Shadow of Mordor or Shadow of War: Which Middle-earth Saga Should You Play First?
The question of whether to play Shadow of Mordor or Shadow of War first is a common one for gamers eager to delve into the world of Middle-earth reimagined. The straightforward answer is: start with Shadow of Mordor. While Shadow of War is designed to be accessible to newcomers, playing Shadow of Mordor first provides crucial context, introduces core mechanics gradually, and delivers a more impactful narrative experience overall. Think of it as reading the first book in a series before diving into the sequel – while you could technically skip ahead, you’ll appreciate the world-building and character development much more if you experience them in the intended order. Let’s explore why this is the recommended path.
Why Begin Your Journey with Shadow of Mordor?
Shadow of Mordor serves as the foundation for everything that follows in Shadow of War. It establishes the world, introduces the central characters – Talion, the Gondorian ranger, and Celebrimbor, the Elven wraith – and, most importantly, introduces the Nemesis System, a groundbreaking mechanic that defines the series.
The Nemesis System: A Core Experience Best Introduced Gradually
The Nemesis System is the heart and soul of these games. It creates unique, dynamic relationships between you and the Orc captains you encounter. These Orcs remember your past encounters, developing rivalries and even forming bonds based on your actions. Shadow of Mordor presents a simplified version of this system, allowing you to learn its intricacies without being overwhelmed. Shadow of War expands significantly on this system, adding fortresses, sieges, and a deeper level of political intrigue within the Orcish ranks. Jumping straight into this complex system in Shadow of War can be confusing and diminish the initial impact.
Narrative Cohesion and Character Development
While Shadow of War is designed to be understandable on its own, understanding the events of Shadow of Mordor enriches the story. You’ll have a better grasp of Talion and Celebrimbor’s relationship, their motivations, and the consequences of their actions. Without this context, certain story beats in Shadow of War might lack their intended emotional resonance. Knowing the fate of key characters and the sacrifices made in the first game will deepen your investment in the sequel.
A Smoother Learning Curve
Shadow of Mordor provides a more gentle learning curve for the gameplay mechanics. It introduces the combat, stealth, and wraith abilities gradually, allowing you to master them before facing the more challenging encounters in Shadow of War. By starting with Shadow of Mordor, you’ll develop a solid foundation of skills and knowledge, making your experience with Shadow of War more enjoyable and less frustrating.
The Argument for “Better Lord of the Rings Game”
Some argue that Shadow of Mordor is the “better Lord of the Rings game” due to its more grounded approach and tighter narrative. While Shadow of War expands the scope and introduces larger-scale conflicts, it also takes more liberties with the established Tolkien lore. Experiencing Shadow of Mordor first allows you to appreciate its adherence to the source material before diving into the more fantastical elements of Shadow of War.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the optimal playing order and provide additional insights into the Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games:
1. Is Shadow of War set after Shadow of Mordor?
Yes, Middle-earth: Shadow of War is the direct sequel to Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, continuing the story of Talion and Celebrimbor.
2. Do I need to know anything about Lord of the Rings before playing?
While it helps, it’s not strictly necessary. The games provide enough context for the main storyline. However, familiarity with the lore will certainly enhance your enjoyment. To learn more, you can visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which delves into the narrative aspects of games.
3. What’s the biggest difference between Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War?
The biggest difference is the scale and scope. Shadow of War features a larger open world, more complex gameplay mechanics, and a more elaborate Nemesis System with fortresses and sieges.
4. Is it okay to play Shadow of War before Shadow of Mordor?
Technically, yes, as the story is designed to be accessible. However, playing Shadow of Mordor first is highly recommended for a better understanding of the narrative and mechanics.
5. Should I start over Shadow of War if I’m struggling?
If you’re finding the game too difficult, restarting on a lower difficulty setting might be a good idea. You can also replay missions to improve your skills.
6. What difficulty should I play on?
Normal difficulty offers a balanced experience for most players. If you’re experienced with action RPGs, you might consider starting on Gravewalker for a greater challenge.
7. How long does it take to beat Shadow of Mordor?
The main story of Shadow of Mordor takes around 15-20 hours to complete. 100% completion can take up to 35 hours.
8. How long does it take to beat Shadow of War?
The main story of Shadow of War takes around 20-25 hours to complete. 100% completion can take up to 60 hours.
9. Is Talion a character in the Lord of the Rings books?
No, Talion is a character created specifically for the Middle-earth games and is not part of the original Lord of the Rings canon.
10. What is the Nemesis System?
The Nemesis System is a unique gameplay mechanic where Orc captains have distinct personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. They remember their encounters with you, leading to dynamic rivalries and relationships.
11. Is it worth 100% completing Shadow of Mordor/War?
For Lord of the Rings fans and completionists, yes. However, the gameplay can become repetitive, so it depends on your personal preferences.
12. Are there multiple endings in Shadow of War?
Yes, there are two endings: one after Act III, which concludes Celebrimbor’s story, and another after Act IV, which concludes Talion’s story.
13. Can you keep playing Shadow of War after the main story?
Yes, after completing the main story, you can continue exploring the open world, participating in online conquests, and completing side missions.
14. What is the level cap in Shadow of War?
The maximum level for players in Shadow of War is 80.
15. Is Shadow of Mordor worth playing in 2024?
Absolutely! Despite its age, Shadow of Mordor still offers a compelling gameplay experience with its innovative Nemesis System and engaging story.
Conclusion
While Shadow of War is a grander and more ambitious game, Shadow of Mordor provides a more focused and accessible introduction to the world and mechanics. Starting with Shadow of Mordor will enhance your overall experience and allow you to fully appreciate the evolution of the series. So, grab your sword, forge your legend, and begin your journey through Middle-earth in the correct order. You’ll be glad you did.