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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesPlay Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor first if you want the clearest story order. Middle-earth: Shadow of War is officially described as the sequel, so starting with Mordor gives you the predecessor before its follow-up. Choose Shadow of War first only if that is the game you most want to play now; the official material cited here does not establish how much context or recap it provides to newcomers.
The relationship between the two games
The order is straightforward at the series level. On its official “About” page, Shadow of War is described as “the epic sequel to the award-winning Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.” That wording establishes a predecessor-and-sequel relationship, not two unrelated games that can be placed in any order. You can read the description at shadowofwar.com/about/.
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That does not prove that Shadow of War is impossible to understand on its own. It does mean that the documented narrative sequence starts with Shadow of Mordor. Playing in that order lets you encounter the setup before its follow-up, rather than asking a later game to provide all the background you would otherwise have seen first.
So if your question is, “Should I play Shadow of Mordor before Shadow of War?” the answer depends on what you value most. For story continuity, yes. If your main goal is to play War now, you can choose it directly; the distinction is that this skips the documented predecessor, not that there is proof the sequel cannot be played by itself.
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Quick decision: which game comes first for your goal?
| Your priority | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Follow the story in sequel order | Shadow of Mordor | It is the documented predecessor; Shadow of War is the official sequel. |
| Play the game you already own | Whichever title you own | Ownership removes the need to buy the other game before you begin. If you later want the narrative sequence, play the other title in predecessor-to-sequel order. |
| Try Shadow of War immediately | Shadow of War | You can select the sequel directly, but the official material cited here does not specify how complete its recap is for first-time players. |
| Start with a definitive edition of the predecessor | Shadow of Mordor: Definitive Edition | Warner Bros. Games lists the edition with both named story missions and additional challenge and customization content. |
| Buy a PC bundle containing both games | Begin with Shadow of Mordor after installing the bundle | Steam lists bundles that can include both titles; check the live listing for the exact contents and current price. |
The table separates two questions that are easy to conflate: which game comes first in the story relationship, and which game you should launch given your own access and priorities. The first has a clear answer: Mordor precedes War. The second can reasonably change if you already own one game, want to play the sequel immediately, or find a current bundle that includes both.
Why Shadow of Mordor is the safer first play
It supplies the narrative starting point
The recommendation is an inference from the official sequel description: a sequel follows a preceding story. Starting with Mordor therefore gives you the series’ established order without relying on a later game’s explanation of earlier events. This is the clearest choice when you care about continuity, character introductions, or seeing how the premise develops from one installment to the next.
“Safer” here means safer for preserving that order, not a promise that the first game is objectively better, easier, shorter, or more worthwhile. The official description establishes which title is the sequel; it does not compare the games’ quality or how they play. If those are your deciding factors, the information here does not settle them.
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It avoids an evidence gap about the sequel’s recap
The official page establishes that Shadow of War follows Shadow of Mordor, but it does not state how much of the first game it recaps. It would be too strong to promise that the sequel is fully newcomer-friendly or that it explains every relevant event. If you have no preference between the two and want the least ambiguous route, start with the predecessor.
This caveat is deliberately narrow: it is not a claim that War lacks an introduction or that a new player will be lost. It means only that the official source cited here does not describe the recap’s scope. You can make a sequel-first choice if you prefer, but do so knowing that a complete recap has not been established.
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It can be purchased as a substantial edition
Warner Bros. Games describes a definitive version of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. Its listed contents are:
- The Lord of the Hunt story mission.
- The Bright Lord story mission.
- The Trials of War challenge series.
- Additional Warband Missions.
- Additional Runes.
- Additional Skins.
The publisher’s edition information is available at warnerbrosgames.com/index.php/game/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor. Check the exact product name on the store you use, because “definitive” or similarly named editions can have different packaging or availability by platform. If you only want the main game, the extra content may not affect your decision; if you want the publisher-listed story missions and extras, verify that the specific listing includes them rather than relying on the title alone.
When starting with Shadow of War makes sense
You care more about playing now than preserving order
If Shadow of War is the title that interests you most, you do not need to postpone playing it merely because it is a sequel. The practical trade-off is context: you will be entering the follow-up before the documented predecessor. That is a preference decision, not a claim that the game cannot be played directly.
You already have access to the sequel
If it is already in your library or included in a bundle you own, beginning there avoids an unnecessary purchase. You can always play Shadow of Mordor later to experience the predecessor. Keep in mind that playing the games in reverse order may change how familiar certain story elements feel, but the official sources cited here do not provide enough detail to measure that effect.
You are evaluating a Steam bundle
Steam’s listing for Middle-earth: Shadow of War shows the base game and multiple bundles. Store search-result details include a Definitive Edition bundle with the game and expansions, as well as another bundle containing both Shadow of War and Shadow of Mordor. Bundles, included downloadable content, prices, and regional availability can change. Use the live product page at store.steampowered.com/app/356190/Middleearth_Shadow_of_War/ and expand the bundle descriptions before paying.
