DOOM The Dark Ages: How to Unlock Shield Runes

This article explains how you can easily unlock Shield Runes in DOOM The Dark Ages to deal damage by countering enemy projectile attacks.

The Shield Saw is easily one of the most useful tools that the Slayer has up his sleeve in DOOM The Dark Ages. With this, our already ruthless demon-destroyer is even more prepared and can even parry specific attacks this time around. The usage of the shield and parry is further enhanced by Shield Runes, a special upgrade that can be devastating when used at the right time.

In a way, Shield Runes can be considered a massive upgrade to the parrying mechanic. In this article, we will explain how you can unlock Shield Runes in DOOM The Dark Ages.

When Do You Unlock Shield Runes in DOOM The Dark Ages?

You automatically unlock the Shield Runes in Chapter 9 (Ancestral Forge) in DOOM The Dark Ages. After you restart the giant heart of the forge, Thira will use her powers to activate the machinery. This will will eventually imbue your shield with Runes. 

Initially, Ground Fissure is the only Shield Rune that will unlock for you. Gradually as you progress through the story, you will be able to unlock the other Shield Runes as well in DOOM The Dark Ages.

How Do Shield Runes Work in DOOM The Dark Ages?

Shield Runes essentially add a special property to the parry mechanic in DOOM The Dark Ages. There are four Shield Runes in DOOM The Dark Ages, and here is what each of them does:

• Ground Fissure: Creates a linear ground fissure on parry which damages enemies and interrupts their attacks.
• Holy Swarm: When you land a parry on any Hellsurge projectile, countless blades of light will be created in a large area that will automatically seek out targets.
• Auto Turret: Parrying causes a shoulder-mounted auto turret to pop up, which automatically selects targets closest to you.
• Heaven Splitter: Converts parried Hellsurge projectiles to lightning type, which also creates a small lightning blast upon contact.

How To Upgrade Shield Runes in DOOM The Dark Ages

Similar to upgrading weapons, you need to visit a Sentinel Shrine to upgrade Shield Runes in DOOM The Dark Ages. Each Shield Rune has three more stages that you can unlock, and requires Gold, Ruby, and Wraithstones eventually for the final stages.

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