Play Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor first, then Middle-earth: Shadow of War. Shadow of War is the sequel and continues the story of Talion and Celebrimbor, so playing in release-story order gives you the clearest narrative progression.
Why play Shadow of Mordor first?
Shadow of War’s official page identifies it as a sequel to Shadow of Mordor. Xbox Wire’s October 10, 2017 launch announcement says it continues the story of Talion and Celebrimbor. Start with the earlier game if you want to meet the central characters and follow their story in order.
| # | 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 |
Can you skip Shadow of Mordor?
You can choose to begin with Shadow of War if its army-building and fortress-conquest premise is what interests you most. Its official description emphasizes forging an army and conquering fortresses, and Xbox Wire describes an enhanced Nemesis System in which player successes and failures shape stories for enemies and followers. The available official descriptions establish the sequel relationship, but do not say how much prior-story knowledge is required to enjoy it; skipping the first game means choosing not to experience the story from its beginning.
What does Shadow of Mordor’s definitive edition include?
WB Games describes the definitive version of Shadow of Mordor as including these additions:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#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
- The Lord of the Hunt and The Bright Lord story missions
- The Trials of War challenge series
- Additional Warband Missions
- Runes and Skins
See WB Games’ Shadow of Mordor page for the publisher’s edition description. Check the current store listing for your platform and region to confirm availability and the exact contents of the edition on offer.
Which game should you choose for your play style?
| What matters to you | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Following Talion and Celebrimbor’s story in order | Shadow of Mordor | Shadow of War is the sequel and continues their story. |
| Building an army and conquering fortresses | Shadow of War | Those systems are central to its official description. |
| Playing both games | Shadow of Mordor, then Shadow of War | This follows the story sequence. |
Check platform and edition availability
The official Shadow of War page lists Xbox One, Windows 10, PS4, and PC. That listing does not confirm current store availability, and the Xbox Wire launch information is historical. Check the store for your platform and region before buying either game, and verify the specific edition’s contents there.
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.
