Is Doom Eternal DLC Free on Game Pass? Understanding the Fine Print
The short answer is no, the Doom Eternal DLC, specifically the Year One Pass containing “The Ancient Gods Part One” and “The Ancient Gods Part Two,” is NOT included for free with a standard Xbox Game Pass subscription. While Doom Eternal itself might be available on Game Pass, only the base game is generally offered. This means that players who wish to experience the campaign expansions will need to purchase them separately. Let’s delve deeper into the details and clarify some common misconceptions about Doom Eternal and its DLC on Game Pass.
Doom Eternal on Game Pass: What’s Included?
When Doom Eternal appears in the Xbox Game Pass catalog, what you’re generally getting is the standard edition of the game. This includes the base game’s thrilling single-player campaign and the Battlemode multiplayer mode. However, the significant story expansions, namely, The Ancient Gods Part One and Part Two, are not part of the standard Game Pass offering. This can be a source of confusion as the Xbox App might not always make this distinction immediately clear. It’s important to recognize that while Game Pass offers access to a vast library of games, DLC content is often treated separately.
Purchasing DLC with Game Pass
One of the perks of being an Xbox Game Pass member is that you are entitled to purchase DLC and consumables for Xbox games at up to 10% off the Microsoft Store price while the game remains in the Game Pass catalog. This discount is a useful benefit, however, it is not applicable in conjunction with other offers and cannot be redeemed for cash. For gamers wishing to explore the expanded storyline of Doom Eternal, this discount can soften the blow of purchasing the Year One Pass.
Doom Eternal’s Year One Pass and DLC
The Year One Pass for Doom Eternal is critical for accessing the “The Ancient Gods” DLC. This pass bundles both Part One and Part Two, which delve deeper into the lore and present new challenging scenarios that push the player’s skills to the limit. Purchasing the Deluxe Edition of Doom Eternal provides the Year One Pass as part of its offering. This means that those who have the Deluxe Edition already have the DLC content, whereas, Game Pass subscribers with the standard edition, do not.
The Standalone Nature of Ancient Gods DLC
A significant feature of Doom Eternal’s DLC is that The Ancient Gods Part One and Two can actually be purchased and played as standalone products, meaning you don’t need the base Doom Eternal game to play them. This design choice is excellent for players curious about the DLC or if they wish to jump right into the additional story content. This option also allows Game Pass users who might not have bought Doom Eternal to still enjoy the DLC by making a separate purchase.
Is The Ancient Gods Worth It?
Given that The Ancient Gods is not free on Game Pass, many gamers may wonder if it’s worth the additional purchase. The short answer is: Absolutely, yes!. These DLC campaigns not only continue the narrative of the Slayer but also introduce new enemies, gameplay mechanics, and even harder difficulty levels which are great for veterans. The experience is often regarded as more challenging than the main campaign which provides even more value. The Ancient Gods really elevates the core Doom Eternal experience and provides more value to fans of the game.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Doom Eternal and Game Pass
1. What exactly does the Doom Eternal Year One Pass include?
The Year One Pass includes the two single-player campaign expansions, The Ancient Gods Part One and Part Two. These are not included with a standard Game Pass subscription and must be purchased separately if you wish to access them.
2. Can I use my Game Pass discount to buy the Doom Eternal DLC?
Yes, Xbox Game Pass members are eligible for up to 10% off the Microsoft Store price on DLC and consumables for games in the Game Pass catalog, including Doom Eternal DLC.
3. Is the Horde Mode in Doom Eternal free?
Yes, Horde Mode was added to Doom Eternal as part of the free Update 6.66, which is available to all players, regardless of whether they own the DLC or are using the base game on Game Pass.
4. Do I need to own Doom Eternal to play The Ancient Gods DLC?
No, The Ancient Gods DLC is a standalone product. You can purchase and play it even if you don’t own the standard Doom Eternal game.
5. How long does it take to finish the Doom Eternal base campaign?
On average, it takes about 14 hours to complete the main campaign of Doom Eternal, excluding side content and DLC.
6. How much does the Doom Eternal Year One Pass typically cost?
The Year One Pass is typically priced at $29.99, but prices may vary depending on your region or any ongoing sales.
7. What is the deluxe edition of Doom Eternal?
The Deluxe Edition of Doom Eternal includes the base game, the Year One Pass, the Demon Slayer Skin, and the Classic Weapons Sound Pack.
8. What other free multiplayer content has Doom had?
The original Doom received multiplayer map packs which are now free via the Update 6.66 upgrade.
9. Is there a single-player expansion for the original Doom?
No, there isn’t a single-player expansion for the original Doom. Instead, it received map packs for multiplayer.
10. What does BFG stand for in the Doom games?
In Tom Hall’s original design document, the BFG stands for “Big Fucking Gun.” Some later sources use the euphemistic name “Big Freaking Gun.”
11. Who is the main character of the Doom novels?
In the 1990s Doom novels, the main character is referred to as Flynn “Fly” Taggart. The Doom 3 novels used the name John Kane for the main character.
12. Is there a female version of the Doom Slayer?
Since the franchise began, the Doom Slayer has always been male.
13. How can I keep Game Pass games permanently?
Games installed via Xbox Game Pass are playable as long as they are part of the Game Pass catalog. To keep them permanently, you need to purchase them from the Microsoft Store and subscribers do receive a discount.
14. How does The Ancient Gods DLC differ from the main game?
The Ancient Gods DLC introduces new enemies, gameplay mechanics, and a higher difficulty compared to the base game, providing a more challenging experience.
15. Does The Ancient Gods take place before or after the events of the base Doom Eternal game?
The Ancient Gods DLC takes place after the events of the base game of Doom Eternal.
Conclusion
In summary, while Doom Eternal may be available on Xbox Game Pass, the associated DLC, specifically the Year One Pass featuring The Ancient Gods Part One and Two, is NOT included. You will need to purchase it separately to experience the full story. Understanding what you get with Game Pass and the individual nature of DLC helps manage your gaming expenses and ensures you don’t miss out on fantastic additions to games you love.