ID Software has released a significant new update for its latest shooter, Doom: The Dark Ages, with a special focus on handheld PCs. This update brings performance optimizations tailored for portable devices and also officially grants the game Verified status on Valve’s popular Steam Deck platform.
The update introduces specific performance targets for a range of handheld gaming PCs, including the newly added Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X models. The studio detailed these device-specific targets as follows:
- Steam Deck: 720p at approximately 30 FPS
- Z1 Devices: 720p at approximately 30 FPS (e.g., ASUS ROG Ally)
- Z1E Devices: 1080p at approximately 30 FPS (e.g., ASUS ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go)
- Z2A Devices: 720p at approximately 30 FPS (e.g., Xbox ROG Ally)
- Z2E Devices: 1080p at approximately 60 FPS (e.g., Xbox ROG Ally X)
Doom: The Dark Ages will now automatically detect the optimal settings when launched on a handheld device, although players retain the option to customize their experience after the initial setup. Additional improvements in the update include overall performance enhancements, a new benchmarking mode, and support for external controller detection specifically geared for handheld gaming PCs.
The update also revisits the “Brink of Death” system, adjusting it to function more like it did at launch. This feature allows players to ignore certain damage instances when near death, reinforcing the game’s signature comeback mechanic.
“The Dark Ages (and Eternal) was designed from the start to give players the chance to fight their way back from near death—this is known as the Brink of Death system,” the developer explained. “When your health is low, you are at your most alert and engaged. We’ve fine-tuned this system to align closer with the original launch settings, enhancing this crucial element of combat.”
For a comprehensive list of all changes and fixes, players can check the full patch notes for Doom: The Dark Ages Update 2.2.
