Want to get more out of your gear in Doom: The Dark Ages? This guide walks you through upgrading your equipments, places to get them upgraded, and the weapons and tools you should prioritize first. Everything you want on the Sentinel Shrines or must-have upgrades to prepare your arsenal-you’ll find in this guide!
How to Upgrade Equipments
In Doom The Dark Ages, you will take your gear to various Sentinel Shrines for upgrades; however, these shrines only start appearing from Chapter 2 onwards. Early weapon upgrades require a handful of Gold, whereas later upgrades would need Rubies and a Wraithstone. Some upgrades also offer you a choice between two abilities; however, worry not, as you can toggle between these freely and at any time, without paying extra Gold or returning to the shrine. Your Shield Saw, your slayer melee weapons, and the four Runes that come with it can all be upgraded as well.
Best Tips for Upgrading Equipment in Doom: The Dark Ages
Upgrading weapons and gear in Doom: The Dark Ages isn’t complicated, but knowing what to focus on can make a huge difference in how smoothly your run goes. Since you unlock gear in a fixed order and upgrades must be done sequentially, the real question becomes: Which items should you prioritize first?
Let’s break it down:
Top Gear to Upgrade Early
Shield Saw
- First available in Chapter 2
- This tool sticks with you throughout the game and complements several weapons, making it a no-brainer for early upgrades.
Combat Shotgun
- Unlocked right at the start (Chapter 1)
- It may be your starter gun, but once fully upgraded, it’s an absolute powerhouse.
Weapons Worth Upgrading As You Unlock Them
Flail (Chapter 6)
- Among the melee options, the Flail stands out. Pair it with the Impaler for a deadly combo.
Ravager (Chapter 12)
- Once you get your hands on it, upgrading the Ravager should be a priority thanks to its heavy-hitting potential.
Accelerator & Impaler
- These weapons shine once maxed out, so keep them in mind as you unlock them.
Ammo Management Tip
If two weapons use the same ammo type, don’t split your focus between them. Instead:
- Upgrade one of the pair first (like Combat Shotgun or Super Shotgun).
- This avoids resource drain and lets you fully master one weapon type before moving to the next.
Weapon Mastery = Gold Skins
Want those shiny gold skins? Then remember:
- You can’t start a weapon’s Mastery Challenge until it’s fully upgraded.
- If there’s a specific weapon skin you’re after, make upgrading that weapon a top priority.
Don’t Forget Melee and Runes
Melee Weapons
- These drop in Chapters 1, 6, and 15. Since they’re spaced out, you can safely invest in upgrades without worrying about outgrowing them too quickly.
Shield Runes: You’ll find all four within the first five chapters. Among them:
- Heaven Splitter and Ground Fissure are excellent for startling adversaries.
- Holy Swarm focuses on raw damage.
- Auto Turret becomes a life-saver with the Health Extractor upgrade.
Quick Priority Checklist
1. Shield Saw (Chapter 2)
2. Combat Shotgun (Chapter 1)
3. Flail (Chapter 6)
4. Ground Fissure (Chapter 9)
5. Ravager (Chapter 12)
