The world of Mordor in Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a brutal and unforgiving place. Orcs are constantly vying for power, betrayal is commonplace, and death lurks around every corner. As Talion, the Gravewalker, you have the power to dominate Orc captains and build your own army. These captains become your loyal followers, crucial for sieging fortresses, completing missions, and generally wreaking havoc on Sauron’s forces. But what happens when one of your prized follower captains falls in battle? Can they be brought back from the brink? The answer is both yes and no, and the methods for achieving this resurrection are complex and depend heavily on the circumstances of their demise.
Understanding Death In Shadow Of War
Before diving into the revival process, it’s crucial to understand the different types of death that can occur in Shadow of War and their implications for your follower captains. Not all deaths are created equal, and some are far more permanent than others.
Normal Death Vs. Decapitation
The most common form of death in Shadow of War is a normal death, where an Orc captain is defeated but their body remains intact. This usually happens when their health bar is depleted, and you deliver the final blow without a special animation. These captains are the easiest to revive, provided they weren’t killed by fire or poison. If a captain is decapitated, their head is severed from their body. This signifies a much more definitive end, as it is much harder to bring them back. The game treats decapitation as a more permanent form of death.
The Role Of Elemental Damage
Fire and poison can complicate the revival process. If a captain is killed by fire, their body might be completely incinerated, making resurrection impossible through normal means. Similarly, death by poison can leave the captain in a state where their spirit is too tainted for a clean return. The game uses elemental effects to add variety to combat and to create more strategic vulnerabilities, but they also impact the possibilities of bringing your captains back.
The Nemesis System And Revenge
The Nemesis System is at the heart of Shadow of War, creating unique relationships and rivalries between Talion and the Orc captains. If an Orc captain kills you, they will gain power and rise through the ranks, often becoming a formidable foe. While this can be frustrating, it also adds a layer of depth and personalization to the game. If you are killed by one of your own follower captains, it will be a big blow to your army.
The Dark Arts Of Resurrection: Raising The Dead
While some deaths are permanent, Shadow of War offers a few methods for bringing fallen follower captains back to life. These methods vary in their reliability and the resources required, but they offer a glimmer of hope for those who have lost a favorite Orc.
The Necromancer Skill Tree
The most direct method for reviving dead captains lies within the Necromancer skill tree. This skill tree, unlocked later in the game, grants Talion the ability to raise dead Orcs as undead warriors. This is the most reliable way to revive a follower captain, provided you have unlocked the necessary skills and have enough corpses to raise.
Unlocking the Necessary Skills
The Necromancer skill tree requires a significant investment of skill points to unlock its full potential. You’ll need to progress through the main story and complete specific missions to unlock the ability to invest in this tree. Prioritize skills that directly improve your ability to raise dead captains, such as those that increase the number of undead you can control or improve their combat prowess.
The Resurrection Process
Once you have the necessary skills, you can approach the corpse of a fallen follower captain and use the “Raise Dead” ability. This will consume the corpse and create an undead version of the captain. Be aware that undead captains have certain limitations. They are vulnerable to certain types of damage, and they may not have all the same strengths and weaknesses they possessed in life.
The Power Of The Ringwraiths
Another way to potentially revive a follower captain involves the power of the Ringwraiths. This method is less reliable than the Necromancer skill tree, but it can sometimes work in specific circumstances.
Domination and Betrayal
If a follower captain betrays you and then dies, there’s a small chance that they can be resurrected as a Ringwraith. This is a rare occurrence, but it can result in a powerful, albeit corrupted, version of your former follower. The process involves dominating the captain again, but this time they will be under the influence of the Ringwraiths.
The Risks Involved
Resurrecting a captain as a Ringwraith comes with significant risks. They are often more powerful than their living counterparts, but they are also less controllable. They may have different allegiances, and they may be more prone to betrayal.
The Role Of Fate And Chance
Sometimes, a fallen follower captain may return on their own, without any direct intervention from Talion. This is a rare occurrence, but it can happen due to the unpredictable nature of the Nemesis System.
Gaining a Rival
If a captain defeats you multiple times, they might develop a personal rivalry with you. Even if they die, the game might bring them back as a Nemesis, driven by a desire for revenge. This is not technically a revival of your follower, but it does bring them back into the game world.
The Unpredictable Nature of the Nemesis System
The Nemesis System is designed to create dynamic and unpredictable experiences. This means that sometimes, things happen that are difficult to explain or predict. A fallen follower captain might return with new abilities, new weaknesses, and a new personality, all thanks to the machinations of the Nemesis System.
Preventing Death In The First Place
While reviving a fallen follower captain is possible, it’s always better to prevent their death in the first place. There are several strategies you can use to keep your captains alive and well.
Gear And Upgrades
Equipping your follower captains with the best gear and upgrades is crucial for their survival. Make sure they have high-level weapons, armor, and runes that enhance their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses. Regularly check their gear and replace anything that is outdated or ineffective.
Bodyguard Assignments
Assigning a bodyguard to your follower captains can significantly increase their chances of survival. A bodyguard can provide additional support in combat, draw enemy fire, and even revive a fallen captain. Choose bodyguards who are strong and resilient, and who complement the captain’s fighting style.
Knowing Your Captain’s Weaknesses
Understanding your captain’s weaknesses is essential for keeping them alive. Some captains are vulnerable to fire, others to poison, and others to certain types of attacks. Avoid putting them in situations where they are likely to encounter these weaknesses.
Using Training Orders
Training orders can be used to improve your captain’s skills and abilities. Use training orders to address their weaknesses and enhance their strengths. For example, you can use training orders to give a captain immunity to fire or poison.
