Among the many unique elements of Doom: The Dark Ages—a medieval-inspired prequel to the Doom series—the Doom Slayer’s Shield Saw stands out as a fan-favorite weapon. Recently, players have been buzzing on social media and the r/Doom subreddit, raising an intriguing question: What happened to the Shield Saw between The Dark Ages and Doom’s 2016 reboot?
The Shield Saw: More Than Just a Shield
In The Dark Ages, the Shield Saw is a versatile weapon essential to the Doom Slayer’s arsenal. Not only can it parry projectiles, but it also functions as a powerful throwing weapon that tears through weaker demons. Moreover, it can attach to certain walls, enabling the Slayer to perform daring jumps across otherwise unreachable areas.
Adding to its complexity, the Shield Saw can be augmented with Shield Runes. These runes unlock additional abilities, such as the Ground Fissure Shield Rune introduced in Chapter 9, and up to three more runes by Chapter 14. Players can upgrade the Shield Saw and its runes by collecting Gold and other items scattered throughout the game’s levels.
Why the Shield Saw’s Fate Matters to Fans
Despite its prominence in The Dark Ages, the Shield Saw is noticeably absent from subsequent Doom games, including the widely acclaimed 2016 reboot. This absence has not gone unnoticed by fans, sparking a lively discussion online.
On Reddit, user awkward_but_decent speculated on whether the Shield Saw might have broken or been lost after the events of The Dark Ages. Given that the Doom Slayer’s armor in The Dark Ages features design elements missing in later games, players wonder if the Shield Saw’s disappearance is part of a larger story yet to be told—potentially in upcoming DLC expansions.
Community Theories and What Could Be Next
Players have shared imaginative scenarios about the Shield Saw’s disappearance, from it being destroyed in an epic battle to deliberately hidden or forgotten as the Doom Slayer’s tactics evolved. The debate highlights how much this weapon resonates with the community and adds anticipation for future content.
While the Shield Saw’s future remains uncertain, its impact on gameplay and fan culture in Doom: The Dark Ages is undeniable. Whether it returns in future expansions or remains a unique relic of the past, the Shield Saw continues to inspire discussion and speculation among Doom fans worldwide.