Middle-earth: Shadow of War was last month's ray of sunshine, taking the previous title, Shadow of Mordor's Nemesis System and cranking it to eleven. These upgrades led to a much more elongated retention time over its predecessor. Not quite done with polishing up their game, however, Monolith Productions has just released a roadmap for their DLC plans, including a number of free bits of content.
It was announced before launch that DLC adding an Endless Siege mode would be coming, and we now know the date it will be landing. Prepare to defend your fortress against endless opposition from Sauron's forces on November 21. Along with this, we'll also be getting Rebellion mode on the same day, as well as an Enhanced Photo Mode, which was fairly popular in the first game.
Rebellion mode expands upon the Uruk's ability to betray the Bright Lord, making betrayal and turncoats more dynamic. The Enhanced Photo Mode is just that. It will add the ability to pause gameplay mid-combat to take pictures with added filters, color adjustment, and more.
Free content updates and features are coming this year to Middle-earth: #ShadowOfWar! Here’s a look at what you can expect to play soon: pic.twitter.com/qNi5V2mMsd
— Shadow of War (@shadowofwargame) November 16, 2017
On December 5, Online Fight Pits will be live. Currently, you can avenge other players by killing their killer in your game. You can also assault other players' fortresses, garrisoned by their selected Uruks and Ologs. But the Online Fight Pits will finally allow players to challenge each other in an Orc-on-Orc gladiatorial battle. The willer comes out with rewards and various upgrades.
Lastly, on December 12, a new Brutal difficulty is being added. Normal mode is a comfortable setting, and Nemesis mode is quite a big challenge. But the Brutal difficulty will offer even more challenge, going as far as turning off the Last Chance mechanic.
As far as paid DLC goes, February 2018 brings Blade of Galadriel and May will have the Desolation of Mordor. Both pieces expand on the story and have players taking the role of different characters besides Talion. Monolith has also mentioned the existence of further free DLC, although, beyond the 2018 window, they remain unannounced.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War is available now on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. It received 9 out of 10 from GameZone. "The world has never seen so many diverse Uruk-hai."
