By Callum 
Doom: The Dark Ages’ fifth chapter introduces us to Aratum: an amazing floating Sentinel metropolis steeped in legend and challenge. According to ingametor.com, Aratum serves as an important theological linchpin built high above Argent D’Nur sacred lands, protecting ancient manuscripts and relics dating back to the Age of Ancestrals; its design marries church-like grandeur with medieval fantasy-meets-Doom aesthetic, all against an infernal invasion backdrop.
Attaining Aratum Airspace by riding Serrat, entering its Dragon’s Den, and confronting Hell Carrier assault ships. After that comes battles through cathedrals and courtyards with Prince Ahzrak’s forces in an effort to prevent him from stealing the Heart of Argent – an artifact central to storyline with which Prince Ahzrak plans on corrupting Sentinel power.
Lore & Design Influence
Aratum draws its design cues from Argent D’Nur in earlier Doom lore, reflecting ancient Sentinel architecture, high altars and Gothic spires found there. Its vertical layout, floating platforms and central cathedral recall levels from Quake, Dark Souls or even Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls where religious epicenters and archives play an integral part.
A floating-city concept recalls Id’s wider cosmic aesthetic; an extension from when the fortress above Argent D’Nur existed there in Doom Eternal. Of course, in this regard, Doom: The Dark Ages is much more interesting for the player.
Connection to Series & Other Games
As Doom has traditionally featured demonic strongholds and temple ruins (see Doom (2016) and Eternal’s Sentinel Enclave), Aratum marks a break in tradition by offering medieval faith-themed levels – incorporating dragon riding and aerial combat – into one single medieval-faith themed level in its series.
It integrates dragon riding and airborne combat into one grand medieval religious level with grand architecture that recalls verticality of levels like The Argent Tower but offers something else: airborne battleground combat! Other games such as Dark Souls present cathedral-like sanctuaries with similar significance: providing shelter while providing high stakes action when necessary.
Atmosphere & Enemy Echoes
The city is filled with holy and solemn buildings, from labyrinthine cloisters, stained glass windows, cathedrals and ancient statues to labyrinthine cloisters, stained glass windows cathedrals and weathered stone pillars vibrating under Histories of Ancestral Age’s weighty presence of weathered stone pillars floating platforms and hidden shrines.
You play as Slayer as you fly, land storm fortresses board Hell carriers enter corrupted sanctums while encountering enemies like battle knights cyber demons cultist circles cultist circles cultist circles cultist circles as well as flying Hell fighters – while this level introduces you to both weapons as well as tight corridors combat environments! This level introduces Cycler Super Shotgun as it sets the tone for airborne combat mixed with tight corridors!
Player Objectives & Gameplay Flow
Detailed guide to completing Holy City of Aratum in Doom The Dark Ages 100% of the game. In Aratum, the player must:
- Destroy four Hell Carriers circling the city
- Break the cathedral force-field with Sentinel relics
- Chase Hell Fighters to complete “Cat & Mouse” challenges
- Land at secret platforms for “Layover” rewards (two hidden islands granting rubies, Nightmare skins, Demonic Essence, gold)
- Access and clear the Heart Chamber, battling through foes and stopping Prince Ahzrak
Aratum advances his story as follows: Prince Ahzrak seeks to seize the Heart of Argent, which symbolizes Sentinel Divine Power. Argent D’Nur must prevent its theft while protecting and fortifying its defenses in order to successfully hold onto Argent D’Nur and prevent Prince Ahzrak from seizing one of Argent’s key relics and secure one of Ahzrak’s step towards power.
