Table of Contents

Shadow of War: Choosing Your Path – A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Strong

The question on every new player’s mind: Who should you start as in Shadow of War? The answer is simple: you always start as Talion. The game’s narrative is built around his journey, inexorably linked to the spirit of Celebrimbor. While you can eventually unlock and use different skins, including Eltariel (with some tied to DLC), the core gameplay experience is centered on Talion’s abilities and progression. Embrace this fact and dive into the story!

Essential Beginner Tips for Shadow of War

Shadow of War is a vast and engaging open-world action RPG, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, Shadow of Mordor. It’s packed with content, complex systems, and strategic choices. To ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience, here are some essential tips:

Setting the Stage: Difficulty and Graphics

DO test your game’s performance on higher graphical settings than recommended. You might be surprised at what your system can handle.
DO start the game on Normal or even Easy difficulty. Shadow of War can be challenging, especially early on when you’re still learning the ropes. Starting on a lower difficulty allows you to familiarize yourself with the combat and Nemesis System without getting overwhelmed. You can always adjust it later.

Navigating the Narrative

DON’T rush to reach the EndGame (Act IV). The journey is just as important as the destination. Enjoy the story, explore the world, and build your army.
DO the story first. While the open world is tempting, following the main questline will introduce you to core mechanics and unlock essential abilities.
DON’T bother gathering any special and unique sets early on. Focus on upgrading your gear organically as you progress. Endgame is a better stage for armor set optimization.

Mastering the Nemesis System

Familiarize yourself with the Nemesis System via the Army option in the pause menu. It’s the heart of the game, where you’ll manage Orc Captains and Warchiefs.
Don’t be afraid to dominate and recruit Orcs who possess traits that complement your play style. Experiment with different combinations to build a powerful and versatile army.
Be aware that betrayals are a part of the Nemesis System. Even Orcs you’ve Dominated can turn against you, adding an element of surprise and challenge.

Combat and Exploration

Treat the combat system gently. Mashing the attack button will work sometimes, but a measured and tactical approach is far more reliable. Use parries, dodges, and special abilities to control the battlefield.
You don’t have to kill everything you see. Apart from defeating Captains, normal combat earns you no XP. Fighting for the sake of fighting is often a waste of time.
It’s OK to run away. Sometimes, discretion is the better part of valor. If you’re overwhelmed, disengage and regroup.

Making the Most of Your Resources

Focus on unlocking key skills early on. The Shadow Strike ability, for example, is invaluable for traversal and combat.
Don’t neglect side missions and collectibles. They offer valuable rewards, experience, and insights into the world of Middle-earth.
Experiment with different weapons and gear. Each item has unique stats and effects that can significantly impact your play style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starting Shadow of War

Here are some common questions new players have about starting Shadow of War, answered for clarity:

Which Shadow of War should I play first?
- You should only play Shadow of Mordor first if there will be a gap between finishing it and starting War. Otherwise, jump straight into Shadow of War and watch plot summaries of Mordor on YouTube.
Should I start over Shadow of War?
- Starting a new game is primarily useful for playing on a higher difficulty from the beginning. Everything is replayable, so restarting isn’t necessary unless you want a fresh challenge.
Why does Bruz betray you?
- Bruz betrays you because he wants to become the Overlord of Nurnen, but you don’t grant him the position.
What is the best way to play Shadow of War?
- Play strategically, manage your resources effectively, and focus on building a powerful army through the Nemesis System.
What is the best Orc in Shadow of War to recruit?
- The best Orcs to recruit depends on your playstyle, but some top choices include Berserkers, Tricksters, and Tanks. Each class has unique strengths and weaknesses.
What is the max level in Shadow of War?
- The maximum player level in Shadow of War is 80. Gear can be leveled up to 85, and even 90 for weapons broken by Ologs.
How hard is Shadow of War?
- Shadow of War’s difficulty is generally considered balanced on Normal. Gravewalker offers a significantly tougher challenge for experienced players.
Is it OK to play Shadow of War without playing Shadow of Mordor?
- Yes, the story of Shadow of War is designed to be accessible to new players, even without prior knowledge of Shadow of Mordor or Tolkien’s works.
Is Talion canon in Lord of the Rings?
- No, Talion is not canon in Lord of the Rings. He is a character created specifically for the Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games.
How many endings are there in Shadow of War?
- There are two main endings: Act III, which concludes Celebrimbor’s story, and Act IV, which finishes Talion’s story.
Can you be betrayed in Shadow of War?
- Yes, Orcs in your army can betray you as part of the Nemesis System, even after being Dominated.
Which difficulty should I choose in Shadow of War?
- Choose Normal for a balanced experience or Gravewalker for a more significant challenge.
Is Shadow Wars endless?
- Infinite Shadow Wars were added with the Slaughter Tribe DLC.
How many hours is 100% completion of Shadow of War?
- Completing the main story takes around 20.5 hours. 100% completion typically requires around 55.5 hours.
How do I recruit Zog?
- Zog normally has the Iron Will trait and Unbreakable trait, making him impossible to recruit legitimately. He can only be recruited through the use of hacks, which may result in game instability.

Building Your Army: Orc Types and Traits

Understanding Orc types and traits is crucial for building a powerful army in Shadow of War. Here’s a brief overview of some of the best Orc classes to recruit:

Berserker: High damage output, aggressive fighters.
Trickster: Agile and cunning, excels at ambushes and surprise attacks.
Tank: Durable and resilient, excellent for holding the line.
Marksman: Skilled archers, provide ranged support.
Destroyer: Specializes in demolition and siege warfare.
Commander: Buffs nearby allies and coordinates attacks.
Beastmaster: Controls and rides beasts, offering unique tactical options.
Assassin: Stealthy killers, excels at eliminating high-value targets.

When recruiting Orcs, pay close attention to their immunities, strengths, and weaknesses. A well-rounded army with diverse abilities is essential for conquering Mordor. Look for Captains with immunities to common damage types, resistances to elemental effects, and minimal mortal weaknesses.

Shadow of War: A Game of Strategy and Skill

Shadow of War is more than just a hack-and-slash game. It’s a strategic RPG that requires careful planning, resource management, and a deep understanding of the Nemesis System. By following the tips and advice outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your journey through Mordor and forge your own legend. And, if you want to learn more about how games impact learning and education, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Who should I start as in Shadow of War?