Doom: The Dark Ages packs a massive arsenal of firearms, but nothing beats the raw satisfaction of caving in a demon’s head with a steel-clad fist. That’s where the melee weapons shine. Though there are only three, each brings a unique flavor to the fight—complete with brutal animations and powerful upgrades. These aren’t just last-resort tools; they’re essential for survival when you’re low on ammo and staring down a charging Mancubus.

Below is a breakdown of every melee weapon, how they function, and why upgrading them is a game-changer.

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Power Gauntlet

Unlocked in Chapter 1
Your go-to close-quarters weapon from the start, the Power Gauntlet excels at rapid, precision strikes. It builds damage with each consecutive hit in a combo, making it deadly in sustained fights. As you upgrade it, you gain access to Shock damage that stuns enemies and amplifies your punch output, turning it into a high-DPS powerhouse.

• Best for: Taking down elite enemies and building consistent damage
• Bonus: Shock upgrades make it a top-tier choice for controlling tough single targets

Flail

Unlocked in Chapter 6
The Flail is your answer to chaotic, swarming encounters. On impact, it releases a radial blast that damages nearby foes, making it perfect for clearing packs. Upgrades add fire effects that burn enemies over time, and later enhancements let you shred through shields and armor like paper.

• Best for: Battling groups, shielded enemies, and hectic demon rushes
• Bonus: Its area-of-effect damage is ideal for neutralizing Gore Nests before they spawn more threats

Dreadmace

Unlocked in Chapter 15
The ultimate melee weapon, the Dreadmace is a one-shot devastation tool. It delivers colossal damage to a single target and sends shockwaves to nearby enemies. It charges slowly and has a long cooldown, but land the hit? Every weapon in your arsenal instantly reloads. It’s not just powerful—it’s a lifeline.

• Best for: Boss fights, emergency situations, and instant room clears
• Bonus: A successful strike refills all ammo—making it invaluable for combat sustainability

Final Thoughts

In Doom: The Dark Ages, melee weapons aren’t just flashy extras—they’re central to mastering the chaos. Whether you're chaining Shock punches with the Gauntlet, blasting through hordes with the Flail, or saving the Dreadmace for a game-changing blow, these weapons can turn the tide of battle even when your guns fall silent.

FAQ

Q: Are melee weapons limited by charges?
Yes, but parrying Hell Surge attacks speeds up their recharge significantly.

Q: Do melee attacks drop ammo?
Yes. Landing melee hits often causes enemies to drop ammo, helping you stay armed.

Q: Can you fully upgrade all three melee weapons in one run?
Yes. With enough resources, full upgrades for all three are achievable by the campaign’s end.

Q: Which melee weapon is the best overall?
The Dreadmace deals the most raw damage, but the Flail’s crowd control often proves more practical. The Gauntlet remains the most versatile for general combat.

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