PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchYes, if you want the story in order; no, it is not essential if you mainly want to play Shadow of War. Warner Bros. presents Middle-earth: Shadow of War as the sequel to Shadow of Mordor, so starting with the earlier game is the straightforward choice for continuity. But the practical case for playing it first has one important limit: Nemesis Forge, the feature that once let players carry a Nemesis into Shadow of War, is no longer available.
What playing the games in order gives you
Warner Bros. describes Shadow of War as the sequel to Shadow of Mordor. If you want to experience the series in its intended story order, play Shadow of Mordor first, then move on to Shadow of War. That is the clearest reason to begin with the older game: it lets you encounter the first chapter before its sequel rather than starting later in the story.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The official descriptions also foreground the Nemesis System in both games. Starting with Shadow of Mordor lets you experience that system in the first game before seeing it in the sequel. The official pages establish that it is a central feature, but they do not promise that every player will prefer the first game’s version or that prior play is required to understand the second.
So the decision depends less on a requirement than on what you want from the series. If continuity and seeing the first game’s take on the Nemesis System matter to you, the first game has a clear place. If you are mostly interested in reaching the sequel, the available information does not establish that you must complete Shadow of Mordor first.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What you should not expect to carry into Shadow of War
Nemesis Forge is no longer available, according to both Warner Bros. Games Support and the PlayStation product listing. That means playing Shadow of Mordor now should not be treated as a way to import your personal Nemesis into Shadow of War. The old transfer feature is not a current practical benefit of playing the first game.
This changes the decision for returning players in particular. If you remember Nemesis Forge as the reason to build an enemy in the first game before moving on, that transfer path is gone. You can still choose to play the first game for its story or its own experience of the Nemesis System, but do not plan around a personal enemy continuing into the sequel.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to choose: play first or jump to the sequel?
| Your priority | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Experience the story in release and sequel order | Play Shadow of Mordor first | Warner Bros. identifies Shadow of War as its sequel. |
| See the Nemesis System in both games | Play Shadow of Mordor first | Both official descriptions foreground the system, and the first game offers its own version before you reach the sequel. |
| Get to Shadow of War without committing to two related games | Start with Shadow of War | Skipping the first is a reasonable preference if continuity is not a priority; this is guidance based on the sequel relationship, not an official guarantee that no prior context matters. |
| Transfer a Nemesis you created in the first game | Neither option provides that transfer now | Nemesis Forge has been discontinued, as reported by Warner Bros. Games Support and PlayStation. |
Play Shadow of Mordor first if…
- You like following a story from its beginning rather than entering at the sequel.
- You want to experience the first game’s interpretation of a feature highlighted in both official game descriptions.
- You are interested in the first game on its own, not solely as preparation for the next one.
Start with Shadow of War if…
- Your main goal is to play the sequel and you are comfortable prioritizing that over story order.
- You are unsure whether you want to spend time with both games and would rather begin with the later entry.
- Your reason for playing the first game was specifically to transfer a Nemesis; that feature is no longer available.
Skipping is a preference, not a claim that the stories are unrelated or that the sequel has no prior context. The official material establishes the sequel relationship but does not settle how much background a new player will want. If that uncertainty matters to you, playing in order is the more conservative choice; if it does not, going straight to Shadow of War is reasonable.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Is the first game enjoyable in its own right?
There is a reason to consider Shadow of Mordor beyond its role as setup. Warner Bros.’s description centers on forging a Nemesis and discovering an ally, presenting the game as an experience of its own rather than merely a prologue. GameSpot’s review described the Nemesis System as “remarkably absorbing,” while also noting frustrations with movement, camera, and animation. That is one reviewer’s assessment, not a guarantee that the system will outweigh those frustrations for every player.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Use that critical assessment to set expectations, not to make the decision for you. If a distinctive enemy system is what appeals to you, the review offers a positive reason to try the first game. If movement, camera, and animation issues would undermine your enjoyment, those caveats may weigh against treating it as an obligatory stop before the sequel. The available review does not establish how strongly those issues will affect you personally.
Which version of Shadow of Mordor should you choose?
If you decide to play in order, Warner Bros. describes the definitive version of Shadow of Mordor as including additional content. Its listed extras are the The Lord of the Hunt and The Bright Lord story missions, the Trials of War challenge series, and additional Warband Missions, Runes, and Skins. The PlayStation listing identifies a Game of the Year Edition.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Those are edition contents, not a reason that every player needs to buy a particular version. Check the store for your platform and region to confirm which edition is listed and what it currently costs. Current price, sale status, stock, and the availability or contents of editions on every platform are not established here. The PlayStation listing confirms its named edition, but that alone does not verify equivalent availability elsewhere.
A practical recommendation
Choose Shadow of Mordor first if you want the story in order or are curious about the first game’s own Nemesis System. Choose Shadow of War first if reaching the sequel matters more than playing both games, and you are content to forgo the earlier entry. Either way, decide on the basis of story and interest in the first game’s experience—not on an expectation that your Nemesis will transfer.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
That recommendation follows the official sequel framing and the current status of Nemesis Forge. It does not assume a particular playtime, price, or platform: those details vary or are not established by the official descriptions and review cited here.
Quick Recap
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.