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A bundle is a purchasing route, not a different story order. If a package contains both titles and you buy it, you can install both and still launch Mordor first. Conversely, seeing a bundle mentioned in a search result is not enough to establish that it is currently available to your account or that its listed contents and price remain the same. Use the storefront’s current package details to make that call.
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For Shadow of Mordor
- Look for the edition that explicitly identifies itself as the definitive version if you want the publisher-listed story missions and extras together.
- Confirm that the store’s contents list includes The Lord of the Hunt and The Bright Lord.
- Check for the Trials of War challenge series, Warband Missions, Runes, and Skins if those additions matter to you.
- Verify the platform, region, language information, and current availability on the retailer’s page. The publisher confirms that the edition exists, but it does not establish that every platform or retailer still has identical stock.
- If you are buying a physical copy, compare the listing’s edition and condition with what you expect to receive. A historical release announcement or the word “definitive” in a title does not prove the contents of an individual used disc or retailer listing.
For Shadow of War
- Open the current Steam listing rather than relying on an old search result or a third-party bundle description.
- Read whether you are viewing the base game, a Definitive Edition bundle, or a package containing both games.
- Check which expansions are named in the current contents panel and whether the price shown applies to your country and account.
- Save the order confirmation or library entry so you can verify which product you bought if several similarly named packages appear.
- Before comparing a single game with a bundle, make sure you are comparing the actual contents shown for each option. A bundle that appears to include more is not automatically the best value for you; the current price and the items you want both matter.
There is no fixed price recommendation here: the storefront information can change, and no current price is established. For the same reason, do not assume a bundle saves money, that a particular edition is in stock, or that expansion content is included just because a package name sounds comprehensive. The useful check is the itemized list on the live store page at the time you buy.
Platforms and the age of the release
A July 25, 2014 report from TIME said that Shadow of Mordor was scheduled for September 30 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, with the PC version following on October 2. The report is historical release information, not a guarantee of present-day compatibility, digital support, or retail stock. It is available at time.com/3034005/middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor-release-bumped-up-a-week/.
If you are searching for a physical PlayStation 4 copy, that historical platform information makes PS4 a reasonable search term. It does not verify that a particular retailer currently has a new copy, which edition is in the box, whether a used disc includes every advertised add-on, or whether a modern console update is required. Ask the seller for the exact edition and inspect the listing’s compatibility notes before buying.
The same caution applies to any older console or PC listing. A historical release platform is evidence that the game was announced for that system at the time; it is not a current storefront guarantee. For a digital purchase, rely on the platform’s live product page. For a disc, confirm the console generation and regional format.
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For order decisions, the platform detail does not change the core answer. The documented sequel relationship is the same reason to start with Mordor whether you are playing on PC or looking for a console copy. Platform matters when you are checking access and compatibility; it does not turn the two titles into a different narrative sequence.
Three sensible ways to play the series
Plan A: story-first
- Start with Shadow of Mordor, preferably the definitive version if its listed additions appeal to you.
- Finish the content you want from the predecessor before opening Shadow of War.
- Move to Shadow of War as the sequel, checking whether your chosen edition includes expansions or only the base game.
This plan follows the documented relationship between the games. “Finish the content you want” leaves the choice of whether to play the extra missions and challenges to you; the publisher lists them as part of the definitive edition, but the edition listing alone does not say they are required to understand the sequel.
Plan B: sequel-first
- Start Shadow of War if it is the title you most want to play or the one already available to you.
- Treat any introductory explanation as a convenience, not as verified proof that every event from Shadow of Mordor is covered.
- Play Shadow of Mordor afterward if you want the predecessor’s own story and the content listed in its definitive edition.
This plan prioritizes immediate access over chronological order. It is valid as a personal choice, but it carries more uncertainty about how much background you will receive up front. The available evidence does not establish that playing the sequel first makes the predecessor pointless, either; it simply cannot specify how the order will affect your experience.
Plan C: bundle-first, order-yourself
- Buy a current bundle only after checking its live contents and price.
- Install both games, but launch Shadow of Mordor first.
- Keep the sequel installed or queued for later so you do not have to purchase it separately if the bundle already covers it.
This is useful when the bundle’s total price or convenience matters, while still preserving the predecessor-to-sequel order. It also avoids a common mix-up: buying both games together does not mean you should launch them in the order they appear in a package name or store list. Use the official sequel relationship to decide which title to start.
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a sequel is automatically a complete recap. The official evidence identifies Shadow of War as a sequel but does not document the scope of its recap.
- Treating a historical platform announcement as current stock information. The 2014 release report cannot tell you whether a disc or digital license is sold today.
- Buying a similarly named edition without reading its contents. Confirm the named story missions, challenge series, missions, Runes, and Skins for Mordor; confirm the current expansion list for War.
