Middle-earth: Shadow of War Achievement Guide

Unleash your inner warrior and conquer the land of Mordor with our comprehensive Middle-earth: Shadow of War Achievement Guide. Whether you're a seasoned player aiming for 100% completion or a newcomer eager to master the battlefield, our detailed guide will pave your path to success. Here's what you'll find inside:

General Achievement Walkthrough - A step-by-step roadmap to help you unlock every achievement with ease, ensuring no important feat goes amiss.

Forged By War - Tips and strategies to master the art of siege warfare and lead your army to glorious victory.

No Orc Lives Matter - Proven tactics to slay every orc that stands in your way, making Mordor a safer place for your allies.

Better Luck Next Time - Exclusive insights into those tricky achievements that require a bit more finesse and luck to obtain.

The Operative - Sneaky methods to complete covert missions, using stealth and strategy to outsmart your enemies.

Dive into our guide and become the ultimate Middle-earth champion! From mastering combat to perfecting stealth, we've got you covered. Read on and let the journey begin!

General Achievement Walkthrough

In Middle-earth: Shadow of War, unlocking achievements is an awesome way to make the most out of your journey through Mordor. This guide will help you get some of the most common achievements that players aim for, guiding you on your path to becoming a true Ranger of Mordor.

The Basics

Before diving into specific achievements, here are some tips that will help you no matter what achievement you're aiming for:

1. Explore Everything: The world of Shadow of War is rich with hidden secrets and opportunities. Make sure to explore every nook and cranny.
2. Upgrade Talion: Focus on upgrading Talion's abilities and gear. This will make combat and other tasks much easier.
3. Dominate and Recruit: Use the Dominate ability to recruit enemies and build your own army. This will be crucial for several achievements.

Specific Achievement Strategies

“Forger” Achievement

• Objective: Forge a legendary gear set.
• Strategy: Legendary gear is dropped by legendary orcs, which are usually identified through Nemesis missions or by identifying a captain with Intel. Once you have a full set of legendary gear, upgrade each piece by completing the specific challenges listed in each item's description. Equip all five pieces to unlock this achievement.

“Rule of Three” Achievement

• Objective: Unlock 3 Gem slots.
• Strategy: Gems can greatly enhance your abilities, and unlocking slots is crucial. Get gems by defeating captains and finding them throughout the world. To unlock gem slots, go to the inventory menu and open the weapon, armor, and rune sections. Use the prompt to unlock gem slots for three pieces of gear.

“Bound by Blood” Achievement

• Objective: Complete an Online Vendetta.
• Strategy: Online Vendettas appear on your map as red missions. These are triggered when another player’s character is killed by an orc. Locate and begin an Online Vendetta mission, find and kill the targeted orc to complete the mission and snag this achievement.

“Death is not the End” Achievement

• Objective: Resurrect a Follower Captain.
• Strategy: This can only be achieved once you unlock the "Raise Dead" ability. Afterward, when one of your captains is killed, go to their body, use your ability to resurrect them, and they will return to fight for you.

“It Came From Within” Achievement

• Objective: Capture all the fortress regions.
• Strategy: Throughout the game, there are several fortresses to capture: Minas Ithil, Cirith Ungol, Nurnen, Seregost, and Gorgoroth. Use a mix of stealth and brute strength to defeat the Overlord and Warchiefs in each fortress, filling it with your own captains afterward to secure the region.

Endgame Achievements

Once you’ve got the basics down, and completed the main story, you're ready for some endgame achievements.

“No Orc Lives Forever” Achievement

• Objective: Win all Nemesis Missions.
• Strategy: Nemesis Missions are little side-quests that revolve around your interactions with certain captains. These can include trials by combat, rescue missions, and more. Successfully finish all these to unlock this achievement.

“The Bright Lord” Achievement

• Objective: Complete the Shadow Wars.
• Strategy: Shadow Wars is a post-campaign series of missions where you defend your fortresses against endless waves of Sauron's army. Ten stages must be completed, each harder than the last. Use strong captains, upgrade defenses, and smart strategies to overcome these challenges.

Conclusion

Cracking these achievements will not only bolster your Gamerscore but also let you experience the game in exciting, new ways. Keep exploring, upgrading, and battling your way through Mordor, and you'll become a legendary figure in Middle-earth. Happy hunting, Rangers!

Forged By War

Alright, warriors of Middle-earth! So, you’ve conquered monsters, befriended orcs, and wreaked havoc across Mordor. Now, it’s time to show your mettle by earning the "Forged By War" achievement. This guide will help you navigate through the fiery chaos to get this badge of honor. Let’s dive in!

What is "Forged By War"?

First things first, "Forged By War" is an achievement that you can unlock in Middle-earth: Shadow of War. To earn it, you need to complete a series of tough challenges that will push your combat skills to the limit. Specifically, you must complete all siege upgrades on a fortress, which means you’ll have to lay waste to the enemies and prove your dominance.

