Is Shadow of Mordor the First Game?
Quick answer
This page answers Is Shadow of Mordor the first game? quickly.
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
▶
The answer to this question is yes, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is indeed the first game in the series, released in 2014, and it sets the stage for the events that unfold in its sequel, Middle-earth: Shadow of War. This action-adventure game is based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendarium and takes place in the 60-year gap between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Understanding the Series and Its Chronology
To fully appreciate the game series, it’s essential to understand the chronology and the connections between the games. The series follows the story of Talion, a Ranger, and Celebrimbor, an Elf spirit, as they navigate the world of Middle-earth and confront the forces of Sauron.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- What is the order of the Middle-earth games? The order is Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014) followed by Middle-earth: Shadow of War (2017).
- Do I need to play Shadow of Mordor before Shadow of War? Unless interested in Talion’s backstory, it’s not necessary, as Shadow of War’s intro recaps the plot of Shadow of Mordor.
- Is Shadow of Mordor canon? While featuring canon and non-canon characters, the stories are original tales weaved around Middle-earth’s known history.
Game Details and Comparisons
- What’s the difference between Shadow of War and Shadow of Mordor? Shadow of Mordor can be considered the better Lord of the Rings game due to its faithfulness to the lore, but Shadow of War offers excellent gameplay and a better open world.
- Is Shadow of War better than Shadow of Mordor? Generally, Shadow of War is considered better due to its improvements over the original.
- Is Shadow of Mordor worth playing in 2023? Yes, it’s worth playing for its engaging storyline and introduction to the series.
Lore and Canon
- Is Talion canonically a Nazgûl? Talion eventually becomes a Nazgûl after succumbing to the corruption of Isildur’s ring.
- Did Isildur become a Nazgûl? Isildur was revived by Sauron with one of the nine rings and became a Nazgûl after his spirit was broken.
- How lore accurate is Shadow of War? Neither Shadow game is lore accurate, with characters like Shelob not being accurately represented.
Characters and Storyline
- Why did Celebrimbor betray Talion? Celebrimbor intended to overthrow Sauron rather than destroy him, leading to his betrayal of Talion.
- Was Celebrimbor evil? In the context of the games, Celebrimbor appears to be the mastermind behind the corruption, driven by evil and greed.
- Is Gollum in Shadow of Mordor? Gollum is in Shadow of Mordor, drawn to the power of the Ring-maker in Mordor.
Gaming and Future Developments
- Will there ever be an open-world Lord of the Rings game? An open-world MMO adventure set in Middle-earth is in development, featuring stories from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
- Is Gandalf in Shadow of War? Gandalf is a character in Shadow of War Mobile, joining the fight against Sauron’s forces.
- How long was Talion dead for? Talion was dead for approximately 38 years before returning, which explains the state of Udûn when he begins his quest with Celebrimbor.