- Assuming every bundle remains unchanged. Steam can alter package contents, regional prices, and availability, so check the live listing immediately before purchase.
- Using “better game” as a substitute for the actual decision. The cited material establishes order and edition information, not an objective winner for gameplay quality, length, difficulty, or value.
- Assuming a physical listing includes every extra named for an edition. Check the exact product and seller details, especially for used copies; publisher edition information is not a guarantee about a particular retailer’s stock.
- Confusing release history with present-day compatibility. TIME’s July 25, 2014 report records the scheduled platforms and dates at that time. Check the current platform store or seller for present compatibility and availability details.
A practical decision test
Use these questions in order:
- Do you want the story in sequence? If yes, choose Shadow of Mordor.
- Do you already own only one title? Start with the one you have, unless preserving story order is more important than avoiding another purchase.
- Are you considering a bundle? Open the current store page and confirm whether it contains one game, the sequel’s expansions, or both games.
- Are you buying a physical console copy? Match the disc’s platform and edition to your console, and treat retailer stock as a separate question from the game’s historical release.
- Are you choosing based on which game is objectively superior? The cited evidence does not establish that comparison; choose based on order, access, and the edition contents you actually want.
If your answers conflict—for example, you want story order but currently own only War—decide which priority matters more before buying anything. You can begin with the sequel you already have, or wait until you can start with Mordor. Neither choice changes the series order; it changes whether you follow it on your first pass.
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What can be stated with confidence
- Shadow of Mordor is the story predecessor.
- Shadow of War is officially described as its sequel.
- The clearest narrative order is Shadow of Mordor followed by Shadow of War.
- Warner Bros. Games lists a definitive Shadow of Mordor edition with The Lord of the Hunt, The Bright Lord, Trials of War, additional Warband Missions, Runes, and Skins.
- Steam lists Shadow of War editions and bundles, including listings that can contain both games; the live store page is the authority for current contents and pricing.
- Shadow of Mordor had a historical PS4 release announcement, but that does not verify current retail availability or compatibility details.
These points answer the practical question without claiming more than the sources establish. They support the order recommendation, show what to look for in the named Mordor edition, and point you toward live store details for changing products. They do not establish an objective winner, a current price, or how completely War recaps the first game.
Final recommendation by reader type
| Reader type | Start with | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| First-time player with no purchase yet | Shadow of Mordor | It is the predecessor, making the narrative path unambiguous. |
| Player who wants the most complete listed predecessor package | Shadow of Mordor: Definitive Edition | It includes the two named story missions and the additional content listed by Warner Bros. Games. |
| Player who is specifically excited by the sequel | Shadow of War | Play the desired game now, while recognizing that the official material cited here does not define its recap coverage. |
| Player shopping on Steam for both titles | Whichever bundle is currently listed, then launch Shadow of Mordor first | Verify the live package contents before purchase and preserve story order after installation. |
| Player looking for a physical PS4 copy | Shadow of Mordor, if the listing’s edition and condition are suitable | The game’s 2014 release report includes PS4, but current stock and edition must be checked with the seller. |
For most newcomers, the answer remains Shadow of Mordor first, followed by Shadow of War. Starting with the sequel is a reasonable alternative when immediate access matters more than chronology, but it is not the evidence-backed choice for the clearest story progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I play Shadow of Mordor before Shadow of War?
Yes, if you want the clearest story order. The official Shadow of War site describes it as the sequel to Shadow of Mordor. If you most want to play War now, you can choose it directly, but the official material cited here does not specify how complete its recap is.
Can I start with Shadow of War?
You can start with it if it is the game you want to play or already own. Just know that it is the sequel, and the cited official description does not establish how much of Shadow of Mordor it recaps.
Which Shadow of Mordor edition includes the extra story missions?
Warner Bros. Games lists a definitive version that includes The Lord of the Hunt and The Bright Lord story missions, Trials of War, and additional Warband Missions, Runes, and Skins. Check the exact store listing to confirm the contents for the platform and product you are considering.
Does a Steam bundle include both games?
Steam listings include bundles, including a package described as containing both Shadow of War and Shadow of Mordor. Contents, price, and regional availability can change, so check the live Steam page and bundle details before buying.
Was Shadow of Mordor released on PS4?
TIME reported on July 25, 2014, that Shadow of Mordor was scheduled for PS4, Xbox One, PS3, and Xbox 360 on September 30, with the PC version scheduled for October 2. That historical report does not confirm current stock or compatibility; check the current retailer or platform listing.
The Bottom Line
For the clearest story order, play Shadow of Mordor first and Shadow of War second. Start with War instead if it is the game you want to play now or already own, but do not assume the official description promises a complete recap. Before buying, verify the exact edition, bundle contents, price, and platform details on the current store or retailer listing.
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