Whether you're a seasoned ranger or just stepping into the shadows, this article serves as your indispensable companion, addressing the challenge of choosing the right weapon for each phase of your adventure.

Why is using the right weapon important?

Why does choosing the right weapon matter in Shadow of Mordor? Well, imagine it's not just about having three main weapons at your disposal, but the art of upgrading them.

It's not just about fighting, it's about crafting your own legendary saga, where the right weapon isn't just a tool but an extension of your power, making you a true force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Are some weapons more powerful than others?

Each weapon (Sword, Bow, and Dagger) offers unique strengths. Their power varies based on your playstyle and the situation. It's about adapting to the challenges with the right tool for the job.

10. Defiant to the End - Sword(Early)

Never surrender!

What is it:

Defiant to the End is a rune for Urfael (Sword), exclusively available at the beginning of the game for those who bought the Game of the Year Edition.

It is perfect for beginners who haven’t grasped the combat system, it serves as a lifeline, granting an extra opportunity to cheat death.

Defiant to the End Excels In:

• Survivability: Grants an extra opportunity to escape deadly situations, perfect for beginners.
• Game of The Year Exclusive: A special reward for those who opted for the enhanced edition.

Defiant to the End Stats:

• Effect: Never surrender as you gain an additional Last Chance to return to the fray in combat against Uruks.
• Level: Epic.
• For Weapon: Urfael.

9. Hunter’s Instinct – Dagger

Unleash your inner Hunter.

What is it:

Hunter’s Instinct is a rune for Acharn (Dagger), perfect for players who like to sneak around and do their killing in the shadows.

Hunter’s Instinct Excels In:

• Stealthy Assassinations: Amplifies your ability to execute stealthy kills, making it an essential tool for silent and deadly approaches.
• Enhanced Attraction: Elevates your tactical options by expanding the range of the Attract ability.

Hunter’s Instinct Stats:

• Effect: Increases the range of Attract.
• Level: Epic.
• For Weapon: Acharn.

8. Orc Slayer – Sword

Your new favourite hobby (Orc Slaying)

What is it:

Orc Slayer is a rune for Urfael (Sword), finely tuned for the demanding task of hunting down Captains and Warchiefs, available exclusively as a Preorder Bonus from Steam.

Orc Slayer Excels In:

• Captain Confrontation: Tailored for intense encounters, Orc Slayer excels in dealing with Captains and Warchiefs, providing a strategic advantage when facing these formidable foes.
•  Lethal Efficiency: Inflict more damage on Captains and Warchiefs through enhanced finishers, ensuring they feel the full force of your assault.

Orc Slayer Stats:

• Effect: Combat finishers do extra damage against Captains.
• Level: Epic.
• For Weapon: Urfael.

7. Stand and Fight - Sword

Fear no Evil!

What is it:

Stand and Fight is a rune for Urfael (Sword), that comes in handy when you’re in a desperate position and need a little help.

Stand and Fight Excels In:

•  Combat Momentum: When the odds are against you, Stand and Fight becomes a beacon of hope, providing a crucial damage boost that can turn a dire encounter into a victorious skirmish.
• Survival Surge: In the face of overwhelming challenges, the rune excels in sustaining your offensive capabilities, ensuring you deal devastating blows even when on the brink of defeat.

Stand and Fight Stats:

•  Effect: Increases all sword damage by 100% when Talion’s Health is below 25%.
• Level: Epic.
• For Weapon: Urfael.

6. Ascendant - Bow

Rise above others!

What is it:

Ascendant is a rune for Azkâr(Bow), that helps you achieve the perfect shot.

Ascendant Excels In:

• Pinpoint Precision: Ascendant excels in delivering precise shots, allowing for a prolonged focus usage, enabling you to line up and execute perfect shots with enhanced accuracy.
• Sustained Focus: Tailored for achieving the perfect shot, this rune ensures that your focus lasts significantly longer, providing ample time to assess your targets and make critical decisions during ranged engagements.

Ascendant Stats:

• Effect: Reduces the focus depletion rate by 50%.
• Level: Epic.
• For Weapon: Azkâr.

5. Fell Voices - Dagger

Don't lose your focus!

What is it:

Fell Voices is a rune for Acharn(Dagger), that can save your life when surrounded by impossible odds and provides a ray of sunshine in the form of a Captain or Warchief.

Fell Voices Excels In:

• Warchief's Bane: Unleash the power of Fell Voices in the heart of battle. Recover all focus and health instantly for every Captain or Warchief you eliminate, turning each confrontation into a revitalizing opportunity.

Fell Voices Stats:

•  Effect: Recover all focus and all Health for killing a Captain or Warchief.
• Level: Epic.
• For Weapon: Acharn.

4. Hidden Power – Sword

What is it:

Hidden Power is a rune for Urfael(Sword), which is perfect for anyone who struggles to hit the sweet spot during Last Chance.

Hidden Power Excels In:

• Last Chance Prowess: Hidden Power excels in providing a lifeline during critical moments. Its unique properties extend the duration of Last Chance, granting you an extra edge to stay alive and survive.

Hidden Power Stats:

• Effect: Increases duration of Last Chance.
• Level: Epic.
• For Weapon: Urfael.

3. Tower of Defense - Sword

Don't lose your combo so easily.

What is it:

Tower of Defense is a rune for Urfael(Sword), a great tool for mowing down hordes of enemies.

Tower of Defense Excels In:

• Horde Annihilation: Tailored for mowing down hordes of enemies, Tower of Defense becomes a beacon of strength, granting you the tools needed to stand tall amidst chaos and emerge triumphant.
• Strategic Dominance: Unlock the true potential of invincibility by strategically utilizing Tower of Defense. Its proficiency ensures extended opportunities for precise and devastating strikes, reinforcing your dominance in combat.
• Indestructible Fortress: When wielded masterfully, Tower of Defense turns you into a terrifying force on the battlefield, providing an extended Hit Streak Reset Time by +10 seconds. This allows you to maintain your offensive momentum and resilience against hordes of enemies.

Tower of Defense Stats:

• Effect: Increases Hit Streak Reset Time + 10 seconds.
• Level: Epic.
• For Weapon: Urfael.

2. One With Nature - Dagger

Embrace your natural side.

What is it:

One With Nature is a rune for Acharn(Dagger), it grants immunity to Poison, which means no more dying to those pesky poison wielding enemies!

One With Nature Excels In:

• Poisonous Peril: Tailored for countering the dangers of poison, it excels in providing immunity to poison attacks.
• Strategic Invulnerability: You gain a strategic advantage over foes employing poison tactics. Turn the tables on your enemies and dominate the battlefield, knowing that poison will no longer affect you.

 One With Nature Stats:

• Effect: Immune to Poison.
• Level: Epic.
• For Weapon: Acharn.

1. Storm of Battle – Sword (Late)

Become a real Warrior!

What is it:

Storm of Battle is a rune for Urfael(Sword), it boosts all sword damage by 50%, a fine addition to help you deal with any challenge that needs your sword solving skills.

Storm of Battle Excels In:

• Blade Mastery: Tailored for those seeking unparalleled sword prowess.
• Devastating Strikes: This makes it a go-to choice for mastering the art of the blade, ensuring each strike is more devastating than the last.
• Versatile Combat: Whether facing hordes of enemies or engaging in one-on-one duels, Storm of Battle provides a flawless advantage, enhancing your ability to deal with any challenge that requires the finesse and power of your sword.

 Storm of Battle Stats:

• Effect: Increases all sword damage by 50%.
• Level: Epic.
• For Weapon: Urfael.

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