Middle-earth: Shadow of War guide

Middle-earth: Shadow of War makes a lot of assumptions, and those assumptions create confusion. Polygon’s guides fill in the gaps between what you need to know and what the game thinks you already do. Give us a few minutes, and we’ll teach you what Middle-earth: Shadow of War doesn’t.

Getting started with Middle-earth: Shadow of War

The guides in this section give you a big head start.

• Everything you’re not told, everything you forgot and everything you need to know about Middle-earth: Shadow of War
• Our 6 most helpful Shadow of War tips: One does not simply walk into War-dor
• The first skills you should unlock in Shadow of War fix a video game no-no: Reboot the loot

Understanding Middle-earth: Shadow of War

The guides in this section explain the mechanics and systems that underly Middle-earth: Shadow of War. That includes what’s worth buying in the market, how to find and use gems, why you should find collectibles, an explanation of the Nemesis System and more.

• Middle-earth: Shadow of War lore guide: Your Cliff’s Notes on everything from Ainulindalë to Zirakzigil
• The Market and microtransactions: What should you buy? And should you spend real-world money?
• Middle-earth: Shadow of War skill tree guide: What to buy (and what to ignore)
• Why Treasure Hunter is the most useful skill
• Inventory, gear, upgrades and gems: The stuff you find to stab orcs better
• Gems and how to use them: Everything Middle-earth: Shadow of War does’t really explain
• Middle-earth: Shadow of War collectibles (and why to collect them)
• The Nemesis System guide: The secret sauce that makes the orcs so darn lovable
• Middle-earth: Shadow of War fortresses: Everything you need to know