Play Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor first if you want to follow Talion’s story in order. The official Shadow of War site identifies it as the sequel to Shadow of Mordor. Start with Shadow of War instead if its army-building and fortress-conquest focus is what interests you most, knowing you will be skipping the earlier game in Talion’s story.
Why play Shadow of Mordor first?
Shadow of War is explicitly presented as the sequel, with a story of war and redemption involving Talion and a new Ring of Power. Playing Shadow of Mordor first follows the story’s release sequence and lets you encounter the predecessor before its continuation. See the official Shadow of War story description.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Middle Earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition (PS4) | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War - Xbox One | $10.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Middle Earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition (xbox_one) | $22.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Middle-earth: Shadow of War (Xbox One) | $7.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War - PlayStation 4 | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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What does Shadow of War emphasize?
The storefront descriptions put its systems front and center: building an army, conquering fortresses, and fighting Sauron and the Ringwraiths. They also describe the Nemesis System as generating personal stories around enemies and followers. Those features make Shadow of War a reasonable starting choice if those are your main interests, rather than following Talion’s story from its beginning. The Xbox listing and Steam listing describe these elements.
How should you choose?
| Your priority | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Following Talion’s story in order | Shadow of Mordor | Shadow of War is identified as its sequel by the official site. |
| Army-building and fortress conquest | Shadow of War | Its store descriptions foreground those systems and Nemesis-generated enemy and follower stories. |
| Getting both games in one Steam purchase | Check the Shadow Bundle listing | Steam lists a bundle containing both games, the Shadow of War Expansion Pass, and a Shadow of Mordor GOTY Edition Upgrade. |
Which editions include the expansions?
Steam’s listing for Shadow of War Definitive Edition includes the base game, Story Expansion Pass, Outlaw Tribe Nemesis Expansion, Slaughter Tribe Nemesis Expansion, The Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion, and The Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion. Its Shadow Bundle listing includes Shadow of War, its Expansion Pass, Shadow of Mordor, and the Shadow of Mordor GOTY Edition Upgrade. These are Steam listing details, not a guarantee of availability, price, format, or contents in every region; check the live listing for your platform and location before buying.
#1 Best Overall
- PLAY THE DEFINITIVE EDITION OF MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR FROM THE AWARD-WINNING MONOLITH STUDIOS
- Winner of over 60 awards and nominations, conquer Mordor for the Bright Lord and enjoy 50+ hours of story content, 3 playable characters and the expansive Nemesis System.
- The Definitive Edition includes all DLC Slaughter Tribe Nemesis Expansion Outlaw Tribe Nemesis Expansion Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion
What to know before you buy
- Steam identifies Monolith Productions as the developer and WB Games as the publisher of Shadow of War, and lists its release date as October 9, 2017.
- The available sources establish the sequel relationship and Shadow of War’s featured systems, but do not establish whether its story is fully understandable without playing Shadow of Mordor.
- The release date for Shadow of Mordor is not established here, so no date comparison is included.
Check the current Steam editions and bundle listing for purchase details, or consult the Xbox game listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Immerse yourself in the epic scale of Middle-Earth as you forge a new ring and siege epic fortresses to face the dark lord and Nazgul.
- Experience a richer and more personal world full of new enemy types, stronger personalities and deeper stories - anyone you face can now evolve from a lowly soldier to a mighty overlord.
- Go behind enemy lines and use strategy, cunning or brute force to conquer Sauron' s fortresses and turn them against him.
Rank #4
- A MONUMENTAL STORY: Immerse yourself in the epic scale of Middle-earth as you forge a new ring and siege epic fortresses to face the Dark Lord and Nazgul.
- NEMESIS SYSTEM EVOLVED: Experience a richer and more personal world full of new enemy types, stronger personalities and deeper stories – anyone you face can now evolve from a lowly Soldier to a mighty Overlord. Personal Nemesis or Ally.
- TURN MORDOR AGAINST SAURON: Go behind enemy lines and use strategy, cunning or brute force to conquer Sauron’s fortresses and turn them against him.
- IN MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR, NOTHING WILL BE FORGOTTEN.
Rank #3
- PLAY THE DEFINITIVE EDITION OF MIDDLE-EARTH: SHADOW OF WAR FROM THE AWARD-WINNING MONOLITH STUDIOS. Winner of over 60 awards and nominations, conquer Mordor for the Bright Lord and enjoy 50+ hours of story content, 3 playable characters and the expansive Nemesis System. The Definitive Edition includes all DLC Slaughter Tribe Nemesis Expansion Outlaw Tribe Nemesis Expansion Blade of Galadriel Story Expansion Desolation of Mordor Story Expansion
Rank #2
- Immerse yourself in the epic scale of Middle-Earth as you forge a new ring and siege epic fortresses to face the dark lord and Nazgul.
- Experience a richer and more personal world full of new enemy types, stronger personalities and deeper stories - anyone you face can now evolve from a lowly soldier to a mighty overlord.
- Go behind enemy lines and use strategy, cunning or brute force to conquer Sauron' s fortresses and turn them against him.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
