Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods – The Combat Challenges of the DLC

Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods is the two-part DLC expansion that pushes the already intense combat of Doom Eternal to even greater heights. With new enemies, brutal arenas, and relentless encounters, The Ancient Gods tests the skills of even the most seasoned Slayers. This article explores the combat challenges that make this DLC a masterclass in first-person shooter design.

1. Increased Enemy Variety and Deadly Combinations

One of the biggest challenges in The Ancient Gods is the introduction of new enemies that force players to adapt their strategies. The Spirit, which possesses demons and makes them invulnerable until it is banished, adds a layer of urgency to fights. The Armored Baron, a heavily shielded version of the Baron of Hell, requires precise weapon switching to break through its defenses.

Moreover, enemy combinations are more punishing than ever. Fighting a Marauder while dodging Cursed Prowlers or dealing with Tyrants alongside Whiplashes forces players to prioritize targets carefully. The DLC removes room for error, demanding mastery of movement, weapon swaps, and resource management.

2. Relentless Arena Designs

The arenas in The Ancient Gods are larger and more complex than those in the base game. Many battles take place in multi-level environments with hazards like lava pits, toxic sludge, and falling platforms. The Blood Swamps level, for example, features a fight where the ground collapses, forcing constant movement.

Additionally, enemy spawns are more aggressive. Waves often include multiple Super Heavy demons at once, requiring players to use every tool in their arsenal—Ice Bombs, Blood Punches, and Flame Belch—to survive. The DLC also introduces Escalation Encounters, where enemies continuously spawn until the player completes an objective, adding to the chaos.

3. The Final Boss: The Dark Lord

The ultimate challenge in The Ancient Gods - Part Two is the showdown with The Dark Lord, a mirror match against a version of the Doom Slayer himself. This boss fight is a grueling test of reflexes and adaptability.

The Dark Lord blocks attacks with his shield, requiring well-timed Blood Punches to stagger him. He also heals on hit, meaning missed shots punish the player twice over. His attacks include summoning waves of demons, teleporting strikes, and arena-wide slams that force constant repositioning. Unlike other bosses, this fight is a war of attrition, demanding near-perfect execution to win.

4. The Need for Mastery of Movement

Movement is key in The Ancient Gods. The DLC removes the Infinite Extra Lives option from Ultra-Nightmare, meaning players must rely purely on skill. Dash-jumping, meathook swings, and platforming under fire become essential.

Some arenas feature low gravity or wind currents, altering movement mechanics. The World Spear level, for example, has sections where players must navigate floating debris while fighting Arachnotrons and Dread Knights. Missing a jump often means instant death.

5. The Reward: A True Test of Skill

Despite its brutal difficulty, The Ancient Gods is immensely satisfying for players who embrace the challenge. Beating its toughest encounters—like the double Marauder fight in The Blood Swamps or the final battle in Immora—feels like a true accomplishment.

The DLC also encourages replayability through Master Levels and Horde Mode, where players can refine their skills further. For those seeking the ultimate Doom Eternal experience, The Ancient Gods delivers.

Conclusion

Doom Eternal: The Ancient Gods is not for the faint of heart. Its combat challenges push players to their limits with relentless enemies, intricate arenas, and punishing boss fights. However, those who persevere will find one of the most rewarding FPS experiences ever crafted. Whether you're a veteran Slayer or a newcomer looking for a challenge, The Ancient Gods stands as a testament to Doom Eternal's brilliant combat design.

Now, grab your Super Shotgun and prepare for war—hell awaits.