Looking for secrets in Doom: The Dark Ages? Here’s where to find the hidden key and secret door in Chapter 1’s Khalim Village, including how to grab a Life Sigil.
How to Find the Secret Key & Hidden Door in Chapter 1
One of the best things about Doom: The Dark Ages is how it brings back that classic series feel with hidden collectibles and secret areas. It’s a fun way to toss in Easter eggs and bits of lore for players who take the time to explore every corner.
A lot of these secret spots are locked behind hidden keys, and almost every chapter has at least one. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to find the secret key in Chapter 1, and where to use it.
Secret Key Location – Khalim Village (Chapter 1)
You’ll come across the secret key pretty early in Chapter 1, set in the Village of Khalim. Once the Doom Slayer hits the battlefield, fight your way forward through the waves of enemies until you reach a gate that needs a Blue Key.
After grabbing the Blue Key, you’ll enter a smaller, more open area—that’s where most of the secrets are hiding. Head across the area and stick to the left path. Keep going, and you’ll come to a jump pad near a ledge. Use it to get to the upper-left section of the map.
Here, you’ll pick up the Shredder weapon. After a short fight with a few enemies, more pathways will open up. Go through the archway on the right, then follow the left uphill path lined with armor pickups. You’ll have to close a Demonic Portal up ahead. Once that’s done, cross the makeshift wooden bridge to grab the glowing purple secret key.
Where to Use the Secret Key

Got the secret key? Nice. Now, head down the nearby cliff and go through the doorway just ahead. Some demons will spawn inside the tunnel—take them out to open up the next section.
Exit the tunnel and follow the path that’s once again lined with armor pickups. Eventually, you’ll reach the main area with a big Demonic Portal. Look to your left—you should see a door with a purple lock.
Walk up to the door and it’ll unlock automatically. Inside, you’ll find a secret Life Sigil—super useful, since it lets you respawn after death without having to redo an entire section of the game.
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