Warner Bros. has announced that Middle-earth: Shadow of War will have microtransactions, with players being able to purchase loot boxes with both in-game currency and real money.
The microtransactions will be added via Shadow of War’s new marketplace which will allow players to purchase Loot Chests and War Chests with Middle-earth’s in-game currency, Mirian, earned from playing the game, as well as real money. The chests will allow players to acquire anything from weapons and armor to XP boosts, as well as gear for Talion and Orcs for players’ armies.
Developer Monolith Productions has stated that players will be able to earn Mirian by playing and progressing through Shadow of War; however, if players want access to certain gear or to progress through the game quicker, they will be able to do so by purchasing gold with real money which can be acquired via the relevant platform’s store. Gold can also be earned in small amounts at certain time periods and through community challenges.
If players opt to purchase a Loot Chest, they will receive weapons or armor of varying rarities which when equipped and upgraded will enhance Talion’s character abilities. Loot Chests also have a chance to drop some XP boosts that can be used to level up Talion faster.
War Chests, on the other hand, will drop Orc followers of varying rarities which will allow players to help build a strong army. As well as followers, they can also drop Training Orders that help to level up and customise Orc followers.
“By simply engaging with the world and playing through Middle-earth: Shadow of War, you earn items like Gear for Talion and unique Orcs for your army. These are the same items that are found in the Market within Loot Chests and War Chests,” said Warner Bros.
“Gold merely allows you to get your hands on them immediately, cutting down some of the additional time that would have been spent winning more battles, tracking nemeses, completing quests and assaulting fortresses.”
Warner Bros. have clarified, however, that all items that are available in the Chests are able to be obtained in-game without needing to spend any money, with the option to purchase gold for real money only being available as a means to allow players to get them faster, if they so wish.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War is available on PS4, Xbox One and PC on October 10th.