Agadon the Hunter is set to replace the Marauder in *DOOM: The Dark Ages*, introducing a completely new enemy archetype. Unlike an enhanced version of the Marauder, Agadon is a unique foe that blends traits from multiple bosses. This new adversary can dodge, evade attacks, and even deflect projectiles from the Doom Slayer. Players will need to navigate a variety of combo attacks, utilizing a sawtooth shield similar to those in *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*—a game that significantly influenced the developers. The battle against Agadon is designed to be the ultimate test of skills players have honed throughout the game, serving as a challenging final exam.
The developers are committed to maintaining a challenging boss dynamic, believing that players are eager for an intensified challenge. The previous issues with the Marauder stemmed not from the difficulty itself, but from how these mechanics were introduced and explained. Many elements necessary to defeat the Marauder were not adequately integrated into the campaign beforehand, leading to player dissatisfaction due to the sudden shift in gameplay pace. To mitigate these concerns, the developers plan to introduce mechanics more smoothly and ensure better player preparation.
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*DOOM: The Dark Ages* is slated for release on May 15, 2025, and will be available on current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series) and PC (Steam).