Doom: The Dark Ages brings a fresh twist to the series with semi-open-world areas that let players explore at their own pace while smashing through enemies and obstacles. One standout level, “Ancestral Forge,” the ninth mission, is the second of these open-world segments, following “The Siege Part One.” This level offers not only the thrill of destruction but also the chance to snag valuable collectibles for upgrading gear.
Throughout the game, players encounter Sorcerer and Knight statues holding precious jewels—Wraithstones from Sorcerers and Rubies from Knights. In open-world missions like Ancestral Forge, these statues are often sealed behind barriers guarded by holographic wolf statues. To break the barrier, players must hunt down and destroy three wolf statues scattered across the level using their shield. Here’s how to tackle this challenge.
Locating the Sorcerer Statue
In Ancestral Forge, the Sorcerer statue holding a Wraithstone is a key target. To find it, head right from the Sentinel Shrine after entering the open-world area. Move past the first Ancestral Heart, and the statue will come into view. It’s surrounded by a barrier, signaling the need to track down the wolf statues to unlock it.
Destroying the First Wolf Statue
The first wolf statue is positioned directly above the Sorcerer statue’s location. Players will face a group of demons in this area, so it’s wise to clear them out before focusing on the statue. Once the enemies are down, a well-aimed shield throw will shatter the first wolf statue, bringing players one step closer to the prize.
Tracking Down the Second Wolf Statue
Finding the second wolf statue requires a bit more effort. Players need to secure the Pink Key, which is located near the first Ancestral Heart. After defeating the enemies there, backtrack slightly to a cliffside path lined with a trail of gold. At the end of this trail lies the Pink Key. With the key in hand, return to the level’s starting point. To the right, a locked gate requiring the Pink Key awaits. Unlock it, head inside, and locate the second wolf statue for another shield-smashing moment.
Taking Out the Third Wolf Statue
The third wolf statue is situated on the opposite side of the level, just before reaching the second Ancestral Heart. This area is crawling with demons, and the barrier around the statue won’t drop until all enemies are defeated. Once the area is clear, players can hurl their shield at the statue to destroy it, completing the trio.
Claiming the Wraithstone
With all three wolf statues reduced to rubble, the barrier around the Sorcerer statue vanishes. Players can then approach the statue and collect the Wraithstone. This valuable jewel can be used to enhance weapons, shields, and melee abilities, giving a significant boost to combat prowess.
Ancestral Forge’s wolf statue hunt combines the satisfaction of smashing through obstacles with the reward of powerful upgrades. By following these steps, players can conquer this challenge and make the most of their time in Doom: The Dark Ages’ thrilling open-world level.