DOOM: The Dark Ages Saw Shield Features Revealed At QuakeCon

It’s no secret that the 2024 Xbox showcase in June left many of us eager for more details about DOOM: The Dark Ages, especially regarding the new chainsaw shield, or shield-saw. This weapon not only highlights the time-travel aspect of the game’s narrative but also introduces a fresh tool for battling demons.

Although initial information was sparse, this year’s QuakeCon has shed much light on the weapon. From what we've learned, it promises to be both brutal and entertaining. Let’s dive into the details and explore what we know so far about the Saw Shield in DOOM: The Dark Ages.

DOOM: The Dark Ages Unveils Saw Shield and New Features at QuakeCon

While many of us hoped for a sequel to DOOM Eternal, DOOM: The Dark Ages takes us back to the roots of the Doom Slayer’s rage. This game showcases an "epic cinematic origin story" and introduces the Saw Shield—an intriguing weapon featuring a magnetic shield with chainsaw blades along its edges. This design allows the Doom Slayer to hurl it across distances and tear through enemies in a gruesome manner.

Recent updates from QuakeCon reveal that the Saw Shield has more functions than initially expected. Beyond its use as a deadly boomerang, it can be retracted while still tearing through enemies, and it seems to offer map traversal capabilities.

While details on this are still emerging, some speculate it might involve shield surfing similar to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, or it could allow you to throw the shield and then magnetically pull yourself towards it, enhancing platforming and positioning strategies.

QuakeCon also showcased additional weapons, including three new melee options: a flail, a mace, and a fist that generates chains of electricity between foes. New ranged weapons include a nail gun that pins enemies to walls and a double-barreled plasma gun.

A major highlight is the revamped Glory Kill system, which gives players more control over kill animations rather than relying on scripted sequences. Additionally, a giant mech was introduced, enabling the Doom Slayer to engage in building-scale combat, which fans are eagerly anticipating.

While we’re still waiting for more details on the Saw Shield and other new weapons, the information from QuakeCon paints a promising picture for DOOM: The Dark Ages. We’ll keep you updated with any new developments as they arise.