How Long Does It Really Take to Finish Shadow of War? A Deep Dive
So, you’re diving into the dark and dangerous world of Mordor, ready to forge your own legend in Middle-earth: Shadow of War. But before you charge headfirst into battle, a crucial question lingers: How long will this epic journey actually take? The answer, as always, depends on your play style.
If you’re laser-focused on the main storyline, expect to spend around 20 to 21 hours hacking and slashing your way through Sauron’s armies. However, if you’re a completionist, a true seeker of every secret and conqueror of every fort, you’re looking at a much longer commitment. Achieving 100% completion in Shadow of War will likely consume 55 to 56 hours of your time, potentially even more, depending on your skill level and affinity for the game’s intricate systems. This includes conquering every region, completing all side quests, and fully upgrading your skills and army. Be prepared to sink your teeth into the grind!
Understanding the Time Commitment: A Breakdown
The sheer scope of Shadow of War can be daunting. It’s not just about the main quests; it’s the sprawling world, the dynamic Nemesis System, and the endless potential for power struggles that contribute to its playtime. Let’s break down the time commitment:
- Main Storyline: Approximately 20-21 hours.
- Side Quests and Activities: Expect to spend a substantial amount of time completing side quests, collecting artifacts, and unraveling the lore of Mordor.
- Nemesis System Domination: Conquering fortresses, recruiting orcs, and managing your army is a continuous process that adds considerable playtime.
- Shadow Wars (Endgame): The infamous Shadow Wars, the endgame phase of Shadow of War, can extend your playtime significantly, especially if you aim to defend all your territories successfully.
- 100% Completion: Achieving 100% completion requires dedication. It includes completing all missions, finding all collectibles, upgrading all skills, and mastering the Nemesis System.
Considering Your Playstyle
How you approach Shadow of War drastically impacts your playtime.
- Story-Driven Players: Focus on the main storyline and skip non-essential side content.
- Explorers: Enjoy uncovering every nook and cranny of Mordor, leading to a longer playtime.
- Completionists: Aim to achieve 100% completion, resulting in the most extensive playtime.
- Nemesis System Enthusiasts: Spend countless hours manipulating and dominating orcs, adding considerable playtime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shadow of War Playtime
Here are some frequently asked questions to give you an even better understanding of Shadow of War and how long it will take to complete different aspects.
How long does it take to beat Shadow of War’s main story?
Around 20-21 hours if you’re primarily focused on the main questline.
Is Shadow of War longer than Shadow of Mordor?
Absolutely. Shadow of War offers a much more expansive experience, boasting more storylines, characters, and a significantly longer playtime. Expect it to be roughly 60 hours longer if you play to the very end.
What is the Shadow Wars endgame and how long does it last?
The Shadow Wars is the endgame phase of Shadow of War. It can be as long as you want it to be, as the sieges are optional.
Can you continue playing after beating Shadow of War?
Yes, absolutely. After completing the Shadow Wars, you’re free to continue exploring Mordor, engaging in online conquests, and further developing your orc army.
Is there a true ending to Shadow of War?
Yes, there are two endings, one after Act III and another after Act IV.
What happens if you lose a siege in Shadow War?
Losing a siege mission means losing the region. You’ll need to reclaim it to progress further in the Shadow Wars.
Can I keep playing Shadow of War after beating it?
You absolutely can! You can even initiate optional siege missions against your own fortresses to test your defenses and your army, offering endless replayability.
Is Shadow of War’s endgame infinite?
Yes, Shadow of War features an endless endgame, allowing players to continue defending and expanding their territories.
Should I play Shadow of Mordor before Shadow of War?
While not strictly necessary, playing Shadow of Mordor enhances your understanding of the characters, story, and gameplay mechanics, making Shadow of War a more rewarding experience.
Is Shadow of War’s story canon to The Lord of the Rings?
Shadow of War’s story is original tales weaved around the known history of Middle-earth.
Is there different difficulty settings in Shadow of War?
Yes, Shadow of War offers three difficulty settings: Easy, Normal, and Gravewalker, each affecting various aspects of the gameplay.
How long do TikTok shadowbans last?
Typically, TikTok shadowbans last around two weeks, based on what users have experienced.
What happens if I get shadowbanned on TikTok?
If you get shadowbanned, you’ve got a choice: be patient and wait for the ban to lift on its own, or start fresh with a brand new account.
Will there ever be an open world Middle-earth game?
Yes, the upcoming game will be an open-world MMO adventure in a persistent world set in Middle-earth, featuring the beloved stories of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings literary trilogy.
How lore accurate is Shadow of War?
Neither Shadow game is lore accurate and Shelob isn’t even the worst part. (Shelob is mostly likely at least sentient, though, as her ancestor Ungoliant was outright sapient.)
In conclusion, the duration of your Shadow of War adventure depends heavily on your goals and playstyle. Whether you’re a speedrunner focused on the main story or a dedicated completionist seeking to conquer every corner of Mordor, prepare for a captivating and potentially lengthy journey. For more information on the study of how we learn through gaming, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.