- "In the last years of Denethor I the race of uruks, black Orcs of great strength, first appeared out of Mordor, and in 2475 they swept across Ithilien and took Osgiliath."
- —Return of the King, Appendix A
The Black Uruks of Barad-dûr are the elite of Sauron's orc armies, first bred to devastate Ithilien.
Black Uruk Marauders are one of Mordor's several elite swordsmen units, which are recruitable from a level 2 Orcish Stronghold. Black Uruk Marauders are arguably the most spammable of these elite swordsmen units due to their comparatively lower cost and that they are recruitable from a standard recruitment structure rather than the fortress (as is the case for Legions of Morgul).
They are also recruitable from a Level 3 Moria Orc Cave in the Adventure: Shadow and Flame subfaction of the Misty Mountains.
Abilities and Formations[]
Brawl (R) - Requires Shagrat. Order this unit to kill friendly Orcs or Legions of Morgul to gain combat experience. Left click icon then left click on target.
Note: In Adventure: Shadow and Flame only, Brawl is automatically unlocked and can be used to kill friendly Moria Orcs. It also does not require a hero to use.
Level 3: Despoiler (T) - Black Uruk Marauders temporarily gain +25% damage against structures and leech resources when attacking structures. Left click to activate.
Level 4: Mark of the Red Eye - Bloodlust grants +25% damage. Passive ability.
Upgrades[]
Cruel Blades (C) - When equipped, increases damage dealt by melee weapons. Research upgrade at Gorgoroth Foundry to enable this upgrade. Cost: 250
Banners of the Red Eye (V) - When equipped, increases this battalion to level 2. Research upgrade at Gorgoroth Foundry to enable this equipment. Cost: 100
Strategy[]
Black Uruk Marauders are the most accessible of Mordor's various elite swordsmen units (Variags of Khand, Golden Axemen and Legions of Morgul) and so become a vital part of Mordor's army in the mid-game. Whilst less heavily armored than than their Legions of Morgul counterparts, Black Uruks inflict more damage. Consequently, they are most effective when attacking with basic orc units which can act as meat-shields for the Uruks and then with more heavily-armored units in the later stages of the game. By pairing them with Shagrat, he can support them with his abilities, both passive and active. He can also allow them to use Brawl to level up faster. This can allow them to access Despoiler which turns the Black Uruks into a powerful harassment force, letting them take down buildings with ease.
They are also recruitable in the Adventure: Shadow and Flame faction, and are the elite Swordsmen units of that faction. They are significantly more powerful and durable than the Moria Orc Screechers and will likely make up the majority of a player's Swordsmen units in the mid-late game.