Middle-earth: Shadow of War is permanently removing microtransactions, War Chests

Middle-earth: Shadow of War will be seeing massive changes in the coming months.

Chief among them is the removal of Gold, Middle-earth: Shadow of War's paid-for currency, as well War Chests, the game's version of loot boxes. This is big news partially because War Chests undermined a big part of the game.

Shadow of War expands the first game's Nemesis System, but unlike Shadow of Mordor, the game treated Orcs as loot that can be found in these War Chests, and even assigned rarities to them. Depending on your play style, a certain number of rare Orcs was required to clear the end game.

"Simply being aware that they are available for purchase reduces the immersion in the world and takes away from the challenge of building your personal army and your fortresses," Monolith admitted in a blog post.

You will continue to be able to purchase Gold with real money until May 8, and the market will permanently close on July 17. Any Gold you have can be used until then, but after that, it'll be converted into in-game items.

Mirian, the in-game currency, will remain, but you won't be able to spend it on War Chests since the market will be closed. Instead, you can use it buy gem slots, or upgrade your fortress.

Monolith also confirmed that it's adding more uses for the currency, such as being able to buy Training Orders, upgrade older gear and reroll its stats.

Beyond the closing of the market, Shadow of War will also see gameplay updates in the coming months. The Shadow Wars part of the campaign will be streamlined, and enhanced with new "narrative elements".

Similarly, the Nemesis System itself will be updated, and players can expect other free content like player skins, skill tree expansions, as well as upgrades to progression and gear.

This all starts on July 17.