DOOM: The Dark Ages Guide | Barrier Core - All Collectibles, Secrets, Upgrades & Challenges

Master the Atlas mech and complete the fast-paced Mission 3 tutorial with no collectibles or upgrades in DOOM: The Dark Ages.

Game Guide by Monarch on Jun 04, 2025

In Mission 3 (Barrier Core) of DOOM: The Dark Ages, you are introduced to the Atlas mechanic, a massive mech that you take control of during this short and straightforward mission. This is one of the easiest and briefest chapters in the entire game and functions mostly as a tutorial to get you accustomed to controlling the Atlas.

You'll notice that this mission only takes about six or seven minutes to complete, and unlike most other missions, there are no collectibles, secrets, upgrades, or optional challenges to worry about here.

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Learning to Use the Atlas

The gameplay in this mission revolves entirely around learning how to operate the Atlas. You'll want to use your right bumper to perform a long-range attack. This can be used to close the distance between you and your targets quickly.

Once in range, spam the right trigger to build up your finisher meter. You'll have access to two finishers: one when your meter is halfway full and another when it's completely full. Naturally, the fully charged finisher delivers a lot more damage and is best used in tougher situations.

Doom: The Dark Ages, PC, Gameplay, Barrier Core - All Collectibles, Secrets, Upgrades & Challenges, Screenshot, NoobFeed

Mission Objective and Structure

You're going to follow simple mission markers throughout this chapter, with occasional tutorial prompts appearing in the top left corner of your screen. These tutorials will guide you through the core mechanics like charging, attacking, and performing perfect dodges.

In particular, you'll want to practice dodging toward green attacks, which helps maintain your momentum and control in fights. Once you've cleared the mission's objectives, the chapter ends abruptly, more like a boss battle mission than a traditional level.

No Secrets or Collectibles to Find

Unlike later missions such as Mission 5 or Mission 6, which contain hundreds of pieces of gold and multiple secrets and upgrades, Mission 3 is the exception. There are no hidden items, collectibles, or side content to distract you.

This is not the standard experience for the rest of the game, so don't get too used to this level of simplicity. Think of this chapter as a short mechanical introduction and a narrative checkpoint in your journey.

Doom: The Dark Ages, PC, Gameplay, Barrier Core - All Collectibles, Secrets, Upgrades & Challenges, Screenshot, NoobFeed

Wrapping Up Mission 3

After you complete the objectives and work your way through the brief set of challenges, the mission ends quickly. The reactor will begin to fail, and you'll hear urgent dialogue emphasizing the critical situation.

The fire approaches the core, the barrier is overloaded, and evacuation becomes impossible. The moment is tense but also scripted, moving the story forward while keeping you focused on the mission's main objective—learning the Atlas.

That concludes your run through Mission 3. While it may be short and linear, it sets the stage for more complex and collectible-rich missions ahead in DOOM: The Dark Ages.

Also, check our Doom: The Dark Ages Review, and other guides below: