Doom: The Dark Ages Chapter 9 – Secret Key & Door Locations in Ancestral Forge

Here’s how to find the Secret Key in Chapter 9 of Doom: The Dark Ages and unlock all three hidden doors in the Ancestral Forge for powerful rewards.

Chapter 9 Secret Key & Doors Guide – Doom: The Dark Ages (Ancestral Forge)

Chapter 9, titled Ancestral Forge, is packed with brutal combat arenas, hidden loot, and—you guessed it—secret doors. Just like other levels in Doom: The Dark Ages, these locked areas are sealed with glowing purple auras and can only be opened using a Secret Key. If you know where to go, you can find the key early on and grab some major rewards, including gold, collectibles, and even a Wraithstone.

Let’s break it down. Also check all chapters list

🔑 How to Get the Chapter 9 Secret Key

1. Start the level and check your map—there are three combat hubs surrounding the central heart structure.
   
2. Head toward the right-hand arena from your starting position.
   
3. You’ll spot the Secret Key floating above the combat zone—but it’s not yours yet.
   
4. Fight through several waves of demons. Once they’re cleared, head up the ramp on the right side of the arena (relative to the Secret Key).
   
5. At the top, take down another wave of enemies, including a Leader demon who drops a Max Health boost.
   
6. Once the area is clear, look to the left of the path you came up—there’s a breakable wall.
   
7. Shield Charge through it to reveal some gold pickups and the Chapter 9 Secret Key.
   

🚪 All Secret Doors in Chapter 9

Once you’ve got the key, it’s time to cash in. Here’s where to find all three secret doors in Ancestral Forge:

🪙 Secret Door #1 – Gold Chest

• Location: Directly ahead of the Secret Key’s position.
  
• How to Reach It: Drop down from where you grabbed the key and continue straight ahead. You’ll spot the door above a short ramp.
  
• What’s Inside: A Gold Chest worth 50 Gold.
  

🐺 Secret Door #2 – Wolf Statue

• Location: Near the very start of the level.
  
• How to Find It: Backtrack to the entrance and check the left wall for a glowing purple seal.
  
• What’s Inside: One of the three Wolf Statues hidden in this level. Finding all of them earns you a Wraithstone.
  

💎 Secret Door #3 – Ruby & Vagary Toy

• Location: In the combat hub opposite the level’s entrance (not left or right—straight across).
  
• When to Look: Continue progressing until you reach the lever that primes the heart in this area.
  
• How to Access: Face the lever and look to your right. Jump onto the nearby building to reach the secret door.
  
• What’s Inside: A short platforming section, light enemy resistance, a Ruby, and the Vagary collectible toy.
  

✅ Wrap-Up

Chapter 9 rewards curious players in a big way. Between a Wraithstone, a Ruby, rare collectibles, and big gold payouts, it’s absolutely worth seeking out the Secret Key and opening all three doors.

And remember: if you’re going for 100% completion, these secrets aren’t optional—they’re essential.

Related Article: 

• All Chapter 2 Collectibles in DOOM: The Dark Ages – 100% Hesbeth Guide
• All Collectibles in Chapter 1 of DOOM: The Dark Ages – Village of Khalim Guide
• Where to Find All 5 Wolf Statues in Chapter 16 of DOOM: The Dark Ages

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