Here's the first Middle-earth: Shadow of War trailer and 5 things you should know
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Every Friday
GamesRadar+
Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.
Every Thursday
GTA 6 O'clock
Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.
Every Friday
Knowledge
From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.
Every Thursday
The Setup
Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.
Every Wednesday
Switch 2 Spotlight
Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.
Every Saturday
The Watchlist
Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.
Once a month
SFX
Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!
There's a new Middle-earth game on the way called Shadow of War. It barely had time to leak before Warners spoiled it all with a confirmation, trailer and first info.
Here's the trailer:
And now the deets...
Shadow of War features a new ring
Shadow of War is focused on a new Ring of Power forged by Talion/Celebrimbor, the ranger possessed by a wraith, who's back to fight orcs as 'the world of men is ending.' Again, this takes place in the 60 year gap between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Sauron's in Shadow of War
As well as appearing in the trailer, the official Shadow of War details talk of confronting "the deadliest of enemies, including Sauron and his Nazgul, in a monumental battle for Middle-earth." The info also promises "epic heroes and villains, original enemy types, even more personalities and a new cast of characters with untold stories." Balrog's obviously in the trailer as well.
Shadow of War's Nemesis system now affects the actual world...
The Nemesis system is back but this time will encompass "the entire world," with mention of characters and now environments being affected in Shadow of War. Everything will be "shaped by player actions and decisions, creating a personal world unique to every gameplay experience."
...and new Nemesis Fortresses
The new Nemesis system also adds Nemesis Fortresses. These will apparently allow players to "utilise different strategies to conquer dynamic strongholds." There's mention again of personalised worlds and a "unique Orc army."
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
Shadow Of War will visit more film locations
While the previous game was set in the same locations as the film, and shared a few place names, it wasn't packed with much in the way of instantly recognisable places. Shadow of War is promising "iconic locations" which hopefully means more than a brown field with a name from the book.
There'll be a gameplay reveal on March 8th so well find out more then.
Seen something newsworthy? Tell us!

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.


