Alright, Doom Slayers, let’s talk Doom: The Dark Ages. Fresh off the reveal of this bad boy, we know id Software is cranking things up a notch. We’re not just talking about a sweet medieval twist on ripping and tearing, but a narrative that’s getting a little deeper and, gasp, some semi-open world areas!

Yeah, you heard that right. Beyond the glorious linear corridors of demon destruction, Doom: The Dark Ages is tossing in some larger areas where objectives and those oh-so-satisfying secrets are a bit more spread out. We already got a taste of this in “The Siege Part One” and “Ancestral Forge.” And guess what? Mission 15, dubbed “The Kar’Thul Marshes,” is serving up more of that exploration goodness.

Kar’Thul Marshes: A Swampside Smash Fest

So, you’re slogging through the Kar’Thul Marshes, probably knee-deep in demon guts and murky water. What else are you doing? Well, if you’re a completionist (and let’s be honest, who isn’t when there are secrets involved?), you’re on the hunt for those sneaky collectibles. And in this particular swampy hellscape, that means smashing some statues.

Specifically, we’re talking Wolf Statues. Remember hunting down those Lion Statues in “The Siege Part One”? Same vibe, different animal. These Wolf Statues aren’t just decorative; they’re tied to something cool. In the previous open-ish levels, smashing statues unlocked parts of a larger collectible or revealed secrets. It stands to reason the Wolf Statues in the Kar’Thul Marshes are doing something similar, adding another layer to exploring these new, larger environments.

Why Break Stuff? (Besides Fun)

Why does id Software keep putting breakable statues in these bigger areas? A few reasons:

• They encourage exploration. Instead of just running from point A to point B, you’re looking around, checking corners, and thinking “Hmm, could there be a statue behind that toxic goop?”
• They act as progress markers. Finding and destroying all the statues in an area gives you a tangible goal beyond the main objective. It’s a mini-quest within the larger mission.
• They likely unlock rewards. In the past, destroying collectibles like these often leads to weapon upgrades, lore bits, or other juicy secrets. The Wolf Statues will probably fit this pattern, giving you a tangible benefit for your destructive efforts.

Think of it as id’s way of making these slightly less linear levels feel rewarding to poke around in. You’re not just wandering aimlessly; you’re on a scavenger hunt for smashable goodness.

More Open-ish Worlds? Count Us In!

The inclusion of these semi-open areas and the return of collectible statues like the Wolf ones in the Kar’Thul Marshes signals id is definitely experimenting with the classic Doom formula. It’s not becoming an open-world RPG (thank goodness!), but it’s clear they want to inject a bit more variety into the level design.

These larger zones, peppered with objectives, enemies, and hidden collectibles like these Wolf Statues, offer a different pace compared to the intense, arena-style combat Doom is famous for. You might have a huge battle, then a breather to explore the area, look for secrets, and smash some statues before kicking off the next big fight.

It’s a smart way to expand the gameplay without losing that core Doom feel. You still get the adrenaline-pumping combat, but now there are moments where taking a breath and soaking in the environment (and hunting down those ever-important secrets and collectibles) is encouraged.

The Hunt is On

So, as you prepare to dive into the demon-infested swamps of the Kar’Thul Marshes in Doom: The Dark Ages, make sure you keep those eyes peeled. Those Wolf Statues aren’t going to smash themselves. Finding them all will not only test your observational skills but likely lead to some sweet rewards that will help you on your quest to, you know, save everything by killing everything.

Get ready to rip and tear, explore, and smash some statues. The Dark Ages are going to be a wild ride!