Agadon the Hunter, a brand-new enemy replacing the Marauder, isn't just a souped-up version of its predecessor. This unique foe blends the traits of several bosses, boasting the ability to dodge, evade attacks, and even deflect projectiles launched by the Doom Slayer. Expect a diverse range of combo attacks, demanding players master the use of a sawtooth shield—a mechanic reminiscent of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, a game that heavily influenced the developers. The Agadon encounter serves as the ultimate test, a final exam showcasing mastery of skills honed throughout the game.
The decision to retain a challenging boss like the Marauder stems from the developers' belief in players' readiness for a significant challenge. However, they acknowledge that the Marauder's difficulty wasn't inherently flawed, but rather its presentation and lack of clear explanation.
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The Marauder's reliance on previously unused mechanics in the campaign caused frustration for some players due to the abrupt shift in gameplay pace. DOOM: The Dark Ages aims to rectify this by smoothly introducing mechanics and better preparing players for the challenge.
DOOM: The Dark Ages launches May 15, 2025, on current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X|S) and PC (Steam).