Can You Be Evil in Middle-earth: Shadow of War?

Yes, and no. Middle-earth: Shadow of War presents a complex moral landscape where the player character, Talion, walks a tightrope between heroism and villainy. While the game doesn’t offer explicit “evil” choices in the traditional sense like aligning with Sauron early on, the methods you employ, the power you wield, and the eventual fate that awaits Talion all contribute to a descent into morally gray territory, arguably culminating in a form of evil, albeit a tragic one.

The Shifting Sands of Morality

Talion’s journey is fueled by revenge against Sauron for the death of his family. He’s fused with the wraith of Celebrimbor, an elven smith who forged the Rings of Power. This unholy alliance is the driving force behind the game’s mechanics and moral ambiguity.

The Power Dynamic

Celebrimbor, driven by his own desire for revenge and dominion, grants Talion incredible powers, including the ability to dominate Orcs. This is where the line blurs. Domination isn’t simply recruiting; it’s essentially mind control. You’re stripping away the agency of these beings, forcing them to serve your will. While the game justifies this by painting Orcs as inherently evil, the act itself is ethically questionable.

The Ends Justify the Means?

The argument often made in Talion’s defense is that he uses these powers for good. He builds an army to fight Sauron, protecting the free peoples of Middle-earth. However, does the ultimate goal justify the methods? Can you truly claim the moral high ground when you’re enslaving an entire race, even if that race is Orcish? Shadow of War doesn’t give you a clear answer, forcing you to confront this question yourself.

The Corruption of Power

As Talion gains more power, the influence of Celebrimbor and the New Ring they forge becomes more pronounced. The lust for domination grows stronger, and Talion’s motivations become less clear. Is he fighting for Middle-earth, or is he fighting for control? This internal struggle is central to the narrative. The game subtly suggests that the Ring is corrupting Talion, pushing him towards a path of darkness.

The Final Descent

Ultimately, the tragic truth of Shadow of War is that Talion succumbs to the Ring’s power. The game’s “true ending” reveals that Talion eventually becomes a Nazgûl, a Ringwraith in Sauron’s service. This isn’t a sudden heel-turn; it’s a gradual decline, a slow erosion of his morality. Decades pass, and the Ring’s influence becomes overwhelming. While Talion may have started with noble intentions, he ends up as one of the very things he sought to destroy.

Is it a Choice or a Predetermined Fate?

A key question to consider is whether Talion had a choice. The narrative heavily suggests that the Ring’s corruption is inevitable. This raises questions about free will and the nature of evil. Is Talion responsible for his actions, or is he merely a victim of circumstance? The game doesn’t provide a simple answer, prompting players to grapple with these philosophical questions.

Talion: Anti-Hero or Villain?

While you don’t get to actively choose to become a mustache-twirling villain, the path Talion walks, paved with dominated Orcs and fueled by a corrupting Ring, certainly leads him down a dark road. He becomes an anti-hero, at best, and a tragic villain at worst. The brilliance of Shadow of War lies in its ability to make you question Talion’s actions and his ultimate fate. He is not simply good or evil; he exists in a complex moral space, reflecting the nuanced themes of Tolkien’s world. This exploration of moral ambiguity makes the game far more compelling than a simple tale of good versus evil. Consider exploring more about games and learning at the Games Learning Society. You can find valuable resources at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the topic:

1. Does Talion ever get a truly happy ending? No. Talion’s fate is ultimately tragic, as he succumbs to the Ring’s corruption and becomes a Nazgûl. While he initially fights against Sauron, his eventual downfall is a key part of the game’s narrative.

2. Is Celebrimbor a good guy in Shadow of War? Celebrimbor is a morally ambiguous character. While he initially seeks revenge against Sauron, his ultimate goal is to dominate Middle-earth, making him far from a purely benevolent figure. His ambition and lust for power contribute to Talion’s eventual corruption.

3. Can I avoid dominating Orcs in Shadow of War? While you can avoid dominating some Orcs, it’s a core mechanic of the game. To progress, you’ll need to build an army, and domination is the primary way to do so.

4. What is the “Shadow War” in Shadow of War? The Shadow War is the endgame of Shadow of War, consisting of sieges you defend in order to protect the regions you’ve captured from Sauron’s forces. It tests your army’s strength and your strategic skills.

5. Is Shadow of War considered canon in Lord of the Rings lore? No, Shadow of War is not considered canon. It takes liberties with the established lore, particularly regarding Celebrimbor’s role and the forging of the New Ring.

6. Does the game offer different endings based on my choices? The game has two endings, one after Act III and a “true ending” after completing the Shadow Wars. However, neither of these endings significantly alters Talion’s ultimate fate.

7. Can I play as Celebrimbor without Talion? No. Celebrimbor and Talion are bound together throughout the game. You cannot separate them or play as Celebrimbor independently.

8. What is the maximum level I can reach in Shadow of War? The maximum level cap in Shadow of War is 80.

9. Is there a way to permanently defeat Sauron in Shadow of War? You can destroy Sauron’s physical form in a cutscene, but ultimately, Sauron cannot be permanently defeated within the game’s narrative.

10. Why do Orcs call Talion “the Tark”? “Tark” is an Orcish term for Ranger, specifically Rangers of Gondor. It’s a somewhat derogatory term, but it also acknowledges Talion’s skills as a warrior.

11. What happens if I lose a siege during the Shadow War? If you lose a siege, you’ll lose control of the region and have to recapture it. This can be a setback, but it doesn’t prevent you from progressing in the game.

12. How long does it take to complete Shadow of War? Completing the main story of Shadow of War takes around 20-25 hours. Achieving 100% completion can take significantly longer, around 50-60 hours.

13. Are there any DLCs for Shadow of War that affect the story? Yes, Shadow of War has DLCs that add new tribes of Orcs and expand the gameplay. However, they do not fundamentally alter the main story or Talion’s fate.

14. Does the Nemesis System make it possible for Orcs to become genuinely “good”? While the Nemesis System creates unique and memorable Orc personalities, they never truly become “good” in the traditional sense. They might be loyal to Talion, but they remain Orcs with their own violent tendencies.

15. What is the significance of Isildur’s Ring in Shadow of War? Isildur’s Ring is the New Ring that Talion and Celebrimbor forge. It is designed to rival Sauron’s One Ring and provides Talion with immense power, but it ultimately corrupts him and leads to his downfall as a Nazgûl.