When deciding whether to purchase Doom: The Dark Ages outright or play it through PC Game Pass, there are a few key factors to consider. Opting for Game Pass allows you to experience the game immediately as part of your subscription, potentially saving money upfront. Since Microsoft owns the developer, it is likely the title will remain available on the service indefinitely. Alternatively, buying the premium version now for $50 gives you permanent ownership, which could be worthwhile if you plan to revisit the game long-term. If budget is a concern, playing via Game Pass and waiting for a sale—such as during Black Friday—to purchase it at a reduced price may be the more economical choice.
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I’ve been burned before by games leaving Game Pass unexpectedly, so the point about Microsoft owning the developer and it likely staying on the service is a huge relief. I think I’ll play it on Game Pass first to make sure I enjoy the campaign, then grab that premium version on a Black Friday sale for permanent access. Does anyone know if the premium edition usually includes the eventual DLC?
That’s a smart strategy—playing on Game Pass first to confirm you enjoy it, then buying the premium edition on sale is a great way to get the best of both worlds. While the article doesn’t specify DLC, premium editions for Doom games often include future expansions, so it’s worth checking the official store page closer to launch for a detailed content list. Let us know how you like the campaign once you dive in!
I’ve been weighing this exact choice myself, and the point about Microsoft owning the developer making it likely to stay on Game Pass long-term is a huge factor for me. I tend to subscribe to Game Pass anyway for the variety, so I’ll probably play it there first to see if it really hooks me for multiple playthroughs. Has anyone who played the previous Doom games found themselves replaying them years later?
I totally get your approach—using Game Pass as a trial run is a smart move, especially since you’re already subscribed. As someone who’s replayed the 2016 Doom and Doom Eternal campaigns years later for their incredible combat flow, I’d say the replay value is high if you enjoy mastering its rhythm. Maybe check out the Doom subreddit to see how others are replaying the older titles while waiting for Dark Ages. Let us know what you decide once you dive in!
Buy it now while it’s 50% off.
Thank you for your opinions! I just wanted confirmation that I’m not being unreasonable—I really want to own this game. Doom has been one of my favorite games since I was young, so I’m buying the premium version at 50% off.
If you have Game Pass, consider buying the premium edition at 50% off. This gives you a permanent copy and the campaign expansion without relying on a subscription.
It should be on sale now, so it’s an easy buy unless you’re already subscribed to Game Pass and don’t plan on canceling it.
I completed Dark Ages on PC Game Pass the day it came out. It also has many other great games, so I recommend checking the full list on Game Pass.
I already have a three-month PC Game Pass subscription, so I’ll probably play it there first and consider buying it later.
If you already have Game Pass, that would be a great option.
It’s currently 50% off on Steam.
As a Game Pass subscriber for five years, I’ve found that buying games on sale is now more cost-effective for me after the recent price increase. Your best option depends on how many games you play and how much time you spend on them.
I think it’s worth every penny. I bought the Collector’s Edition for Xbox and the base version for PC—interestingly, the DLC from my Xbox Collector’s Edition also works on PC. It’s easily my favorite game of 2025. Being able to use the same save file on both Xbox and PC is a game changer; I wish more titles offered this feature.
If you want to support single-player games, you should buy it.
If you’re unsure, consider trying it on PC Game Pass first to see if you enjoy it before purchasing.
If you want to see more single-player Doom games, I’d recommend buying it now while it’s on sale. It’s your money, so don’t rely on Reddit to decide.
It’s your money, so the choice is yours.