Doom: The Dark Ages is introducing significant changes to the series' combat, notably through the introduction of a versatile spear that complements the established shield mechanics. This new weapon, wielded in the player's left hand, offers both defensive and offensive capabilities, continuing the series' focus on exploiting enemy weaknesses to create damage opportunities with the right-hand weapon.
The spear acts as a direct evolution of the shield's role, with developers Martin stating that "all the thinking is still done in your left hand." This implies a similar strategic depth to how players will manage incoming attacks and identify openings, now with an added offensive dimension. The combination of shield and spear suggests a more dynamic and aggressive approach to the iconic Doom combat loop, allowing players to parry, block, and then retaliate with the spear, potentially opening up enemies for powerful follow-up attacks.