You've finally made it to Taras Nabad. Honestly, this is where DOOM Eternal stops playing nice and starts throwing the kitchen sink at you. You're here for one reason: to retrieve your crucible. That glowing red energy sword isn't just a cool lore piece; it’s a literal delete button for the game's most annoying heavy hitters. But getting to it? That’s a whole different story involving a massive titan, some questionable underwater platforming, and a lot of dead demons.
Most people think Taras Nabad is just another combat gauntlet. It isn't. It's a sprawling, ancient city that requires a weird mix of hyper-violence and puzzle-solving. If you're stuck wondering where that hilt went or why the water is suddenly toxic, you aren't alone.
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The Long Trek Through Taras Nabad
Taras Nabad is gorgeous, but it’s a maze. You aren't just looking for a sword; you're looking for the remains of a Titan. This level marks a massive shift in how id Software wants you to play. Up until now, you've been a scavenger. Now, you’re reclaiming your birthright.
The mission to retrieve your crucible starts with a lot of platforming. You'll see these giant statues of Sentinels everywhere. Pay attention to them. They aren't just set dressing. Often, the path forward involves punching a switch on the back of a statue or shooting a green target that looks suspiciously like a button. Pro tip: if you see a green medallion, shoot it. Always.
Dealing with the Archvile Problem
Before you can even get close to the sword, the game introduces you to its meanest enemy: the Archvile. If you played the original DOOM II, you know this guy is bad news. In Eternal, he’s worse. He doesn't just attack; he summons buffed demons and hides behind a wall of fire.
When you're trying to retrieve your crucible, the Archvile is your primary gatekeeper. You cannot ignore him. If you do, the arena will fill with infinite, glowing red enemies that move twice as fast as usual. Use your Ice Bomb immediately. Dash in, unload your Super Shotgun, and maybe throw a Frag Grenade for good measure. If you have a BFG shot left, this is the time to use it. Seriously. Don't be a hero. Just kill him.
The Radiation Suit and the Underwater Puzzles
The middle section of this mission is... controversial. I'll say it: the swimming isn't great. To retrieve your crucible, you have to navigate through flooded catacombs filled with toxic slime.
You'll find a Radiation Suit. Pick it up. The suit has a meter that depletes over time, and if it hits zero, your health starts melting. You need to find air pockets or purple bubbles to stay alive. The goal here is usually to find a submerged crate, dash into it to move it, and then use it as a platform to reach a higher switch. It’s a bit of a pace-breaker, but it’s the only way to lower the water levels and progress toward the Titan.
Reaching the Fallen Titan
The moment you see the Titan, you'll know it. It’s the mountain-sized demon slumped against the city walls. This is the centerpiece of the mission to retrieve your crucible. You actually have to climb onto this thing.
The Crucible hilt is embedded in the Titan's chest. But, because this is DOOM, you can't just grab it. The blade is broken off inside the demon's heart. You have the hilt, but you need to reforging the blade. This leads you into the deeper parts of the city where the ancient forge is located.
Reforging the Blade
The forge area is a massive circular room. It looks like something out of a dark fantasy novel. To get the fires going, you have to activate two separate power nodes on the wings of the forge. Expect a lot of Prowlers and Whiplashes here.
Once the energy is flowing, you jump into the center, and the Slayer does his thing. The cinematic is incredible. You get the blade back. It’s a moment of pure empowerment. But here is the catch: the game gives you the sword, and then immediately asks you to use it.
How to Use the Crucible Effectively
Now that you've managed to retrieve your crucible, don't waste it. It’s tempting to use it on every Hell Knight you see, but that’s a rookie mistake. Crucible charges are rare. You find them as glowing red sword icons scattered around the map. You can only hold three at a time (unless you’ve upgraded your suit, but even then, they are precious).
Use the Crucible on:
- Archvilles: They deserve it. One hit and they’re gone.
- Tyrants: These are the giant cyber-demons. They have massive health pools. The Crucible ignores that health and kills them instantly.
- Barons of Hell: If you’re being cornered by a flaming goat-man, the sword is your best friend.
- Doom Hunters: Only after you’ve broken their sled, or if you just want to end the fight early.
Don't use it on:
- Zombies. Obviously.
- Imps.
- Mancubus (unless you're really desperate). Usually, a couple of rockets and a Blood Punch do the job better.
What Most People Miss in Taras Nabad
There is a secret encounter near the end of the mission that is genuinely brutal. If you’re looking to 100% the level after you retrieve your crucible, look for the cracked walls. There's also a Slayer Gate here that is one of the hardest in the base game. It features multiple Marauders. Yeah. It’s as fun as it sounds.
Also, look for the Codex entries. They explain why the Slayer has this sword in the first place. It turns out the Crucible is the only thing that can permanently "kill" a Titan. If you pull the sword out, the Titan wakes up. That's why the blade was left in the chest of the one you saw earlier. It's basically a giant, glowing "Do Not Disturb" sign.
Tactical Advice for the Final Stretch
The final arena after you get the sword is a test of your new toy. You'll face multiple heavy demons at once. The game wants you to feel powerful, but it will still kill you if you get cocky. Keep your movement high. Use the meathook on the Super Shotgun to fly across the room. Only pull out the Crucible when you have a clear line to a high-priority target.
Switching to the sword takes a second. That second is enough for a Whiplash to trip you up or a Cyber Mancubus to splash you with acid. Map your weapon wheel or use a dedicated hotkey if you're on PC.
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Actionable Steps for Your Playthrough
If you're currently mid-mission and struggling, here's the play:
- Prioritize the Archvile: Use your map to find where the red buff is coming from. He is usually tucked away on a high ledge or behind a corner.
- Manage Your Rad Suit: Don't rush the underwater sections. Look for the air bubbles. If you're lost, follow the green lights.
- Save Crucible Charges: Do not use the sword on the first thing you see. Save at least one charge for the very end of the level where a Tyrant spawns in a tight corridor.
- Check Your Map for Secrets: Taras Nabad has some of the best suit upgrades and weapon points in the game. It’s worth the extra five minutes to backtrack.
- Master the Meathook: This level has a lot of verticality. If you aren't using the Super Shotgun's hook to reposition, you're making the combat way harder than it needs to be.
The Crucible is the turning point of DOOM Eternal. Once you have it, the power dynamic shifts in your favor. You stop being the prey and truly become the apex predator of the solar system. Go get that sword and start making the demons regret ever showing up to work.