Preparing for War

Before you charge into battle, let's make sure you're ready. This is not a task for the faint-hearted, so prep work is essential:

1. Level Up Your Buddies: Upgrade your followers and captains. High-level allies will be invaluable when you're besieging a fortress.
2. Gear Up: Equip the best armor and weapons you can find. Legendary gear can make the difference between victory and defeat.
3. Upgrade Skills: Focus on unlocking and upgrading skills that enhance your combat abilities, especially those that can turn the tide in a large-scale battle.

Choosing the Fortress

You can't just pick any fortress; you need one that's fully upgraded with all the siege upgrades. This means capturing fortresses in different regions and leveling them up. Usually, fortresses in later-game areas are better targets because they have more upgrade slots.

1. Identify the Fortress: Pick a stronghold that's pivotal to your campaign.
2. Scout Your Foes: Use the "Nazhû" ability to gather intel on enemy captains and warlords. Knowing your enemy’s weaknesses can be a game changer.

Sieging the Fortress

Here’s where the real action begins. Attacking a fully upgraded fortress requires strategy and brute strength.

1. Deploy Siege Upgrades: Before the assault, invest in siege upgrades such as fire archers, caragor riders, and war grogs. These will boost your chances.
2. Command Your Forces: Direct your captains and troops effectively. Choose captains with abilities that complement each other and counter the fortress defenses.
3. Take External Points: Focus on capturing victory points outside the main keep first. These will weaken the fortress and demoralize the enemy.

Inside the Fortress

Once you've breached the outer defenses, it's time for some close-quarters combat.

1. Push In: Lead the charge into the fortress, dealing with enemy captains and warlords.
2. Prioritize Targets: Eliminate high-value targets like the Overlord’s bodyguards. This reduces the Overlord's strength significantly.
3. Confront the Overlord: The final battle is against the Overlord in the throne room. Use your best moves, and don't forget to utilize your strongest abilities and gear.

After the Battle

Once the dust has settled and the fortress is yours, you'll see the glorious message that you've unlocked the "Forged By War" achievement pop up on your screen. Now, take a moment to bask in your victory--Mordor won’t forget your name any time soon.

Tips and Tricks

• Mix and Match Upgrades: Try different combinations of siege upgrades. Sometimes, odd combos work surprisingly well.
• Exploit Nemesis System: Use the Nemesis system to recruit and dominate powerful enemies, making them valuable assets during sieges.
• Stay Mobile: Avoid getting pinned down. Move quickly between capture points to lead your forces effectively.

With this guide, you’re more than ready to conquer and claim your "Forged By War" achievement. Go forth and etch your legend into the annals of Middle-earth!

No Orc Lives Matter

The "No Orc Lives Matter" achievement in Middle-earth: Shadow of War can be pretty darkly funny but also super challenging. To grab this one, you've got to kill a bunch of your uruk followers in a very specific way: using the "Shaming" mechanic repeatedly until they become deranged and then, unfortunately, meet their end at your hands.

What You Need to Know

The key here is manipulation. You'll need to recruit some uruks (orc captains) and slowly drive them mad through shaming. Here's how you can efficiently tackle this:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Recruit Some Uruks:

   • Capture a few uruk captains as soon as you can. You’ll want to have a handful ready for shaming.
   • Try not to get too attached to them. Remember, "No Orc Lives Matter" for this achievement!

2. Choose Your Victim:

   • Pick one uruk to start with. Make sure they have some levels on them - this process works best when they are slightly higher level.

3. Start Shaming:

   • Use the "Shame" ability on your chosen uruk. This will lower its level and possibly start the journey towards derangement.
   • Release the uruk and let it back into the world.

4. Rinse and Repeat:

   • After some time, track down that uruk again. You'll usually find them wandering around or leading a squad in enemy territory.
   • Shame them again. You might need to do this a few times until they start showing signs of derangement.
   • Watch out for changes in behavior or their appearance becoming more unhinged.

5. Finish the Job:

   • Once the uruk is clearly deranged, it's time to finish the job. Find your uruk and kill it.
   • Unfortunately, deranged uruks are usually weaker, so it shouldn’t be too tough.

Tips and Tricks

• Level Management:

  • Sometimes, if you shame an uruk too much, they might drop levels very low. Make sure they don’t become too weak, or they might get killed by other enemies before you can finish them yourself.

• Use the Map:

  • Keep track of your shamed uruks via the army screen on the map. It helps you find and repeat the process quicker.

• Be Patient:

  • It might take a little while to push an uruk to madness. Don’t rush it; you’ll get the hang of tracking and shaming as you go.

Why This is Fun (or Horrible)

Middle-earth: Shadow of War throws some pretty intense and sometimes twisted tasks your way. This achievement is no exception. The combination of strategy and a bit of dark humor makes "No Orc Lives Matter" a noteworthy challenge. Plus, the stories that emerge from repeatedly shaming and hunting down uruks are memorable, if a bit grim.

While this might not be the most heroic achievement in the game, it’s definitely one that showcases the flexibility and depth Shadow of War’s Nemesis system offers. So gear up, pick your targets, and dive into the twisted task of turning your uruk followers against themselves. Good luck!

