October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
VGSources
action games

Middle-earth: Shadow of War on Nintendo Switch 2: Beginner’s Guide to Combat, Gear, and the Nemesis System

A practical beginner’s guide to captain intel, tactical movement, gear progression, and the Nemesis System—with the Nintendo Switch 2 edition clarified.

By VGSources Team 3 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Start by learning a captain’s weaknesses, use climbing and terrain to regain control of a bad fight, and build your gear through captain encounters and missions. One important platform note: Nintendo’s current listing is for Middle-earth: Shadow of War: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch 2, with a listed release date of 30 September 2026; it does not establish compatibility with the original Nintendo Switch.

First, which Nintendo Switch version is this guide about?

Nintendo UK lists Middle-earth: Shadow of War: Definitive Edition for Nintendo Switch 2, with a release date of 30 September 2026. The listing does not verify that the edition runs on the original Nintendo Switch, so check the platform on the product page before buying. It identifies eShop content; physical retail availability is not established.

Nintendo says the Definitive Edition includes the Desolation of Mordor and Blade of Galadriel story expansions, the Slaughter Tribe and Outlaw Tribe Nemesis expansions, and the Sword of Dominion bonus weapon. These details apply to Nintendo’s Switch 2 listing.

See Nintendo UK’s product listing for platform, edition contents, and feature details.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • 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.

How do you beat captains in Shadow of War?

Find out what the captain is vulnerable to

Do not treat every captain as a target for the same attack plan. First inspect the captain and use available intel to learn their weaknesses. WB Games’ starter guide recommends dominating a nearby Worm to obtain intel about a captain before engaging them. Use that information to choose an approach suited to that opponent rather than charging in blind.

This preparation is especially useful when an early encounter feels overwhelming: look for an opportunity to gather more information, then return with a plan that takes the captain’s specific weaknesses into account. WB Games’ starter guide explains the Worm-and-intel example.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 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.

Use height and terrain to change the fight

Climbing is more than a way to get around. WB Games says Talion can climb nearly any surface or structure to leave combat, buy time to heal, or attack from another position. If a fight is going badly, use the environment to create breathing room or change your angle instead of continuing to trade attacks on the captain’s terms. This is general tactical guidance, not a guarantee that every encounter can be escaped safely.

Check the controls for your controller and situation

WB Games groups control layouts by controller type and gameplay situation, including basic movement and riding a Caragor. Use the in-game control display for the controller and situation you are playing; mappings from another platform may not match the Switch 2 edition. WB Games explains how its control layouts are organized.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • 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.

How do you get better gear in Shadow of War?

Gear mainly comes from the game’s central activities: defeating Orc Captains and completing missions. WB Games states, “Gear is primarily obtained by defeating Orc Captains and completing missions in Shadow of War.” It also says more difficult Orcs with higher rarities drop gear matching their rarity. Treat captain fights and missions as progression, then judge each drop against your current equipment and the way you want to handle combat.

The official guidance does not provide a guaranteed drop schedule or name a best-in-slot build, so there is no supported promise that a particular encounter will produce a specific item. Read the WB Games gear FAQ.

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • 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
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How does the Nemesis System work?

The Nemesis System builds rivalries and relationships around Orcs Talion encounters. Nintendo describes it this way: “The Nemesis System creates unique Orc rivals who remember every battle, defeat, and encounter.” Its product description also says Talion can dominate opponents and make them loyal captains, then command an army in fortress conquests.

Think of captains as evolving opponents and potential followers, not characters in one fixed sequence. Your useful response is to notice what you learn about a particular captain and adapt your next encounter accordingly. WB Games calls the system the “backbone” of much of the game’s conflict in its starter guide.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 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.

What changes in Nintendo’s Switch 2 listing for online features?

Nintendo says the Garrison is available offline and can move undeployed Orc followers between regions without an internet connection. For the Nintendo-listed version, Online Conquests, Vendettas, Fight Pits, Chests, and Training Orders are no longer available. These feature notes belong to Nintendo’s Switch 2 listing and should not be assumed to describe other platform versions.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from Patch Notes

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.