Doom Eternal is getting its first major update soon and id software has shared some details about the upcoming update. The new update will bring Empowered Demons and enhancements to Battlemode. While a release date for Update 1 has not been revealed, the developers have unveiled a slew of changes for all platforms that will add “a host of optimisations, new event content, bug fixes and more”.
Empowered Demons, a feature that will spawn demons “when a player is killed in the single-player campaign”. These demons will jump from one player’s game to another, growing stronger with every player they kill. Taking out an Empowered Demon will reward the avenging player with extra ammo, health and bonus XP.
Empowered Demons are different from another teased feature coming post-launch: Invasions. Doom Eternal’s Invasions mechanic will supposedly let a player invade someone else’s game as a demon to ruin their host’s day, according to a VG247 report. id Software hasn’t announced a release date for Invasions, nor was it mentioned for Update 1.
The developers are also improving Battlemode by adding poor network connection indicators, Denuvo Anticheat features, Echelon Leveling for max level players, changes to the tutorial walkthrough, and a Death Report screen. The game is also getting some quality-of-life improvements for single-player campaign. The update will make some balance changes and adjust toxic damage while swimming. It will also allow players to dash vertically in the water and add expanded demon tutorials.
The dev has also teased two new locations for the Doom Eternal story DLC. It should be noted that id will not be working with composer Mick Gordon after recent disagreements with the dev that led to issues with mixing on the Doom Eternal soundtrack.