Better Luck Next Time

In Middle-earth: Shadow of War, achievements are a fantastic way to push your skills to the limit. One of the more elusive achievements you might be chasing is "Better Luck Next Time." This guide will help you nail it down.

What is "Better Luck Next Time"?

"Better Luck Next Time" is an achievement that requires you to perform an epic feat - get killed by an Orc and then kill that same Orc when he comes back as a Nemesis. Yes, you need to allow yourself to be defeated first. Sounds a bit counterintuitive, right? It's all part of the intricate Nemesis System that makes Shadow of War so engaging.

Getting Started

Here's a step-by-step on how to get this achievement:

1. Get Killed by an Orc:

   • Head to any region with plenty of Orcs. Minas Ithil works great.
   • Engage in combat, but don't heal yourself or run away.
   • Let an Orc (any standard, non-captain Orc) deal the final blow.

2. Return to the Scene:

   • After dying, return to where the Orc killed you. The game should inform you that the Orc is now promoted to a Captain.

3. Hunt Down Your Nemesis:

   • You can find your new Nemesis on the map. Look for a red icon indicating a Captain.
   • You can also use Celebrimbor’s wraith abilities to identify him. Just press the button to enter wraith mode and scan the area.
   • Plan your attack; get some intel on the Orc to learn his strengths and weaknesses. This will make your revenge hunt much smoother.

4. Exact Your Revenge:

   • Once you're prepared, engage the Orc in combat.
   • Utilize your combat skills, and ensure you execute him. Remember, he needs to be killed directly by you for the achievement to trigger. An accidental death caused by fire or beasts won't count.
   • Aim for a spectacular finish to rub it in his face a bit. Why not go for a brutal execution?

Tips and Tricks

• Lower Your Level: If you're over-leveled, let yourself get killed by a tougher enemy to ensure he becomes a formidable Captain.
• No Interference: Ensure other captains or Orcs don't interfere too much in your Nemesis fight. Isolate your target for the most efficient takedown.
• Use Weaknesses: Exploit your enemy's identified weaknesses to make your revenge battle easier. Fire, beasts, and poisoning can turn the tide in difficult fights.
• Save Skills for Later: Save your Might (the resource for executing powerful moves) until you're sure it’ll secure the kill.

Final Thoughts

Achieving "Better Luck Next Time" can be challenging, but it’s oh-so-satisfying. Dying might seem like a step back, but in the dynamic world of Shadow of War, it’s a thrilling setup for epic revenge. Allow that Orc to think he's won, just to show him who really dominates Mordor.

Happy hunting, Ranger! May the odds be ever in your favor.

The Operative Achievement Guide

In Middle-earth: Shadow of War, "The Operative" is one of the many achievements you can unlock. It requires an in-depth approach to managing your orc army and leveraging your spies effectively. Here's everything you need to know to get this achievement.

What is "The Operative"?

"The Operative" achievement is earned when one of your spies successfully aids you in taking down a Warchief. This means you strategically place an orc to betray the enemy from within and assist you in your conquest.

Preparing for the Achievement

Recruiting Orcs

First, you need to build up a solid collection of orcs. The best way to do this is through the game's Nemesis System:

• Dominate Orcs: Dominate captains by weakening them in battle and pressing 'B' (on Xbox) or 'Circle' (on PlayStation) to dominate them.
• Perform Quests: Completing Nemesis Missions can also get you high-ranking orcs who may have better traits for becoming spies.

Choosing the Right Spies

Not all orcs are created equal. Some are better suited for espionage:

• Stealth Abilities: Look for orcs with traits like "Sneaky" or "Silent Runner."
• Loyalty: Higher loyalty means they are less likely to betray you.

Placing Your Spies

Infiltration

Once you've got some top-notch orcs:

1. Select Your Spy: Open the army menu, choose an orc captain, and command him to infiltrate an enemy Warchief.
2. Warchief Missions: Often, to position a spy close to a Warchief, you'll need to complete an infiltration mission. These missions will involve your selected spy proving his worth.

Taking Down the Warchief

Now that your spy is in place, it's time for the fun part:

1. Mark the Warchief: Highlight the enemy Warchief who has your spy and draw him out by either completing or sabotaging his missions.
2. Siege Battle: Start a siege or a direct attack on the Warchief’s fortress. During this battle, your spy will reveal his allegiance and support you.
   • Spy Action: The moment your spy turns on the Warchief, he will attack alongside you, and this is when you should seize the opportunity to deal the final blows to the Warchief.

Tips for Success

• Upgrade Spies: Improve your spies by leveling them up with side missions and battles.
• Warchief Vulnerabilities: Take note of the Warchief’s weaknesses and make sure your spy is strong where the Warchief is weak.
• Orc Deaths: If your spy dies during his betrayal, it won't count. Ensure your spy is well-equipped and of equal or higher level.

What Happens After

Once you successfully get your spy to aid you in eliminating the Warchief, the "The Operative" achievement will pop up on your screen, and now you can brag about it (even though it’s just a single player game!)

Unlocking "The Operative" is not just about the achievement; it adds a layer of depth to your gameplay, making it more strategic and immensely satisfying. Happy hunting in Mordor!