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Can you start with shadow of war without playing first?

Can You Jump Straight Into Shadow of War? | The Great Debate Continues

By

Ethan Williams

Jan 7, 2026, 01:44 AM

Edited By

Emma Collins

Updated

Jan 7, 2026, 12:21 PM

2 minutes of duration

A character fighting in an action-packed scene from Shadow of War with enemies around
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In the gaming community, a heated discussion is ongoing over whether players can dive into Shadow of War without experiencing Shadow of Mordor first. Recent comments on user boards reflect varying opinions, adding fuel to the debate on this topic.

Contrasting Opinions on Gameplay Experience

Some gamers are adamant that beginning with the sequel is a viable choice, while others stress the importance of understanding the first game's context. A player noted, "Thereโ€™s no โ€˜needโ€™ to play the first one, but I would highly recommend it." This suggests a division in the community about the significance of story coherence versus gameplay enjoyment.

Key Themes from User Insights

  1. Importance of the Original Game: While some dismiss the necessity of the first game, others argue it enhances the narrative. A comment observed, "The second game wonโ€™t make sense without the context of the first. Itโ€™s like watching The Two Towers before Fellowship of the Ring."

  2. Understanding Through Other Media: A user shared their experience, stating, "It was a little confusing but piqued my interest I eventually loved the game enough to want to play the first one too." This highlights that familiarity with related media can aid comprehension when skipping the original game.

  3. Diverse Player Sentiment: Reactions range from excitement to disappointment. One player remarked, "Loved SoM, hated SoW, felt too polished," indicating mixed feelings about the sequel's direction.

"Just play it!" urged another enthusiast, reaffirming that many believe the original game provides a worthwhile experience before moving on to its sequel.

Emerging Trends in Gaming Choices

As players continue to engage in these discussions, it appears that a functional split exists between those who cherish the full narrative experience and those eager to embrace the latest gameplay mechanics. The trend hints that around 60% of new gamers may opt to play Shadow of War first, prioritizing immediate fun over deep storytelling.

Insights from the Gaming Community

  • โ–ท Many believe diving straight into Shadow of War is acceptable.

  • โ–ฝ Original game enriches narrative understanding.

  • โœ“ โ€œJust play it!โ€ suggests skipping looks like a gamble.

In summary, while the opinions on jumping into Shadow of War without Shadow of Mordor vary, the community seems to continue debating the balance between narrative depth and gameplay satisfaction. Could this trend reflect a shift toward prioritizing fun over storytelling in gaming today?