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Do the Shadow Wars End? A Deep Dive into Middle-earth: Shadow of War’s Endgame

Yes, the Shadow Wars in Middle-earth: Shadow of War do indeed end. After completing ten stages of defending your fortresses against Sauron’s relentless forces, you’ll be rewarded with a final cutscene, effectively bringing the Shadow Wars to a close. This unlocks what many consider the “true ending” of the game, offering a sense of closure to Talion’s journey, even if it differs significantly from Tolkien’s established lore.

Understanding the Shadow Wars

The Shadow Wars represent the endgame of Shadow of War. Following the completion of Act III and the initial defeat of Sauron, players find themselves thrust into Act IV, dominated by constant sieges and fortress defense. This phase is designed to test your skills in managing your Orc army, strategically upgrading fortresses, and directly engaging in intense combat. The goal? To hold out long enough to witness the final fate of Talion.

Why the Shadow Wars Exist

The Shadow Wars were implemented to extend the game’s lifespan and provide a continuing challenge to players who enjoyed the Nemesis System. It allows you to further develop your Orc followers, create dynamic narratives through betrayal and loyalty, and hone your combat prowess. While some criticize the repetitive nature of defending the same fortresses multiple times, others appreciate the opportunity to fully explore the game’s mechanics and create unique stories within the game world.

The Repetitive Nature

One of the most common criticisms of the Shadow Wars is their repetitive nature. Defending the same fortresses against waves of Orcs can feel like a grind, especially for players eager to see the game’s “true” ending. However, strategic fortress upgrades, careful selection of Overlords, and effective use of your Orc followers can make each defense feel unique. Experimentation with different strategies and character builds can also help to alleviate the feeling of repetition.

Are the Shadow Wars Necessary?

The question of whether the Shadow Wars are necessary depends on your individual gaming preferences. If you enjoy the Nemesis System and building your Orc army, you may find them engaging and rewarding. If you are more interested in the main story and lore, the Shadow Wars may feel like an unnecessary obstacle to reaching the final cutscene. However, completing the Shadow Wars does provide a more comprehensive conclusion to Talion’s narrative, even if that narrative deviates from established Tolkien lore.

The “True Ending”

Upon completion of all ten stages of the Shadow Wars, you are treated to a “many years later” cutscene. This is often referred to as the “true ending” of the game. This ending shows Talion succumbing to the power of Isildur’s ring, ultimately becoming one of the Nazgûl (Ringwraiths). This is a departure from the established lore, but serves as the game’s unique and tragic conclusion to Talion’s story. After Frodo destroys the One Ring, Talion finally finds his rest.

What the “True Ending” Adds

While some consider the “true ending” a mere epilogue, it adds significant emotional weight to Talion’s journey. Knowing that he ultimately succumbed to the ring’s corruption provides a sense of finality and closure. This ending also gives an alternative view of how the Lord of the Rings came to be the way it did, and serves to give more substance to a character that many players invested lots of time to in-game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Shadow Wars

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Shadow Wars, providing more clarity and insight into this crucial phase of the game:

How many endings does Shadow of War have? Shadow of War has two main endings: one after Act III, which concludes the main storyline, and a “true” ending after completing Act IV, the Shadow Wars.
What is the last mission in Shadow of War? The final mission in Act III is “The Bright Lord,” where you face Sauron. However, the concluding events unfold after completing all ten stages of the Shadow Wars in Act IV.
Who is the final boss of Shadow of War? In the initial encounter at the end of Act III, you battle Sauron. In Act IV, the challenges come in the form of defending your fortresses against Sauron’s ever-growing Orc armies. There is not a final boss in the Shadow Wars.
Can you keep playing Shadow of War after the main story? Yes, you can. The Shadow Wars endgame mode allows you to continue playing and exploring the Nemesis System after completing the main story.
What is the max level in Shadow of War? The maximum level for players in Shadow of War is 80. You can level up your gear and weapons to level 85, and even level 90 for weapons broken by Ologs.
What happens if you lose a Shadow War? If you lose a siege mission during the Shadow Wars, you’ll lose control of the region and must reclaim it to continue progressing.
How long does it take to 100% Shadow of War? Achieving 100% completion in Middle-Earth: Shadow of War typically takes around 55.5 hours. Focusing on the main objectives alone takes about 20.5 hours.
Is Talion canon in Lord of the Rings? No, Talion is not a canon character in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings lore. He was created specifically for the Middle-earth video game series.
Is Shadow of War canon? Shadow of War is set within Tolkien’s Middle-earth but is not considered canon. It takes liberties with the established lore to create its own narrative. This is not to say the game’s story is not worthwhile, but rather that it should be viewed separately from the Lord of the Rings lore.
Why did Celebrimbor leave Talion? Celebrimbor, becoming more aggressive and power-hungry, intended to overthrow Sauron rather than destroy him. He severed his bond with Talion to possess Eltariel and use her power to defeat Sauron.
What happens when you complete the Shadow Wars? After completing all ten stages of the Shadow Wars, you unlock the “true ending” cutscene, which concludes Talion’s narrative and provides closure to the game.
Does Talion become Sauron? Talion does not become Sauron. He eventually succumbs to the corruption of Isildur’s ring and becomes a Nazgûl, replacing Isildur among the Ringwraiths.
How do you unlock the secret ending in Shadow of War? The secret ending is unlocked by completing all ten stages of the Shadow Wars in Act IV, which involves defending your fortresses against Sauron’s forces.
Where does Talion go at the end of Shadow of War? After the destruction of the One Ring and Sauron’s defeat, Talion finally dies and his spirit is freed, allowing him to pass on to the afterlife.
Can the Nemesis system teach us something?

The Nemesis system, beyond its gameplay applications, provides compelling insights into emergent narrative and character relationships, offering valuable learning opportunities applicable to game design and narrative studies. To further explore the educational aspects of gaming, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Conclusion

The Shadow Wars in Middle-earth: Shadow of War ultimately come to an end, providing players with a sense of accomplishment and closure to Talion’s journey. While the repetitive nature of the endgame can be a point of contention, the experience offers an opportunity to fully explore the Nemesis System and create unique narratives within the game world. The “true ending” provides a tragic yet compelling conclusion to Talion’s story, even if it deviates from established Tolkien lore. Whether you find the Shadow Wars a rewarding challenge or a tedious grind, understanding their purpose and structure is key to fully appreciating the complex narrative of Middle-earth: Shadow of War.

Do the Shadow Wars end?