There is, unfortunately, no way to determine which gem type you get (or whether you get Mirian instead), so just go for numbers, gathering gems whenever you have opportunity, and you'll be decked out like a monarch in no time. These gems linger on the map, and can be scooped straight into your pockets. I need some data (for the Shadow Wars guide) that is really only feasible to get through datamining, and since I only have the PS4 version of the game, I'm putting this out there for anyone who has the PC version and feels like. Personally, Ive been using Green Slime/Dragon Soul/Shadow Dragon/Soothsayer just for. Sometimes you'll kill a gem carrier during a quest and not realize it, and sometimes gem carriers get killed by wandering monsters or enemy encounters. I have Sooth who destroys gems but does not cause damage directly. Lastly, while you're eyeing your minimap for white markers, watch out for loose gems as well. This perk drastically reduces the number of gems you'll need to gather overall. You'll also want to complete the midgame Gondor quests as quickly as is convenient to gain the Prospector skill upgrade. Make a point of killing and looting these orcs- you'll need a ton of raw material to forge the highest quality gems, and the earlier you start, the better. They can be distinguished by the little white asterisk floating over their heads as you get close, and they'll appear as white markers on the minimap (rather than the usual orange). Still, the most common way of getting gems is by killing gem-carrying orcs. The latter in particular is useful because these gems are already upgraded.

For the Shadows of the Past challenges, every mission has an optional objective with a gem reward. The first is by completing missions- some mission rewards or optional objectives will win you a gem. They also have a few achievements linked to them, for those going after total completion. Gems aren't part of any quests or special objectives in Shadow of War, but they are among the most powerful and uncomplicated power ups you'll encounter, so well worth collecting.

However, if you want to give yourself an extra edge - or are working towards the game - then learning how to XP farm effectively comes in handy. I only have 1-2 of each perfect gem on my save. Shadow of War XP is useful if you want to better your combat abilities and skills, and the bulk of this is done from completing quests.

Ancient Warchief: The Fear Eater (Minas Ithil) So, since we will be using perfect gems to reroll gear in the new update, does anyone have any good strategies for farming gems.

Ancient Warchief: The Grog Horder (Cirith Ungol).

Ancient Warchief: Iron Mount (Gorgoroth).

Ancient Warchief: The Champion (Seregost).

Shadow of war gem farming