Doom The Dark Ages: Which Is the Best Melee Weapon?

In this guide, we determine which is the best melee weapon in Doom: The Dark Ages and why we think that’s the case.

DOOM The Dark Ages All Difficulty Settings Explored. — Doom The Dark Ages (Image via Bethesda Softworks)

Doom: The Dark Ages lets you get down and dirty by using one of the three melee weapons to take down the demon hordes. While guns are all fine and good, series veterans can enjoy the blood and gut action much more when using close-range melee weapons. However, if you want to become a devastating force of nature while equipped with a melee weapon, you’ll need to seek out the most powerful option. And, that weapon is none other than the Dreadmace.

In this guide, we’ll explain why the Dreadmace is the best melee weapon in Doom: The Dark Ages. We’ll also explore how you can get your hands at it.

Why Is Dreadmace the Best Melee Weapon in Doom: The Dark Ages?

Dreadmace is easily the most powerful melee weapon in the game when compared to the other two options available. It can take down even the most powerful foes in the game in just a couple of hits. And normal demons cannot withstand more than a single strike from the Dreadmace.

Aside from its extraordinary power, the weapon will also refill all of your ranged weapon ammo upon use. This makes it all the more beneficial to have. You can unlock the following upgrades for the Dreadmace:

Reaper: Any demon you kill with the Dreadmace will drop additional health.
Obliterator: Increases damage on strike to nearby demons
Riposte: Successfully parrying a Hell Surge attack while the Dreadmace has a full charge will grant you an additional use of the melee weapon. However, this additional use will be available for only a few seconds. This effect also has a cooldown.

The only major drawback of using Dreadmace is that it has only one charge, which means you can use it only once before you’ll need to wait for the weapon to slowly recharge. However, you can offset some of the long recharge window by getting the Riposte upgrade for the weapon.

Also Read: DOOM The Dark Ages: All Weapon Skins and How To Get Them

How To Get the Dreadmace in Doom: The Dark Ages

You don't get the weapon till late in the game — You don’t get the weapon till late in the game (Source: Bethesda Softworks)

Unfortunately, the Dreadmace only unlocks when you reach Chapter 15 of the game. In the City of Ry’uul section, keep following the objective markers to activate a portal, which will lead you to the best melee weapon in Doom: The Dark Ages. It’s a mandatory pickup, so don’t worry about missing out on the item. You can always go back and replay the earlier missions with the Dreadmace in your inventory.

Also Read: DOOM The Dark Ages: How to Perfect Dodge