DOOM: The Dark Ages is all about its combat. You spend most of the game stomping through various landscapes and cities slashing through demons, and as you progress, your opponents become much tougher. That’s no problem for the Doom Slayer though, who can also increase their capabilities using Sentinel Shrines.
Sentinel Shrines are where you’ll go to upgrade your weapons regularly in DOOM: The Dark Ages, and these can make all the difference to your weapons and how much fodder they can mow down. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about how to upgrade your weapons in DOOM: The Dark Ages.
How to upgrade weapons in DOOM: The Dark Ages
To upgrade your weapons – including your Shield Saw and melee weapons – in DOOM: The Dark Ages, you’ll need to track down a Sentinel Shrine. These beautifully-adorned shrines are where you can spend your hard-earned currencies – Gold, Rubies, and Wraithstones – on upgrading your arsenal of gear.
These upgrades aren’t to be neglected either, as they can make your favourite weapons all the more fun to use. For example, one of the upgrades to the Shield Saw allows it to ricochet between multiple enemies when thrown, which makes light work of groups of demon fodder. It’s hella satisfying.
When should you upgrade weapons in DOOM: The Dark Ages?
Sentinel Shrines are dotted throughout most chapters, with each chapter typically being home to one or two of them, so you’ve plenty of opportunity to upgrade your gear when necessary. That said, when is it necessary to upgrade your gear? Well, whenever you have enough money and resources to do so! Your currency isn’t used for anything else in DOOM: The Dark Ages, so you might as well purchase those upgrades whenever you’ve opportunity to.
It’s also worth noting that the resources required for upgrades increase as you upgrade a particular weapon further. For example, let’s say you’re upgrading the Shield Saw; the first few upgrades will cost an amount of Gold, then later upgrades require Rubies, while the final upgrades for a weapon require Wraithstones. You won’t actually find your first Wraithstone until you’re almost halfway through the game, too!
I personally upgraded my Shield Saw first, above all else, as this was my personal favourite bit of gear to use. After this, I upgraded my favourite guns, before eventually spending some money on my preferred melee weapon, the mace. I left my melee weapon till last because I found that I used it the least out of all the options the Slayer’s kit has to offer, but of course, first upgrade whatever you use the most or have the most fun using.
Don’t forget to check out the future upgrades of other weapons, though, as you might find that a single upgrade to a less-preferred weapon makes it stand out from the rest of your gear.
What are Demonic Essence Upgrades in DOOM: The Dark Ages?
There are also Demonic Essence Upgrades in DOOM: The Dark Ages that can be earned from various mini-boss encounters throughout the game. These will each increase your armor, health, and ammo capacities, though they are completely separate to Sentinel Shrine upgrades – which specifically lets you upgrade your favourite parts of your arsenal. They’re still highly worth seeking out however!
To see if the chapter you’re playing has any Demonic Essence Upgrades to find, open up your map and look at the checklist of secrets and collectibles on the right-hand side of the map. Here, you’ll see exactly what you have to find during the level, including resources for Sentinel Shrine upgrades, such as Rubies and Wraithstones.
For more on DOOM: The Dark Ages, take a look at our tips, tricks, and guides hub.