Agadon the Hunter, a brand-new enemy replacing the Marauder, isn't just a souped-up version of his predecessor; he's a completely unique challenge. Blending traits from several bosses, Agadon dodges, evades, and even deflects projectiles, demanding a mastery of skills unlike anything encountered before. His diverse combo attacks necessitate strategic use of a sawtooth shield, echoing the challenging combat of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, a game that clearly influenced his design. The Agadon encounter serves as the ultimate test, a final exam synthesizing all previously learned skills.
The decision to retain a challenging boss like the Marauder stems from a belief in players' readiness for a significant hurdle. However, the developers acknowledge past criticisms weren't solely about difficulty, but also the abrupt introduction and lack of explanation surrounding the Marauder fight.
Image: reddit.com
The Marauder's reliance on mechanics previously unused in the campaign led to player frustration, a jarring shift in gameplay pace. A smoother integration of mechanics and improved player preparation aim to rectify this.
DOOM: The Dark Ages launches May 15, 2025, on current-gen consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X|S) and PC (Steam).