Hugo Martin, the game director of Doom: The Dark Ages, discussed the possibility of completing the game using only new melee mechanics and parries, which could appeal to dedicated players. Marty Stratton, the producer, cautioned that a melee-only playthrough might be clunky and unenjoyable, as the game is not designed for such challenges, unlike titles like Dishonored. He noted that while challenge runs are popular, the feasibility of a melee-only run raises questions about the game's design and the necessity of ranged combat in certain encounters. Doom: The Dark Ages is set to be released on May 15.