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Unveiling the True Ending of Middle-earth: Shadow of War: A Comprehensive Guide

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So, you want to see the “true ending” of Middle-earth: Shadow of War? Buckle up, Ranger, because it’s a bit of a journey. You get the true ending in Shadow of War by progressing beyond the initial ending after Act III. This involves enduring Act IV, also known as the Shadow Wars. After completing all the waves in Act IV you will get to see the “True Ending” cutscene.

Understanding Shadow of War’s Endings

Shadow of War cleverly uses a two-part ending structure. After the initial storyline concludes at the end of Act III, many players might think they’ve reached the game’s conclusion. However, there’s more to Mordor than meets the eye. The true ending lies beyond, in the post-story campaign of Act IV: The Shadow Wars. This is where the real test of your skills and strategies begins. You’ll need to defend your fortresses against increasingly difficult waves of Orcish assaults.

Act IV: The Shadow Wars – The Path to the True Ending

The Shadow Wars are not merely a tacked-on epilogue; they are integral to experiencing the full narrative arc of Talion and Celebrimbor’s struggle against Sauron. This extended gameplay loop is a test of your strategic prowess and commitment. Prepare to:

Defend Fortresses: A significant portion of Act IV involves defending your fortresses from Sauron’s forces. Upgrade your defenses and strategically place your Orc Captains to withstand the sieges.
Complete Waves of Assaults: Each region will be attacked multiple times. You need to complete all the waves of assaults to finish Act IV.
Upgrade and Recruit Orcs: The Nemesis System truly shines here. Recruit powerful Orcs, train them, and equip them with the best gear to lead your defenses.
Manage Resources: Keep an eye on your Mirian and gems. These resources are crucial for upgrading your fortresses and recruiting Orcs.

The “Many Years Later” Cutscene

Upon completing all the waves in Act IV, you’ll be rewarded with a “many years later” cutscene. This cutscene offers closure to Talion’s journey and provides a glimpse into the events leading up to the War of the Ring, connecting the game’s narrative more closely to the established Lord of the Rings lore. This is the “true ending” that fans were looking for, showcasing Talion’s ultimate fate and the consequences of his choices.

Is it worth it to finish Shadow Wars?

Finishing the Shadow Wars is definitely worth it for players looking to get the full story and experience of Shadow of War.

15 Frequently Asked Questions About Shadow of War’s Endings

Here’s a compiled list of frequently asked questions to deepen your understanding of Shadow of War’s true ending and other game-related details:

How many endings does Shadow of War have?

Shadow of War features two main endings: the first after completing Act III and the “true ending” after completing Act IV (The Shadow Wars). The Act IV ending is often considered the more definitive and satisfying conclusion.
How do you get 100% completion in Shadow of War?

To achieve 100% completion, you need to complete all main and side quests, acquire all collectibles, and successfully defend your fortresses throughout Act IV: The Shadow Wars. Completing all memories and challenges also contributes to full completion.
How do you get the last chance in Shadow of War?

Last Chance is a quick-time event (QTE) triggered when an enemy is about to kill you. If the enemy doesn’t have the No Chance trait, a prompt will appear. Succeeding in the QTE allows Talion to parry and avoid death. Failing it, usually, means death.
What is the maximum Talion level in Shadow of War?

The level cap for Talion in Middle-earth: Shadow of War is 80. You level up by earning experience points (XP) through completing missions, killing enemies, and completing challenges.
How many hours is 100% Shadow of War?

Completing the main story takes around 20-25 hours. To achieve 100% completion, including all side quests and Act IV, expect to invest around 50-60 hours.
Is Shadow Wars endless?

Originally, the Shadow Wars were perceived as an endless grind. However, with updates, they are finite. Completing all the waves will trigger the “true ending”.
Does Talion become evil?

While Talion initially fights against Sauron, the narrative explores his eventual corruption by the Rings of Power. In the “true ending” cutscene, you’ll witness the long-term consequences of wielding this power, hinting at his transformation into one of the Nazgûl.
What happened to Celebrimbor in Shadow of War?

Celebrimbor’s fate is intertwined with Talion’s. Throughout the game, their alliance is strained, culminating in a separation. The exact details of Celebrimbor’s ultimate fate are subject to interpretation based on the game’s narrative.
Is Talion a Nazgûl?

The “true ending” strongly implies that Talion eventually becomes one of the Nazgûl. The corruption of Isildur’s ring and the burden of resisting Sauron take their toll, leading to this tragic transformation.
What does Talion become at the end of Shadow of War?

In the game’s lore, after the destruction of the One Ring and Sauron, Talion finally dies, freeing his spirit to pass on to the afterlife. However, the extended cutscene shows that he eventually became one of the Nazgûl.
Why can’t Shadow of War be canon?

Shadow of War diverges significantly from Tolkien’s established lore. Characters, events, and the use of the Rings of Power are altered, making it non-canonical within the official Lord of the Rings universe.
Can Talion beat Sauron?

Within the game’s narrative, Talion confronts and defeats Sauron in several encounters. However, these victories are often temporary or achieved through unconventional means, emphasizing the immense power disparity between the two.
Is Talion more powerful than Sauron?

While Talion possesses significant combat skills and wields the power of the New Ring, Sauron, especially with the One Ring, remains vastly more powerful. Talion’s victories are often tactical or dependent on exploiting Sauron’s vulnerabilities.
Was Celebrimbor evil?

The game presents a morally ambiguous portrayal of Celebrimbor. His motivations are complex, driven by a desire to defeat Sauron, even if it means using morally questionable methods. His actions raise questions about his true intentions and the potential for corruption.
Is Shadow of War canon to Lord of the Rings?

As mentioned earlier, Shadow of War is not considered canon to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. It offers an alternate interpretation of events within Middle-earth, with creative liberties taken to craft its unique narrative.

Mastering Gravewalker Difficulty

For those seeking the ultimate challenge, Gravewalker difficulty is the way to go. This difficulty significantly increases enemy damage and reduces Talion’s resilience, demanding precise combat skills and strategic use of the Nemesis system. While incredibly challenging, conquering Gravewalker offers a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Understanding how to learn through gaming and difficult experiences can be supported by resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, offering insights into the educational aspects of gaming.

Embracing the Nemesis System

The Nemesis System is the heart and soul of Shadow of War. It creates dynamic relationships between Talion and the Orc Captains, leading to unique encounters and personalized storylines. Learn to exploit the strengths and weaknesses of your enemies, build alliances, and forge your own legend within Mordor. This system is a testament to the innovative storytelling potential within games.

Hopefully, this guide has cleared up any confusion regarding the true ending of Middle-earth: Shadow of War. Now, go forth and conquer Mordor, Ranger!