Can You 100% Shadow of War?
Middle-earth: Shadow of War, developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, is a action-adventure game based on the popular book "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien. The game is a sequel to its predecessor, Shadow of Mordor, and boasts improved graphics, new orc factions, and an overhauled Nemesis System. But the question remains – can you 100% Shadow of War?
Completing the Game: The Basics
To put it simply, yes, you can 100% Shadow of War. This can be achieved by:
- Completing all memory quests
- Main and side quests
- Side objectives
- Collect all skill points
- Capture all fortresses
- Defeat all enemy Lieutenants
Ruthless Efficiency
By focusing on the main story, you can complete Shadow of War in approximately 20½ hours. However, if you opt for a more methodical approach, including collecting experience points, upgrading your Orcs, and completing side content, you can easily inflate that time to around 55½ hours to achieve 100% completion.
The Nemesis System: A Double-edged Sword
The Nemesis System, which allows the game’s orcs to adapt to your playstyle and develop their own hatred for you, is undeniably one of Shadow of War’s most touted features. While it greatly enhances the game’s atmosphere and replay value, it can also become repetitive if not managed properly. Keep in mind that defeating some Orcs may not bring the desired results, resulting in a prolonged grind towards 100% completion.
Shadow Wars: Infini-Boredom?
Shadow Wars are an endless series of stronghold defenses against an orc rebellion. While this mode of play can be thrillingly intense, it may drain your enthusiasm if you experience prolonged periods of boredom from repetitive gameplay. Monolith has confirmed that endless Shadow Wars will eventually arrive with the first DLC, which may provide needed variety to this feature.
Romancing the Corpses
For those keen on exploring the game’s more… unconventional aspects, romancing Orcs is a feature allowing you to develop bonds and relationships with certain orcs. This mechanic is likely to appeal to those exploring the game’s more avant-garde elements.
Celebrimbor’s Uncertain Fate
Celebrimbor, the Elf King, meets a gruesome fate at the hands of Sauron himself. His body is dragged to the dark lord as a trophy, foiling any potential hopes for heroic intervention.
Achievable 100%
Breaking down the game’s remaining requirements, we have the following:
| Requirement | Estimate Time |
|---|---|
| Completing Memory Quests | ± 10 hours |
| Completing Main Quest | ± 10 hours |
| Completing Side Objectives | ± 6 hours |
| Capturing All Fortresses | ± 4 hours |
| Defeating All Enemy Lieutenants | ± 4 hours |
| Skills and Upgrades | ± 2 hours |
| Total | ≈ 55½ hours |
Conclusion
For those seeking 100% completion in Shadow of War, the journey will, undoubtedly, be arduous. With over a day’s worth of content available, it’s crucial to prioritize your objectives, adapting to the Nemesis System’s ever-changing dynamics.
In conclusion, shadow of war is an intriguing, yet challenging game worth the investment for completionist enthusiasts. By diligently completing memory quests, objective side quests, capturing fortress after fortress, and racking up skill points through countless battles, you may, indeed, earn those coveted 100% standings.