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. Choose Shadow of War first if its army-building and fortress-conquest systems are what you most want to play, knowing you’ll be starting with the later entry.
Which game comes first in the story?
Shadow of Mordor comes first, followed by Shadow of War. The official Shadow of War site describes it as the sequel to Shadow of Mordor and frames its story around Talion, war and redemption, and a new Ring of Power. If playing the story in sequence matters to you, start with the earlier game.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Middle Earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition (PS4) | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War - Xbox One | $10.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Middle Earth: Shadow of War Definitive Edition (xbox_one) | $22.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Middle-earth: Shadow of War (Xbox One) | $7.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War - PlayStation 4 | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What does each game emphasize?
Shadow of Mordor: the earlier entry
Its place in the series makes Shadow of Mordor the natural starting point for Talion’s story. The available sources do not establish a detailed comparison of its mechanics with Shadow of War, so there is no sound basis here for ranking the two games’ combat or overall quality.
Shadow of War: armies, fortresses, and Nemesis stories
Steam’s listing and Xbox’s listing foreground building an army and conquering fortresses. They also describe the Nemesis System as generating personal stories around enemies and followers; the Xbox listing places the conflict against Sauron and the Ringwraiths. If those systems are your main draw, starting with Shadow of War is a reasonable preference.
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- 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
The available sources don’t establish whether Shadow of War is fully understandable without playing its predecessor. Treat it as a choice about what you want first—not a guarantee that the earlier story is unnecessary.
Which version or bundle should you buy?
Steam’s listings show several ways to buy Shadow of War. The contents below describe those Steam listings, not guaranteed availability, price, format, or contents in every region; check the live store page before buying.
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.
| Steam listing | Listed contents |
|---|---|
| Shadow of War | The base game. |
| Shadow of War Definitive Edition | The 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. |
| Shadow Bundle | Shadow of War, its Expansion Pass, Shadow of Mordor, and the Shadow of Mordor GOTY Edition Upgrade. |
For a first playthrough of the series, a listing that includes both games offers the straightforward way to play them in story order. Confirm the current contents and regional availability on Steam’s Shadow of War page before purchase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Release and publisher details
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. That date is for Shadow of War; it does not establish the release date of Shadow of Mordor.
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
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.
