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ActionAdventureRPG by Monolith Productions

Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™

Shadow of War expands the Nemesis system from Shadow of Mordor, generating uniquely named orc warlords that remember player interactions and rise or fall through a persistent enemy hierarchy. Players build and defend strongholds by dominating orcs, creating faction dynamics that emerge differently across each playthrough. The story takes significant creative liberties with Tolkien's lore in its depiction of the One Ring and Shelob.

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Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™

About

Experience an epic open-world brought to life by the award-winning Nemesis System. Forge a new Ring of Power, conquer Fortresses in massive battles and dominate Mordor with your personal orc army in Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™.

Games like Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™

  • Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
  • Assassin's Creed Origins
  • Batman: Arkham Knight

Good for

  • Players who enjoy emergent enemy AI stories from Nemesis-generated characters
  • Fans of fluid third-person melee combat with a large upgrade set
  • Those who want open-world Middle-earth content prioritizing systems over story fidelity

Avoid if

  • Story takes major liberties with Tolkien lore — divisive for series purists
  • Post-game content had loot box monetization at launch that left a lasting negative reputation
  • Main narrative is secondary and less compelling than its emergent systems

FAQ

Is Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ worth playing in 2026?

If players who enjoy emergent enemy ai stories from nemesis-generated characters, Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ holds up well. Check "Avoid if" above for honest caveats before committing.

How long does Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ take to beat?

Main story runtime varies — check the HowLongToBeat link in the sidebar for community-reported hours (Main / Main+Extras / Completionist).