Embarking on Your Middle-earth Adventure: What to Play Before Shadow of War

So, you’re ready to dive into the brutal and captivating world of Middle-earth: Shadow of War? Excellent choice! This action RPG expands upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, delivering a sprawling experience filled with orcish warfare, epic battles, and compelling lore. But before you unsheathe your sword and forge your own legend, the question is, what should you play first?

The definitive answer is: Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. While Shadow of War is designed to be accessible to newcomers, playing Shadow of Mordor first provides crucial context, familiarity with the mechanics, and a deeper appreciation for the narrative threads that connect the two games. Think of it as laying the groundwork for an epic saga.

Why Play Shadow of Mordor First?

Simply put, Shadow of Mordor acts as the perfect prequel and tutorial to Shadow of War. Here’s why:

• Understanding the Story: Shadow of Mordor introduces you to Talion, a ranger bound to the wraith of Celebrimbor, an elven smith who forged the Rings of Power. It establishes the core conflict, Talion’s motivation for revenge after the murder of his family, and the initial power struggle against Sauron’s forces. Without this foundation, you’ll be jumping into Shadow of War halfway through the story, missing key character development and plot nuances.

• Mastering the Nemesis System: This groundbreaking system is a defining feature of both games. It creates a dynamic and personalized experience where orc captains remember their encounters with you, develop rivalries, and rise through the ranks. Shadow of Mordor allows you to learn the intricacies of the Nemesis System in a more controlled environment, gradually understanding how to manipulate it to your advantage.

• Familiarizing Yourself with Combat and Mechanics: The combat in both games is fast-paced and visceral. Shadow of Mordor gradually introduces you to the core mechanics: swordplay, stealth, archery, and wraith abilities. Playing it first allows you to hone your skills and develop your fighting style before facing the increased challenges and complexities of Shadow of War.

• Appreciating the Evolution: Experiencing Shadow of Mordor allows you to fully appreciate the enhancements and additions introduced in Shadow of War. You’ll notice the improved graphics, expanded gameplay features (like fort sieges and follower management), and deeper strategic elements. This appreciation is diminished if you jump straight into the sequel without knowing the origins.

The LOTR Question: Is Prior Knowledge Necessary?

While not strictly required, having some familiarity with J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings universe enhances your enjoyment of both games. Knowing the basic lore, key characters, and the overall power dynamics between Sauron and the free peoples of Middle-earth adds depth and context to the narrative. You don’t need to be a Tolkien scholar, but a general understanding of the world will enrich your experience. You can always check out the Games Learning Society to improve your knowledge of lore.

Shadow of Mordor: A Standalone Experience?

Although Shadow of Mordor is a prequel to Shadow of War, it functions as a standalone story with a beginning, middle, and end. You won’t feel like you’re only getting half the story if you choose to play Shadow of Mordor and not Shadow of War.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Shadow of War a direct sequel to Shadow of Mordor?

Yes, Shadow of War picks up the story directly after the events of Shadow of Mordor. It continues Talion and Celebrimbor’s quest to forge a new Ring of Power and raise an army to challenge Sauron’s forces.

2. Can I play Shadow of War without playing Shadow of Mordor?

Technically, yes. The game developers designed Shadow of War to be accessible to new players. However, you’ll miss out on crucial backstory and character development, lessening the impact of the narrative.

3. Does Shadow of Mordor have multiple endings?

No, Shadow of Mordor has one main ending that sets the stage for the events of Shadow of War.

4. Is Talion mentioned in The Lord of the Rings books?

No, Talion is not canon within Tolkien’s original works. He was created for the Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games. While the games borrow heavily from the lore, they take liberties with the timeline and character interpretations.

5. Is Celebrimbor evil in Shadow of War?

The portrayal of Celebrimbor’s morality is complex. The games take a different approach than Tolkien’s original writings, suggesting that Celebrimbor has his own agenda and is not necessarily a purely benevolent force. His motivations become a significant plot point in Shadow of War.

6. How long before The Lord of the Rings does Shadow of Mordor take place?

Shadow of Mordor is set in the 60-year gap between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This period is largely unexplored in Tolkien’s writings, giving the game developers creative freedom to craft their own story.

7. What is the Nemesis System in Shadow of War?

The Nemesis System is a unique feature where orc captains have personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. They remember their encounters with you, develop rivalries, and can be dominated to become part of your army. This system creates a dynamic and personalized gameplay experience.

8. What is the max level for Orcs in Shadow of War?

The level cap for Orcs in Shadow of War can reach level 85.

9. Can Orcs betray you in Shadow of War?

Yes, Orcs can betray you, even after you’ve dominated them and added them to your army. This adds a layer of unpredictability and strategic depth to the game.

10. How many endings does Shadow of War have?

Shadow of War has two main endings: one that concludes Celebrimbor’s story (Act III) and another that concludes Talion’s story (Act IV), which serves as an epilogue. To unlock the second ending, you must complete the Shadow Wars.

11. What are the Shadow Wars in Shadow of War?

The Shadow Wars is a post-game epilogue consisting of defense missions where you must defend your fortresses from Sauron’s forces. Completing all stages of the Shadow Wars unlocks the final ending.

12. Can you continue playing after the main story in Shadow of War?

Yes, you can continue exploring the world and participating in online conquests after completing the main story in Shadow of War.

13. Should I watch The Lord of the Rings movies before playing Shadow of War?

Watching the Lord of the Rings movies is not essential but highly recommended. It will familiarize you with the world, characters, and overall tone of Middle-earth, enriching your gaming experience.

14. Is it OK to run away from battles in Shadow of War?

Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to run away from battles in Shadow of War. Sometimes, discretion is the better part of valor, especially when facing overwhelming odds.

15. What difficulty level should I choose in Shadow of War?

If you’re new to the series, start with Normal difficulty. If you’re an experienced player or looking for a challenge, try Gravewalker difficulty.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

Ultimately, playing Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor before Shadow of War is an investment that pays off handsomely. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the story, master the gameplay mechanics, and appreciate the evolution of the series. So, grab your sword, embrace the wraith, and prepare to forge your own legend in the heart of Mordor! And for insights into learning with video games, visit GamesLearningSociety.org!