- Primary Issue: The newly added Chain Spear shows a ?? button prompt and fails to fire, completely blocking campaign progression.
- Affected Platforms: This progression-blocking bug impacts players on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
- Root Cause: The expansion's keybind configuration fails to carry over or assign default inputs for players who have existing base game save data.
- Quickest Fix: Toggling your controller preset or manually mapping the unassigned keys immediately restores functionality.
Why Is the Chain Spear Not Working?
The highly anticipated launch of the DOOM: The Dark Ages | Revelations campaign expansion on July 7, 2026, brought intense dark-fantasy action, but also a frustrating day-one issue. When players transition into Chapter 2: Purgatory and acquire the legendary Chain Spear, they are greeted with a broken tutorial. Instead of showing a button bind to throw or swing the spear, the HUD displays a "??" prompt, making the weapon completely unresponsive.
This is a literal game-breaking bug because the Chain Spear replaces your Shield and is required to grapple across platforms to advance through the level. The issue primarily targets returning players who played the base game before the DLC release; the game's configuration file fails to register the new weapon bindings over pre-existing controller profiles.
While PC players can easily bind keys via keyboard settings, console players on PS5 and Xbox cannot manually map individual buttons as freely, requiring a specific settings toggle to force-refresh the default layout.
Bug Breakdown by Platform
| Platform | Bug Behavior | Primary Impact | Resolution Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Displays ?? prompt for grapple / throw | Softlocks progress in Purgatory | Toggle Controller Preset |
| **Xbox Series X | S** | Displays ?? prompt for grapple / throw | Softlocks progress in Purgatory |
| PC (Steam/Xbox) | Displays ?? prompt or unassigned keys | Softlocks progress in Purgatory | Reset inputs or manually bind keys |
How to Fix the Chain Spear ?? Bug on Console
If you are playing on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, you do not need to wait for id Software to release a hotfix. You can force the game engine to reassign all default bindings, immediately mapping the Chain Spear to its intended controller layout.
Follow these exact steps while paused in-game to resolve the issue:
Open Settings Menu
Pause the game during Chapter 2: Purgatory when you encounter the bug, and navigate to the main Settings menu.
Navigate to Inputs
Move over to the Inputs tab to view your controller layout and button assignments.
Locate Slayer Controller Presets
Find the setting labeled Slayer Controller Presets (which defaults to "Default" for most players).
Toggle the Preset
Switch the preset from Default to Southpaw (or any other alternative preset).
Revert to Default
Switch the preset back to Default (or your preferred layout). This action forces the game to rebuild your keybind profile and automatically maps the Chain Spear Throw.
Once you resume the game, check the bottom of your screen. The ?? prompt should be replaced by your standard left trigger or bumper bind, allowing you to use the Chain Spear's grapple and progress past the tutorial.
How to Fix the Chain Spear ?? Bug on PC
PC players using a keyboard and mouse typically experience this bug because the game fails to assign a default key to the new weapon mechanics. Because PC inputs are highly customizable, you can fix this by resetting your control scheme or mapping the action manually.
Method A: Manual Remap
- Open the Pause Menu and go to Settings > Inputs.
- Scroll down to the Chain Spear action category.
- Click on the empty bind displaying ??.
- Press your desired key (e.g., Middle Mouse Button or E).
- Save changes and exit back to the game.
Method B: Reset Controls
- Open Settings > Inputs.
- Look for the prompt at the bottom of the screen to Reset Controls to Default.
- Confirm the reset.
- This will restore all standard keybinds, including the hidden default keybinds for the Chain Spear.
When manually remapping the Chain Spear controls, ensure you do not bind it to a key already used by essential movement, shooting, or weapon-switching functions, as this can cause input conflicts and disrupt combat flow.
Optimal Chain Spear Settings for Combat
Once your Chain Spear is fully operational, you can optimize its performance by tweaking the new gameplay options introduced in Update 4. Because the Chain Spear changes the traversal and combat dynamic of DOOM: The Dark Ages, tuning these settings makes Nightmare difficulty significantly more manageable.
Recommended Settings Breakdown
| Setting Name | Location | Recommended Value | Combat Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Dodge Window | Gameplay Settings | Standard or Extended | Increases the active frames to dodge attacks while dashing with the spear |
| Spear Empowerment Display | UI / HUD Settings | Under Reticle | Keeps the spear's charge meter visible without taking your eyes off the crosshair |
| Chain Spear Input Style | Control Settings | Hold to Grapple | Allows for more precise control over mid-air trajectory and release timing |
| Parry Recolor | Accessibility Settings | High Contrast Red | Changes the visual flash of incoming attacks to match the hellfire theme |
Use the Chain Spear high-speed pull to launch yourself into the air, then immediately use mid-air trajectory control to circle around heavy demons like the Archvile or Warlock, raining down destruction from above.
DLC Campaign Progression Checklist
With your Chain Spear fully functional, you can now safely advance through the rest of the campaign. Use this checklist to track your progress and ensure you do not miss any major unlocks or endgame features:
Revelations Campaign Milestones:
- Complete Chapter 1: Proving Grounds and obtain the Oracle
- Acquire the Chain Spear in Chapter 2: Purgatory and fix the ?? bug
- Survive the brutal close-quarters combat arenas in Chapter 3: Hell's Core
- Defeat the Agaddon Brute Champion boss encounter
- Unlock the Master Arenas to access Ripatorium 3.0 endgame content
- Collect all hidden Codex entries, toys, and weapon skins
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the Chain Spear not work after launching the DLC?
This is a known day-one bug in the Revelations expansion. The game fails to automatically assign default controls to the Chain Spear for players with existing base game save data, resulting in a locked '??' prompt.
Q: Does deleting my save file fix the Chain Spear issue?
No, you do not need to delete your save files. Simply toggling your controller preset in the settings menu or resetting your keyboard inputs to default will instantly fix the bug.
Q: Is there an official patch for the Chain Spear bug?
As of July 9, 2026, id Software has not deployed a formal hotfix patch. However, the controller preset toggle and manual remapping workarounds are 100% effective at restoring functionality.
Q: Can I use the Chain Spear in the main campaign?
The Chain Spear is unlocked and integrated into the six new campaign levels of the Revelations DLC. Once you complete the expansion's Master Arenas, you can use its fully upgraded loadout in Ripatorium 3.0.