Mission: The Dark Monument

Conquer Gorath the Cruel in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor's Mission: The Dark Monument. Master combat and Wraith abilities to reclaim this Udun landmark.

The Dark Monument is a crucial story mission in Act I of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, found in the Udun region. This mission tasks you with confronting a powerful Uruk captain named Gorath the Cruel, who is responsible for the desecration of a sacred monument. You'll need to use your combat skills and Wraith abilities to defeat him and reclaim the monument.

The Dark Monument Walkthrough

This mission begins after a cutscene where Talion witnesses the desecration of a monument by Gorath the Cruel. Your primary objective is to track down and eliminate Gorath.

Tracking Gorath

Follow the mission marker to locate Gorath. He will be accompanied by a group of Uruk guards. You can choose to engage them directly or use stealth to get closer.

The Fight Against Gorath the Cruel

Gorath is a Warchief and will be a challenging opponent. He has several attacks, including powerful melee strikes and the ability to summon reinforcements. Here are some strategies to help you defeat him:

• use Wraith Abilities: Your Wraith abilities, such as the Bow of Vengeance and the Wraith Stalk, are invaluable. Use the bow to stagger Gorath and deal damage from a distance, and use Wraith Stalk to reposition and avoid his attacks.
• Exploit Weaknesses: If you have intel on Gorath's weaknesses (which you can often gain by interrogating lower-ranked Uruks), use them to your advantage. For example, if he's vulnerable to fire, use explosive barrels or your flaming sword.
• Dodge and Parry: Gorath's attacks are heavily telegraphed. Master the dodge and parry mechanics to avoid taking significant damage. A well-timed parry can open him up for a counter-attack.
• Environmental Hazards: Look for environmental hazards like explosive barrels or unstable structures that you can use to damage Gorath and his allies.
• Summon Reinforcements (if applicable): If you have managed to dominate any Uruks before this fight, you can sometimes call them to your aid.

Reclaiming the Monument

Once Gorath is defeated, the mission will prompt you to reclaim the desecrated monument. Interact with the monument to complete the objective. This will often trigger a cutscene and advance the main story.

Tips for Success

• Gather Intel: Before confronting Gorath, try to gather intel on his strengths and weaknesses by interrogating any nearby Uruk captains or soldiers. This information can be crucial for planning your attack.
• Upgrade Your Skills: Ensure you have upgraded your combat and Wraith skills as much as possible. Skills like the "Execution" and "Combat Drain" can be lifesavers in tough fights.
• Health and Wrath: Keep an eye on your health and Wraith meters. Use health-restoring items or abilities when necessary, and conserve your Wraith abilities for critical moments.

Defeating Gorath the Cruel and reclaiming the Dark Monument is a significant step in Talion's quest for vengeance against Sauron's forces.