It appears that Bethesda is taking a novel approach to Doom Eternal’s upcoming expansion/DLC titled ‘The Ancient Gods’ part one. This single-player expansion will be a completely standalone episode that can be purchased on its own and played without having the base game.

This means that anyone can buy and play it, even if they don’t own the full Doom Eternal base game, or haven’t completed the main campaign. This appears to be a wise move by Bethesda, since not a lot of people typically buy post-release DLC due to higher costs of the deluxe editions.

Bethesda recently confirmed this in a press statement, at yesterday’s Gamescom Opening Night Live event. The expansion will also come with the Battle Mode for free.

As the press release reads:

“For players who don’t own the Year One Pass, The Ancient Gods, Part One will be available to purchase separately and will include free access to BATTLEMODE. Players do not need to own DOOM Eternal to purchase and play The Ancient Gods, Part One”.

“When we look at how many people have played through the game we have a large percentage – higher than 2016 – that have completed it, so you’re always looking at that and seeing how far players make it through your game,” executive producer Marty Stratton told PCGamesN. “It’s important as we want the DLC to reach as many people as possible. In fact, you don’t even need to own Doom Eternal to buy the DLC and play it.”

Creative director Hugo Martin sees The Ancient Ones as more than just an expansion.

“Most people would associate DLC with being of smaller scope – it’s kind of like the made for TV version of the movie, and the movie was the main game. For us, this is very much like a two-part film – this is every bit as grand as the main game was.”

The Ancient Gods, Part One will be available at no additional cost for players who own the DOOM Eternal Year One Pass or the Digital Deluxe edition. For players who don’t own the Year One Pass, The Ancient Gods, Part One will be available to purchase separately and will include free access to BATTLEMODE.

The Ancient Gods Part One will be available as a standalone purchase for $19.99. The game releases on October 20, 2020.

Metal Messiah

Hello, my name is NICK Richardson. I'm an avid PC and tech fan since the good old days of RIVA TNT2, and 3DFX interactive "Voodoo" gaming cards. I love playing mostly First-person shooters, and I'm a die-hard fan of this FPS genre, since the good 'old Doom and Wolfenstein days. MUSIC has always been my passion/roots, but I started gaming "casually" when I was young on Nvidia's GeForce3 series of cards. I'm by no means an avid or a hardcore gamer though, but I just love stuff related to the PC, Games, and technology in general. I've been involved with many indie Metal bands worldwide, and have helped them promote their albums in record labels. I'm a very broad-minded down to earth guy. MUSIC is my inner expression, and soul. Contact: Email