Grenade launcher (Doom: The Dark Ages)

The grenade launcher as shown in the final trailer.

This article is about the weapon in Doom: The Dark Ages. For other versions of this weapon, see:

• Grenade launcher (Doom 2016)

The grenade launcher is a weapon in Doom: The Dark Ages, part of the launcher weapon class alongside the rocket launcher. It is introduced in the Abyssal Forest level.

"Fires an arcing projectile that can bounce and explodes on contact with enemies."

― Description in the arsenal section of the dossier

Tactical analysis

The grenade launcher fires slow-moving projectiles in an upward arc. Grenades will bounce off of surfaces, but will explode immediately on hitting a demon. Upgrading the grenade launcher allows it to drop cluster grenades on direct hits, inflicting even more damage over a wider area.

Upgrades

Fragment

Every third direct hit with the grenade launcher drops cluster grenades that deal area damage.

Rupture

Direct hits with the grenade launcher drop cluster grenades when hitting a demon affected by the shield saw.

Cataclysm

Every second direct hit with the grenade launcher drops cluster grenades.

Mastery

Purchasing all upgrade tiers for the grenade launcher will unlock its mastery challenge. Completing the challenge will unlock the gold "Conqueror" skin for this weapon.

Clusterfun

Cause secondary Fragment and Cataclysm damage to demons with the grenade launcher cluster grenades 100 times.

Lore

The grenade launcher was forged during the siege of Karath'al, and became pivotal in the struggle against the Xyvoran Enclave. Originally designed as a stationary weapon, it has become a dynamic instrument of chaos in the Doom Slayer's hands.

Inspiration and development

The proxy model of the grenade launcher, that was used in the game's prototypes.

According to the id Software artist Ethan Evans, the design of this weapon was inspired by ancient cannons and medieval weaponry, to make it feel old and battle-worn. Also, according to the artist, the ball-shaped grenades with spikes were chosen because they best suited the tone of the game. Evans later created an initial proxy model of the weapon, which was used for prototypes of the game to nail down gameplay before further refinement.

Also, the grenade launcher's rough 3D mock-ups were eventually used as base for the rocket launcher during its development, but its silhouette and reload were altered. There is a reference to this detail in the game, in the codex of the rocket launcher it is mentioned that its design was born from the grenade launcher.

Concept art

All concept art by Ethan Evans.

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  Final design.

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  Visual comparison between default and upgraded grenade launcher.

Gallery

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  The codex entry image.

Skins

All skins for the grenade launcher:

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  Default.

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  Reverent.

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  Conqueror.

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  Nightmare.