A Slayer’s Guide to DOOM: The Dark Ages Shield Saw

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DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces a fresh and intense twist to the iconic franchise, blending medieval aesthetics with brutal combat and new mechanics. Among the many innovations, one stands out as the most versatile and essential tool for any Slayer: the Shield Saw. This disc-shaped weapon is more than just a defensive tool — it’s your key to dominating battles, solving puzzles, and staying alive in the chaotic battlefields of The Dark Ages.

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The Shield Saw: More Than Just Defense

Unlike previous DOOM entries, The Dark Ages encourages a “stand and fight” approach. Instead of running and gunning, you’ll often plant yourself in the middle of the action, using the Shield Saw to maintain control and punish enemies efficiently.

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Blocking and Parrying

One of the core skills you’ll learn early on is how to block attacks with your shield. Holding the left trigger raises the Shield Saw, allowing you to absorb incoming damage. But don’t get too comfortable — the shield can only take so much before it breaks.

A key mechanic to master is the parry. When you see enemies launching green-tinged projectiles or preparing melee attacks surrounded by green energy, a perfectly timed block will not only negate damage but reflect projectiles back at enemies or stagger melee attackers. This opens up critical moments to deal heavy damage without risking your health or armor.

If the timing feels challenging, The Dark Ages lets you adjust the parry window in the options menu to suit your playstyle. Combining blocking and parrying effectively lets you dive into enemy groups with confidence, making encounters feel rewarding and strategic.

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Shield Charge: Close the Distance with Power

Sometimes blocking won’t cut it when you want to get in close fast. The Shield Charge is your answer. While blocking, a target indicator appears on the enemy nearest your crosshairs; pressing the right trigger launches you forward at high speed, delivering a powerful charge attack.

This move deals damage not only to your target but also to nearby enemies, making it a fantastic crowd-clearer. It’s especially effective against smaller enemies like Stone Imps, which explode on impact, amplifying the damage.

Beyond combat, the Shield Charge doubles as a movement tool, allowing you to reach higher platforms or new areas by charging into specific surfaces. Mastering this ability enhances your efficiency and fluidity during battles and exploration.

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Shield Throw: Precision and Crowd Control

Early in the game, you’ll unlock the Shield Throw by attaching the Saw blade to your shield. This throwable weapon instantly slices through weaker foes and stuns tougher enemies upon impact, giving you a critical window to finish them off.

The Shield Throw is particularly deadly against armored enemies. Demons wielding shields or bosses with heavy armor become vulnerable after sustained fire heats their armor to a glowing state. A well-placed Shield Throw shatters their defenses, leaving them exposed.

For groups of smaller shielded enemies, one well-aimed throw can take out multiple foes like bowling pins, rewarding skill and timing.

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Puzzle Solving and Exploration

Your Shield Saw is also a vital tool for exploring the medieval-themed environments of The Dark Ages. Use the Shield Charge to break through weak walls marked with circular symbols, or combine Shield Throw and charge mechanics to reach secret areas and solve environmental puzzles.

Later in the game, you’ll find more creative ways to interact with the environment using your shield — encouraging players to experiment and uncover hidden secrets.

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Upgrades and Customization

DOOM: The Dark Ages features a robust upgrade system accessed via Sentinel Shrines scattered throughout the game world. You can improve your Shield Saw’s damage, add effects that allow it to bounce between energy-shielded enemies, and more.

Shield Runes unlock new passive effects triggered by successful parries, adding another layer of depth to combat strategies.

Don’t forget that the Shield Saw synergizes with other weapons and abilities. For example, the Shredder weapon can ricochet shots off enemies with embedded Saws, and the Power Gauntlet melee weapon can recharge with parries — allowing for versatile and devastating combos.

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Final Tips for Mastering the Shield Saw

• Practice parrying: Perfect your timing to reflect projectiles and stagger enemies, saving precious health and armor.
• Use Shield Charge strategically: Aim for clusters of enemies to maximize damage and open up opportunities for your shotgun or melee attacks.
• Throw your shield wisely: Target armored foes after softening them with gunfire to break their defenses.
• Explore thoroughly: Look for environmental clues to use your shield’s abilities for puzzles and secrets.
• Invest in upgrades: Tailor your shield and complementary weapons to suit your preferred combat style.

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Availability

DOOM: The Dark Ages is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Steam, Battle.net, PlayStation 5, and cloud platforms. It launches day one with Xbox Game Pass and supports Xbox Play Anywhere, making it accessible across devices.

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By mastering the Shield Saw and its many functions, you’ll embody the true spirit of the Slayer — standing firm, striking hard, and tearing through the forces of Hell with medieval might. Prepare to take your fight to a whole new level in DOOM: The Dark Ages.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GAME

• Doom: The Dark Ages – A New Chapter in the Legendary Franchise
  
• Doom: The Dark Ages – Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide (Tips, Tricks & Mistakes to Avoid)
  
• How To Change Skins in Doom: The Dark Ages – A Clear Guide for Players
  
• Which Shield Runes Is Best in DOOM: The Dark Ages? — A Complete Guide and Tips
  
• Doom: The Dark Ages Update 1.003 Patch Notes – What You Need to Know

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