Berserk (Doom 2016)

The Berserk sphere is a returning powerup that appears in DOOM. Similar to its effect in other Doom games, the Berserk powerup significantly increases the damage of the player's melee attacks, allowing the player to instantly Glory Kill demons. Similar to its appearance in The Ultimate Doom and Doom II, the Berserk powerup will also cover the players screen with a red haze.

In-Game Description
UAC REPORT FILE: D4NUVHA0

''Test subjects exposed to this sphere exhibit extreme rage and increased strength. It has been noted that subjects given the Berserk sphere will vent their rage on any living creature they can find, and will even self-harm if they have no outlet for their fury. In the extremely rare case that a subject survives exposure, they will be left in a perpetual state of delirium and should be exterminated.''

Combat Characteristics
When the player picks up a Berserk powerup, they will immediately switch to their fists, the only time the Doom Marine's fists make an appearance in-game apart from cutscenes. After this, the player can instantly Glory Kill demons in a variety of unique ways. Higher-ranking demons such as the Baron of Hell can also be instantly Glory Killed. The player's movement speed will also increase slightly. The player can continue instantly Glory Killing enemies until the powerup meter seen at the bottom of the screen is empty.

Tactical Analysis
Like most other powerups, the Berserk sphere can be found in locations where wave events take place. As a result, it is wise to wait until higher-ranking demons begin spawning or the player begins to become overwhelmed before picking up the powerup. The powerup lasts for a limited time, so the player should attempt to kill as many demons as possible.

In addition, any Runes you have equipped that affect Glory Kills provide their full benefits when Berserk is active. For example, Seek and Destroy allows you to extend your range when berserk, while Savagery increases the speed at which you perform your kills, allowing you to take apart your enemies quickly.

Trivia

 * The Berserk powerup has had the most drastic design changes out of powerups seen in the Doom series. In the original Doom and Doom II, the Berserk powerup appears as a black medikit. In Doom 3, the Berserk powerup appears as a floating demonic helmet and in Doom 2016, the Berserk powerup appears as a floating red sphere.


 * Collecting the Berserk powerup with the pistol as the only weapon in your possession will cause nothing to happen and the powerup to disappear. This may be a bug that occurs due to the Pistol being weapon number "1" rather than "2" as in the other games, and therefore confusing the game because the powerup needs to change the player's weapon "to" weapon 1 (Fists) in order to work.