Does Shadow of War Have Two Endings? Exploring the Final Chapters of Middle-earth
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Yes, Middle-earth: Shadow of War features two distinct endings. The first ending occurs after Act III when the main story arc seemingly concludes. However, this is not the “true” ending. The second, more complete ending unfolds after completing Act IV, also known as the “Shadow Wars” campaign. Understanding how to achieve both endings and what they entail is crucial for fully experiencing the game.
Understanding Shadow of War’s Ending Structure
Shadow of War’s narrative structure is divided into acts. Act III provides a conclusion to the initial story, where Talion confronts Sauron. However, this is only the beginning of the end. Act IV, the Shadow Wars, becomes available after this point.
The First Ending: The Conclusion of Act III
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What Happens? Act III culminates in a confrontation with Sauron, providing a sense of closure to the initial conflict.
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Is It Satisfying? While providing some resolution, it leaves many questions unanswered and hints at a larger conflict to come. Many players find this ending abrupt and incomplete, which is why the Shadow Wars were included.
The True Ending: Completing the Shadow Wars (Act IV)
What are the Shadow Wars?
The Shadow Wars consist of 20 increasingly difficult fortress defense missions. You must defend your fortresses against Sauron’s forces, utilizing your orc army and strategic skills. Each stage involves defending against waves of enemies and maintaining control of key points within the fortress.
How to Achieve the True Ending
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Complete Act III: Finish the main story missions leading up to the first encounter with Sauron.
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Embark on the Shadow Wars: After Act III, Act IV will automatically begin, tasking you with defending your fortresses.
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Survive All Stages: Successfully complete all 20 stages of the Shadow Wars.
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Witness the True Ending Cutscene: Upon completion of stage 10, you’ll be rewarded with a “many years later” cutscene, after which you’re free to continue exploring the world and taking part in online conquests.
What Does the True Ending Show?
The true ending reveals the consequences of Talion’s actions and provides a more comprehensive resolution to his story arc. It provides context and closure that the Act III ending lacks. Crucially, it shows Talion’s ultimate fate and the long-term implications of his choices.
The Importance of Orc Management
During the Shadow Wars, your orc army is your greatest asset. It is absolutely necessary that you train your orcs and ensure that their levels are on par with the increasing challenges you will face. If your orcs are not strong enough, they will easily be defeated, and you risk losing your fortresses.
Post-Completion Content
Even after achieving the true ending, the game doesn’t have to end. You retain the ability to continue exploring the world, engaging in online conquests, and undertaking optional siege missions against your own fortresses, providing endless replayability.
Why is Act IV Necessary?
Many players initially criticized the inclusion of the Shadow Wars, citing its repetitive nature and perceived disconnect from the main narrative. However, completing Act IV is essential for experiencing the full scope of the story and understanding Talion’s ultimate fate. It gives far better context on the ending and provides closure to the narrative.
Shadow of War FAQs
1. What is the maximum level in Shadow of War?
The maximum level for Talion is 80. Orcs can reach level 85, and equipment can reach level 90.
2. Can you still play Shadow of War after beating it?
Yes! After completing the Shadow Wars, you can continue playing, undertaking optional siege missions and engaging in online conquests.
3. Is Talion a canon character in Lord of the Rings?
No, Talion is not canon. He does not appear in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works and was created specifically for the Middle-earth video games.
4. Does Talion become a Nazgûl?
Yes, eventually, Talion succumbs to the corruption of Isildur’s ring and becomes a Nazgûl, joining the ranks of the Ringwraiths.
5. Why is Shadow of War considered non-canon?
Shadow of War deviates significantly from established Lord of the Rings lore. It introduces elements and characters that contradict Tolkien’s writings, making it incompatible with the canonical timeline.
6. What are the rewards for completing the Shadow Wars?
Completing the Shadow Wars primarily rewards you with the true ending cutscene, providing closure to Talion’s story. There are no significant gameplay rewards beyond this.
7. Can you retake Minas Morgul in Shadow of War?
Yes, you can retake Minas Morgul in Shadow of War. This involves capturing several points protected by Orcs and a Nazgûl.
8. What happens to Talion at the end of Shadow of War?
After the destruction of the One Ring and Sauron’s defeat, Talion finally dies, his spirit freed, and he moves on to the afterlife.
9. Who is the final boss in Shadow of War?
The final boss is Sauron. The encounter takes place during the “Bright Lord” mission.
10. What is the best armor in Shadow of War?
The Bright Lord armor set is widely considered the best, offering powerful bonuses. Other strong sets include Ringwraith and Terror.
11. Does Bruz betray you in Shadow of War?
Yes, Bruz does betray Talion because he desires to become the Overlord of Nurnen, but he is denied the position.
12. What do orcs call Talion?
Orcs and Orc Captains commonly refer to Talion as “the Tark.”
13. What is the significance of the Shadow Wars in the story?
The Shadow Wars provide the necessary context for Talion’s ultimate fate and offer a more comprehensive understanding of his choices and their consequences. This is important for closure to the narrative and to show the impact of Talion’s actions.
14. How long does it take to complete the Shadow Wars?
The Shadow Wars consist of 20 fortress defense missions. These missions take 10-15 minutes each. Therefore, they can take 3-5 hours to complete. It can be longer if you fail the missions and are forced to do offensive sieges to take the fortresses back.
15. What can I do to better prepare for the Shadow Wars?
To prepare for the Shadow Wars, focus on strengthening your orc army. Recruit high-level orcs, equip them with powerful gear, and level them up through training orders. Ensure your fortresses are well-defended with strong overlords and captains.
The Broader Impact of Games on Learning
Understanding game narratives and structures, like the dual endings in Shadow of War, can be insightful. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) studies the intersection of games and education. Exploring how game design influences player engagement and learning outcomes offers valuable insights for educators and game developers alike. You can learn more about game-based learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Experiencing the Full Narrative
Shadow of War presents a complex and engaging narrative, concluding with two distinct endings. While the initial ending after Act III provides a sense of closure, the true ending lies in completing the Shadow Wars in Act IV. By enduring these challenging fortress defenses, players unlock the full scope of Talion’s story, culminating in a more satisfying and comprehensive conclusion.