The Moral Implications Of Resurrection
The ability to raise the dead in Shadow of War raises some interesting moral questions. Is it ethical to bring Orcs back to life as undead warriors? Is it right to tamper with the natural order of life and death? These are questions that players must grapple with as they navigate the morally ambiguous world of Mordor.
The Gravewalker’s Burden
Talion, the Gravewalker, is a character caught between two worlds. He is neither fully human nor fully Wraith, and he possesses powers that are both terrifying and alluring. His ability to raise the dead comes with a heavy burden, as he must constantly wrestle with the ethical implications of his actions.
The Orcs’ Perspective
The Orcs themselves have different views on death and resurrection. Some see it as a natural part of life, while others view it with fear and disgust. The game explores these different perspectives through the dialogue and interactions of the Orc captains.
Choosing Your Path
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to revive a fallen follower captain is up to the player. There is no right or wrong answer, and the game encourages players to make choices that align with their own moral compass. The consequences of those choices, however, can have a significant impact on the game world and the story.
Final Thoughts: The Cycle Of Life And Death In Mordor
Shadow of War is a game about power, ambition, and survival. It is also a game about the cycle of life and death, and the ways in which those cycles can be manipulated and subverted. The ability to revive a fallen follower captain is just one example of how players can bend the rules of Mordor to their will. But with that power comes responsibility, and the consequences of your actions will ripple throughout the game world. Remember that every choice you make, every captain you revive, and every fortress you conquer will shape the future of Mordor and the fate of its inhabitants.
Can I Revive Any Follower Captain Who Dies In Shadow Of War?
Not all Follower Captains can be revived. Reviving a Follower Captain is only possible if they die from specific causes, namely being killed by an Orc Captain. If a Follower Captain dies from environmental damage, Ghûls, Caragors, explosions, or falls, they cannot be resurrected using the methods available in the game. Essentially, the method of death must allow for the chance of a “revenge” opportunity, sparking a feud between Talion and the Captain who delivered the fatal blow.
The skill “Raise Dead” from the skill tree is crucial for reviving your fallen comrades. This skill allows Talion to resurrect Orc Captains who died at the hands of other Orcs, turning them into loyal, undead Followers. Remember that only captains who died in a way that allows for nemesis system interactions can be brought back, so protect your followers from accidental deaths.
How Do I Unlock The Raise Dead Skill?
The “Raise Dead” skill is part of the Wraith Skill Tree in Shadow of War. To unlock it, you’ll need to progress through the main story campaign to a certain point, specifically after completing the quest “The Bright Lord”. Once you’ve reached this milestone, you can spend skill points to unlock the “Raise Dead” skill within the Resurrection branch.
After unlocking the “Raise Dead” skill, you will have the ability to revive fallen Follower Captains. This will allow you to bring them back into your army as undead soldiers. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the skill description and requirements to effectively use this power.
What Are The Benefits Of Reviving A Follower Captain?
Reviving a Follower Captain offers several strategic advantages. Firstly, you regain a valuable member of your army, potentially saving you the time and effort of recruiting a new Captain with similar skills or traits. This is especially useful if the deceased captain possessed powerful strengths or crucial immunities that made them a key asset in sieges or other conflicts.
Secondly, undead captains possess unique strengths, such as immunity to poison and curse effects, and their very presence can instill fear in enemy Orcs. This can provide a significant tactical advantage during fortress assaults and defenses. They also retain their personality, albeit in a more twisted and macabre way, which can add interesting dynamics to your army.
Are There Any Downsides To Reviving A Follower Captain?
While reviving a Follower Captain offers benefits, there are also potential drawbacks. Revived captains become undead, which can affect their class and strengths. They may lose certain abilities or gain new ones, not always for the better. It’s important to consider if the resulting undead captain will still be as effective in the roles you require.
Another possible downside is that some players find the appearance and behavior of undead captains unsettling. Their decaying appearance and altered dialogue may not appeal to all players. The aesthetic change can also affect how the captain interacts with other Orcs, potentially leading to unexpected rivalries or friendships within your army.
What Happens To A Follower Captain’s Skills And Traits After Being Revived?
When a Follower Captain is revived, their skills and traits can undergo significant changes. While some of their original strengths and weaknesses might remain, they will also gain new undead-related traits. For example, they will typically become immune to poison and curse, and they will often have an increased fear aura.
However, they might also lose certain strengths they previously possessed. Furthermore, their rage and combat style can also be altered, possibly impacting their effectiveness in battle. It’s best to carefully observe the revived captain’s new skillset and traits to determine their optimal role within your army.
Can Revived Follower Captains Be Further Upgraded Or Trained?
Yes, revived Follower Captains can still be trained and upgraded just like any other member of your army. You can send them on training orders, assign them to specific positions in your fortresses, and equip them with new gear to enhance their strengths and cover their weaknesses.
However, keep in mind that some training orders or gear upgrades may not be suitable for undead captains. For example, training orders focused on improving morale might be less effective on a creature that is already dead. Experiment with different options to find the best ways to enhance your undead captains and maximize their effectiveness in combat.
How Can I Prevent My Follower Captains From Dying In The First Place?
Preventing your Follower Captains from dying is crucial to minimizing the need for revival. Strategically equip them with gear that enhances their survivability, such as armor with high defense stats and weapons with life-steal abilities. Also, carefully select their bodyguard and assign them to fortress positions that best suit their strengths.
During sieges or other conflicts, actively support your Follower Captains and provide them with opportunities to showcase their strengths. Keep a close eye on their health bars and intervene if they are facing overwhelming odds. Use your own abilities to protect them from enemy attacks and eliminate threats that could potentially overwhelm them. Prioritizing their survival ensures a stronger and more loyal army.