Five Things You Can Do with DOOM: The Dark Ages’ Shield Saw

DOOM: The Dark Ages arms players with a host of demon-crushing implements, each with their own methods for cutting the legions of Hell to size. Readied at the Slayer’s side is a particularly versatile tool: his trusty Shield Saw, a rounded shield studded with razor-sharp blades.

Used in the right context, the Shield Saw introduces a host of new techniques allowing the Slayer to mow down demons like never before! Sure, blocking oncoming damage is useful, but that’s just the beginning. Read on to learn more about how DOOM: The Dark Ages’ Shield Saw can have an impact both in – and out of – battle.

RETURN TO SENDER

Certain attacks from enemies come with a telltale glow, indicating it’s a Hell Surge attack! More than just pretty colors, Hell Surge attacks can be parried back at your foes. On top of deflecting damage away from the Slayer, parrying plays a vital role in cracking a demon’s defenses wide open. Just block with your Shield Saw at the right moment to serve the hordes a taste of their own medicine!

GO FORTH AND CHARGE

While raising his Shield Saw, the Slayer can single out a target for a Shield Charge, hurtling himself towards his prey, shield-first, with incredible force. Not only does the impact wipe out lesser fodder demons outright, but the Shield Charge’s burst of speed can also allow the Slayer to dash out of harm’s way with ease.

LET FLY THE DISCUS OF DEATH

Using the Slayer’s superhuman strength, players can chuck the Shield Saw as its blades are spinning to slice fodder in half where they stand, even embedding itself into meatier demons for a grisly stun attack. Throwing the Shield Saw also makes short work of superheated metal, causing a demon’s once-hardy shield or armor plating to instantly shatter! (Just be sure to lay on enough firepower to heat up the metal first – once the metal flashes, it’s time to smash!)

TRAVERSE THE LANDSCAPE

Outside of combat, the Shield Throw also allows the Slayer to lodge the Shield Saw into designated nodes into the environment, activating mechanisms or triggering its Recall Jump ability to traverse wider spaces. Keep your eyes peeled, as the Shield Saw’s abilities are essential for discovering many of DOOM: The Dark Age’s secret areas.

FULLY LOADED

Exploring levels, completing challenges and discovering secrets will earn players in-game rewards like Gold and Rubies to spend at Sentinel Shrines. These Shrines can upgrade the Slayer’s gear, including (you guessed it!) his Shield Saw. On top of boosting the Shield’s abilities, players can also equip and upgrade Shield Runes to unleash power counterattacks! Despite its defensive origin, a fully upgraded Shield Saw can easily create as much carnage as the rest of DOOM: The Dark Ages’ demon-slaying arsenal.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5 – play it day one with Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. Play it on both Series X|S and Xbox PC at no additional cost with Xbox Play Anywhere. For more information, visit DOOM.com.