. Official maker’s mark on the bottom of the figure’s left boot is the first thing to look for, as fakes almost never include this tiny engraved detail. You’ll also want to check for the matte finish on the crucifix shotgun accessory, as fakes usually use a cheap glossy plastic that looks noticeably cheap in natural light.
Tips for Customizing Your Figure to Match In-Game Builds
One of the best parts of owning this figure is how easy it is to modify to match the exact character build you use in the Dark Ages mod. Most standard versions come with 3 interchangeable weapons, 2 helmet styles, and 4 different hand poses, but you can take it a step further with small, low-cost modifications that take less than an hour to complete. Acrylic paint designed for plastic action figures is your best friend for custom paint jobs, as it won’t chip or peel off even with regular handling. If you want to add custom accessories like a plague doctor mask or a steel crossbow, you can find 3D printable files made by other fans that fit perfectly on the figure’s standard peg sizes. I customized my own main figure to match my preferred heavy knight build, adding a custom fur-lined cape and a weathered steel finish to its armor, and it took me less than two hours total to finish. Just make sure you don’t sand off the original maker’s mark if you plan to resell the figure later, as that will drastically reduce its value for collectors. If you want your doom the dark ages toy to stand out at your next gaming meetup, adding a custom paint job is the easiest way to do it without spending a lot of money.
Proper Display and Maintenance to Preserve Value
Whether you collect your figure for display or for regular play, following simple maintenance steps will keep it in mint condition for years. UV-protective display cases are non-negotiable if you plan to put your figure on a shelf near a window, as direct sunlight will fade the paint job in as little as 6 months. If you take your figure to fan conventions or meetups, store it in a hard-shell carry case with foam inserts to avoid scuffs or broken parts during transport. Don’t use harsh cleaning products like bleach or alcohol wipes to wipe off dust, either — a soft, dry microfiber cloth is all you need to remove dirt without damaging the paint or plastic. I learned that lesson the hard way when I used a disinfectant wipe on my first variant and accidentally stripped the silver finish off its sword, so don’t make the same mistake I did. Even if you don’t care about resale value, these small steps will keep your doom the dark ages toy looking great for as long as you own it.
Is This Figure a Worthwhile Investment for Fans?
If you’re on the fence about dropping money on one of these figures, it really depends on what you want out of it. For casual fans who just want a cool display piece for their gaming shelf, a standard non-numbered variant usually costs between $30 and $50, which is a fair price for the quality you get. For serious collectors who want rare first-run variants, you can expect to pay $150 to $300, but these variants have held their value consistently over the past two years, and some even sell for more than their original retail price. Limited edition glow-in-the-dark variants are the most valuable right now, as only 100 of them were ever made for the mod’s 5th anniversary event. That said, if you don’t care about collectability, you can even 3D print your own version at home using fan-made files, which costs less than $10 if you already have access to a 3D printer. If you’re a long-time fan of the mod, a doom the dark ages toy is a great way to show your support for the dev team that created it, since 20% of every official sale goes directly to funding future mod updates.
At the end of the day, the doom the dark ages toy is more than just a piece of merch for a popular mod — it’s a tangible way to connect with a community of players who love the gritty, medieval twist on the classic Doom formula. Whether you buy a rare collector’s variant, customize a standard one to match your favorite in-game build, or print your own at home, it’s a fun, low-stakes hobby that adds a little bit of hellish medieval flair to your space. Just make sure you check for authenticity markers before you buy, and take care of it properly if you want it to last for years to come.
