DOOM: The Dark Ages is set to receive its first DLC on July 7 in the form of the Revelations expansion pack featuring a new weapon and up to 12 hours of content. It’s always fun to see the way DOOM’s developers find ways to eviscerate, explode, impale, ignite, disintigrate, shoot, dismember, and otherwise wreak havoc with the demonic denizens in the now 33-year-old franchise, and the new Chain Spear looks to be another welcome addition to the Slayer’s ever-growing arsenal.
“It adds movement tech to Dark Ages combat, complete with a dash and grapple hook. We’re going to make the tanky Dark Ages Slayer fly. You’ll feel like a monster truck with a jet engine strapped to your back.”
– Hugo Martin, Game Director and id Software Studio Co-Director
The slayer only recently gained a Shield Saw in DOOM: The Dark Ages, but as so often happens with new equipment, it has already become damaged and must be replaced. Fret not, though, as he is getting the Chain Spear, which brings new attack modes, features, and skills. While players may find it challenging to adapt to the Chain Spear at first, they are encouraged to keep trying as new skills can be unlocked with it.
““There is a ton of skill expression in the DLC, and it’s all through the spear, so it’s worth your time and investment.”
– Hugo Martin, Game Director and id Software Studio Co-Director
Players can use it to stab, throw at enemies like a sniper shot, and be used similarly to Eternal’s hammer for slam-down attacks to break armor or parry various attacks, including projectiles. The spear also adds additional movement options for our hulkish slayer, and its tip can be shot out to use as a grappling hook. In some ways, it sounds like the developers have reinvented the bullwhip used by Indiana Jones to help the Slayer plow through enemies, defend himself, and be a useful tool when needed.
“Perhaps most exciting are the movement options that the Chain Spear adds. The tip of the spear can be shot out on a chain like a grappling hook, pulling the Slayer in toward enemies or up through the air and around the environment.”
– Microsoft
Another new feature of the spear is its ability to “orbit” or rotate around enemies while tethered by its chain to rain down gunfire upon them. Martin references how this z-targeting system compares to that seen with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Elden Ring. Revelations is said to add roughly 10-12 hours of content, which will also be incorporated into Dark Ages’ endgame, where players will be able to use both the spear and shield.