By now, I’d say we’re coming close to being properly introduced to the multiplayer offering we’ll be getting when Doom claws its way out of the sulfurous pits of Hell, with all the maps, modes and mayhem it promises to deliver.

Of the handful of ingredients that comprise the classic Doom multiplayer formula we know and love, it’s the power-ups that are often responsible for making each match so unpredictable. This fact won’t change when Doom returns in May, and the new demon rune is a big part of that.

The demon rune is a pick-up that spawns randomly on the map. When or if it appears depends on the mode, and the map determines its effect. The general idea is always the same — a player picks it up, transforms into a demon, and inflicts murder upon the opposing team until they’re defeated — and in the right hands, this item can drastically alter the course of a match.

The rune can transform a player into one of four demons, from the Baron of Hell, or the Doom equivalent of the Tank from Left 4 Dead, to the burly Mancubus, which comes with long-range missiles so it’s more like an actual tank.

Then there’s the Revenant demon we’ve seen flying around in screenshots and trailers a number of times now — he’s the pretty face in the above banner — firing rockets with a surprised look on what’s left of his face. Rounding out the list is the agile Prowler.

Reminiscent of the Hunter, also from Left 4 Dead, the Prowler hunts for unsuspecting marines from the shadows. He can reach high places the others cannot, making it easier to ambush enemy players with deadly precision. A perfectly timed attack can kill a player instantly. It’s a powerful ability that comes at the cost of ranged abilities and relatively low health, so an awareness of one’s surroundings will be key to making the most of it.

Acquiring a demon rune isn’t the only way to turn the tide of battle, as there will also be power weapons scattered about each map that can be employed to devastate the enemy team for a limited time, such as the gauss cannon, chainsaw and BFG 9000.

You’ll also find more traditional power-ups that’ll provide invisibility, faster movement, health regeneration and even quadruple damage.

The role of pick-ups has changed considerably since this series was last considered a major player in the realm of competitive gaming, but id Software appears to be making the most of its hiatus with a range of tweaks and additions that have been designed to appeal to longtime fans of the franchise and newcomers looking to spend an evening curb-stomping monsters.

For more on all of the above, head over here.