Before you explore all Chapter 2 secrets, you need to equip your slayer with the best upgrades in DOOM The Dark Ages. While the Butcher Slayer Skin looks badass, it does little to help you in terms of gameplay. This guide covers all the basics, including where to find Gold, Rubies, and Wraithstones, and which equipment you should upgrade first. We’ll also talk about the best early choices for your weapons and Shield Saw.
Without further ado, here are all the best upgrades in DOOM The Dark Ages.
How to Upgrade Equipment in DOOM The Dark Ages
To upgrade your gear, you need to visit a Sentinel Shrine. The first one is in Chapter 2. You’ll spend Gold for the first upgrades, then Rubies and Wraithstones for the last two upgrades on each weapon. Some upgrades make you pick between two abilities, but you can switch between them anytime for free—no need to go back to a Shrine or spend more Gold.
You can upgrade your main weapons, your Shield Saw, and the four Shield Runes you can equip on the Shield Saw.
Where to Find All Upgrade Materials in DOOM
You need three things to upgrade: Gold, Rubies, and Wraithstones. Gold is found all over the world and by finishing challenges. Rubies and Wraithstones are rarer and usually come from statues or special spots.
Here’s a table showing how much of each upgrade material you can find in every chapter:
| Chapter | Gold | Rubies | Wraithstones |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | — | — |
| 2 | 210 | — | — |
| 3 | — | — | — |
| 4 | 212 | 2 | — |
| 5 | 240 | 2 | — |
| 6 | 513 | 4 | — |
| 7 | 183 | 2 | — |
| 8 | 250 | 2 | — |
| 9 | 230 | 2 | 1 |
| 10 | 230 | 3 | 1 |
| 11 | 85 | — | — |
| 12 | 177 | 1 | 1 |
| 13 | — | — | — |
| 14 | 359 | 3 | 2 |
| 15 | 182 | 2 | 1 |
| 16 | 188 | 1 | 1 |
| 17 | 194 | 2 | 1 |
| 18 | 153 | 1 | — |
| 19 | 294 | 1 | 1 |
| 20 | 392 | 3 | 1 |
| 21 | — | — | — |
| 22 | 335 | 3 | 1 |
Best Upgrade in DOOM The Dark Ages to Equip First
The best upgrades in DOOM The Dark Ages are pretty straightforward. You unlock each weapon’s upgrades in order, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything. The real question is which weapons and gear you should focus on first. Here’s what you need to know:
- Shield Saw: This is always in your loadout and works well with many weapons. Upgrade it first.
- Combat Shotgun: This is your main weapon and gets even better when fully upgraded. Make it a priority.
- Ravager, Impaler, and Accelerator: Once you unlock these, start upgrading them too.
- Ammo Types: If two weapons use the same ammo (like Combat Shotgun and Super Shotgun), focus on one until it’s fully upgraded, then move to the next.
- Weapon Mastery: You can’t start a weapon’s mastery challenge until it’s fully upgraded. If you want a gold skin for a gun, upgrade it all the way.
- Melee Weapons: You get three melee weapons in Chapters 1, 6, and 15. Upgrade them as you get them. The Flail (from Chapter 6) is very strong, especially with the Impaler.
- Shield Runes: You get four Shield Runes in the first five chapters. Ground Fissure and Heaven Splitter are the best—they can stun enemies and do good damage. Holy Swarm is all about damage, and Auto Turret can give you Health pickups if you unlock its Health Extractor upgrade.
Here’s the best order to upgrade your gear when starting out:
- Shield Saw (Unlocked in Chapter 2)
- Combat Shotgun (Unlocked in Chapter 1)
- Flail (Unlocked in Chapter 6)
- Ground Fissure (Unlocked in Chapter 9)
- Ravager (Unlocked in Chapter 12)
And these are all the best upgrades in DOOM The Dark Ages you have to try out first. For more DOOM-related content, stay tuned to RetroNoob.
