Should I Play Shadow of Mordor Before Playing Shadow of War?
In the world of Middle-earth, the battles of Men and Elves are raging against the darkness of Sauron’s armies. For gamers, this means that the Monolith Productions has released two games that immerse us in this world of epic struggle: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War. Both games follow the story of Talion, a ranger, and his battles against Sauron’s armies. But the question remains, should you play Shadow of Mordor before playing Shadow of War? Let’s dive into the answers.
Why Not Necessarily?
You may not need to play Shadow of Mordor before Shadow of War, and here’s why:
• Shadow of War’s Story is a Prequel: Shadow of War takes place before the events of Shadow of Mordor, so playing Shadow of War first won’t ruin the story of Mordor. The events in Shadow of War serve as a prologue to the story of Mordor.
• Character Inheritance: The orc enemies in Shadow of War retain memories of their encounters with Talion in Shadow of Mordor, but their experiences are not tied to your playthrough. So, playing Shadow of Mordor first won’t affect the outcome in Shadow of War.
However, Here’s Why You Might Want to Play Shadow of Mordor First
While not necessary, playing Shadow of Mordor first can still offer some benefits:
• Understanding the Lore: Shadow of Mordor’s story is set before the events of Shadow of War, so playing Mordor first can provide insight into the lore of Middle-earth. This knowledge will enrich your understanding of the world and characters.
• Improved Understanding of Orcs: In Shadow of Mordor, you’ll learn about the Nemesis System, where your actions influence the orc captains and their followers. Playing Mordor first can help you appreciate the improvements made to this system in Shadow of War.
Key Differences Between the Games
Before diving into the games, it’s essential to understand the differences between Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War:
| Shadow of Mordor | Shadow of War | |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Takes place in the later years of the Third Age, during the reign of Sauron. | Takes place during the Second Age, during the early years of Sauron’s rule. |
| Nemesis System | Introduces the Nemesis System, where your actions influence the orc captains and their followers. | Expands upon the Nemesis System, introducing new orc captains, missions, and features. |
| Graphics and Engine | Runs on the Lithtech engine. | Runs on the MORDhau engine, an improved version of the Lithtech engine. |
| Multiplayer | No multiplayer mode. | Includes a new multiplayer mode, where players can play co-op with friends. |
Conclusion
Playing Shadow of Mordor before Shadow of War is not necessary, but it can offer a richer experience for those who appreciate the lore and Nemesis System. If you’re new to the series, playing Shadow of War first can still provide an enjoyable experience, but understanding the differences between the games will enrich your playthrough. Whether you play Mordor first or War first, be prepared for an epic journey in the world of Middle-earth.