The fifth chapter of DOOM: The Dark Ages marks the exciting introduction of the dragon, a formidable flying mount that grants players access to expansive levels brimming with hidden secrets and collectibles. In the Holy City of Aratum, gamers will discover an abundance of Gold, Rubies, and other enticing upgrades. However, some of these treasures are cleverly concealed in unexpected corners of the level.
This chapter contains more collectibles compared to previous ones, as it features three optional challenges focusing on locating secrets. This guide provides a detailed roadmap to uncover every secret area and collectible, assisting players in achieving 100% completion in The Holy City of Aratum within DOOM: The Dark Ages.
Gold Locations in Chapter 5
Gold Chest #1
You’ll find the first Gold chest near the Gore Nest, shortly after completing the dragon tutorial. Upon reaching the wide-open part of the level, where you’re instructed to eliminate four Hell Carriers, veer left, defeat the titan using your dragon, and land atop the tower where it resided. Follow the path along the tower’s outer edge to uncover the Gold chest hidden beneath the Gore Nest.
Gold Chest #2
The second Gold chest is tucked away on the second Hell Carrier, which is visible to the right when you begin the level. After it crashes into a building, head towards the Sentinel Shrine and follow the trail of Gold into a pit where you’ll find a substantial stash of additional Gold, along with some cultists—defeating them contributes to one of the chapter’s challenges. After securing all that treasure, swim back up to find the second Gold chest.
Gold Chest #3
The third Gold chest can be located within a hidden combat arena aboard the final Hell Carrier, where you’ll also find the Super Shotgun. To access it, you’ll need to break through a shield wall.
Gold on Hell Carrier #1
A small amount of Gold can be discovered at the very end of the first Hell Carrier. After vanquishing the imposing Cyberdemon, turn around and look underneath the catwalk from which you descended to collect the hidden Gold.
Gold on Hell Carrier #2
In addition to the Gold chest by the Sentinel Shrine, the second Hell Carrier also conceals Gold near the Life Sigil, hidden behind a locked door. Secure the Blue Keycard located just beyond the Shrine to unlock this area.
Gold on Hell Carrier #3
Another stash of Gold resides on the third Hell Carrier, which can be found past the fleshy monster embedded in the wall. After completing the first combat encounter aboard this vessel, a small pile of Gold will be available just before you obtain the Cycler weapon. For additional Gold, look for it at the end of the segment, just prior to destroying the ship’s core. Upon dropping down from the final catwalk, turn around to discover the Gold near a Codex collectible.
Gold on Hell Carrier #4
To access the fourth and final Hell Carrier, ascend through a vent to return to the main city after acquiring the Cycler. There’s a minor amount of Gold following a hidden path leading to the Holy City of Aratum Codex. Additionally, a Gold chest is situated within a concealed combat arena that requires breaking a shield wall near the end section of the Hell Carrier.
Ruby Locations in Chapter 5
Ruby #1
The first Ruby is concealed at the bottom of a deep pit located beneath the first Hell Carrier. In this pit, you’ll also find a secret dragon landing area for the Layover challenge. Dismount from your dragon, stand on the glowing platform, and throw your shield at the shining metal object to unlock access to a new area. Dive into the water to retrieve the Red Keycard, which opens the door to the Ruby.
Ruby #2
The second Ruby can be found just after acquiring the Super Shotgun. After obtaining the weapon, proceed into the adjacent building where the Ruby is secured behind a gate. Utilize your shield to drop the chandelier above the green pressure pad to access this Ruby.
Demonic Essence Locations in Chapter 5
Health Demonic Essence
Health Demonic Essence is located at the first Layover secret dragon landing zone at the beginning of the chapter, which is accessible after defeating the final boss of the Gore Nest.
Ammo Demonic Essence
To find the Ammo Demonic Essence, proceed to the end of the second Hell Carrier segment where you will need to defeat the Hell Knight Leader miniboss. This essence is unmissable as it lies directly along the path of a critical objective.
Codex Entries in Chapter 5
Deag Loric Codex
The Deag Loric Codex lies at the end of the third Hell Carrier, the location housing the Cycler weapon. Upon reaching the ship’s core, look back to find some Gold leading you toward the Codex. Ensure to collect it before departing the ship.
Holy City of Aratum Codex
The Codex for the Holy City of Aratum can be obtained immediately after acquiring the Super Shotgun. Proceed into an adjacent structure and continue to your right. Ascend and utilize your shield to dismantle the glowing red chain suspending a bridge. You’ll then need to push a large box to reach a concealed area housing the Codex, which also contains the chapter’s third Countercult circle.
Collectible Toys in Chapter 5
Serrat Toy
To find the Serrat Toy collectible, proceed immediately after obtaining the second Ruby and the Super Shotgun. Upon acquiring the Ruby, exit outdoors but refrain from crossing the bridge marked with an objective. Instead, turn right and follow the hidden path, which leads to some Gold and directly to the Serrat Toy.
Skins in Chapter 5
Nightmare Pulverizer Skin
The skin for the Pulverizer weapon is located at the second secret dragon landing zone beneath the first Hell Carrier. Descend into the deep pit, unlock the landing zone, and follow the trail of Gold into a concealed corridor where the skin can be found.
Countercult Locations
Countercult Circle #1
The first Countercult circle is located in the secret Layover dragon landing area beneath the first Hell Carrier. Look for them along the outskirts of the area near the passage leading to the Pulverizer skin.
Countercult Circle #2
The second Countercult circle can be found right next to the Sentinel Shrine within the second Hell Carrier section. From the Shrine, follow the Gold trail into an alley and drop down into the pit to encounter the cultists and a nearby Gold chest.
Countercult Circle #3
The third and final Countercult circle is located near the secret area containing the Holy City of Aratum Codex, as previously detailed.
Layover Locations
Secret Dragon Landing Zone #1
The first Layover dragon landing area is discovered once you reach the open-air section of the level. Avoid pursuing the Hell Carriers immediately; instead, turn left to eliminate the titan atop the tower, which will unlock the new landing zone.
Secret Dragon Landing Zone #2
The second Layover landing site can be located beneath the first Hell Carrier, at the bottom of a deep pit guarded by two titans.
Cat and Mouse Locations
Hell Fighter #1
The initial Hell Fighter is found within the tutorial tunnel, making it impossible to miss.
Hell Fighter #2
The second Hell Fighter appears after you destroy the fleshy mass obstructing the path to the third Hell Carrier.
Hell Fighter #3
The final Hell Fighter emerges after you eliminate another fleshy mass affixed to a building, blocking the route to the fourth and last Hell Carrier. These are all the challenges in Chapter 5 of DOOM: The Dark Ages. Be prepared for even more collectibles in Chapter 6, as your adventure continues.