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Middle Earth: Shadow of War Gear and Weapons Detailed

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Published: April 25, 2017 4:26 PM

New details regarding the weapons and equipment of Middle Earth: Shadow of War have emerged thanks to an IGN First video. In the footage, IGN's Brandin Tyrrel shows us some of the specifics on how you'll obtain gear in the game and how exactly it will augment your character's abilities. First, we learn there are six categories of gear; swords (melee), daggers (stealth), bow/forge hammer (ranged), armor, cape, and runes which can be inscribed onto the character's 'Ring of power.'

Much like the previous game, Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, you'll be picking away at an enemy hierarchy throughout the game. This time enemies will drop lootable equipment, increasing in rarity as the enemies increase in power. 'Legendary' enemies will drop Legendary equipment, which will have not only increased stats but also additional abilities which can be unlocked by completing an associated challenge. In the footage we see Tyrrel unlock an upgrade for his dagger by stealth killing an enemy who's on fire.

In addition to these abilities, players will be able to unlock slots to socket gems into various gear pieces, providing a variety of bonuses. This will be achieved a bit more simply than the challenge abilities, with players using in-game currency to unlock these gem slots in corresponding equipment. In the video we only see the example of a basic damage boost but it is also revealed that there will be other varieties of gem and each type will be upgradable. As we covered in our previous gameplay reveal article, these expanded RPG elements come paired with an expansion to the first game's nemesis system as well as an army of your own to think about. All evidence seems to suggest that developer Monolith Productions are doubling down on everything in Shadow of Mordor with this sequel, making Shadow of War a more expansive game. Will bigger be better? We'll find out when the game releases on August 22nd on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

How do you feel about what's been shown so far of Middle Earth: Shadow of War? What about the weapon challenges, a nice addition or a bit of a pain? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Dom Oleary Writer
| Former Staff Writer

I'm a dyed in the wool gamer of the now irrelevant (I'm told) generation-X. If I'm not gaming, you'll find me writing about games, writing my wonderful… More about Dom