Even though you can’t go scorched earth with Gandalf, the best games like BFME 2 should scratch that real-time strategy itch.
The Battle for Middle-Earth 2 (BFME 2) was one of the most beloved real-time strategy games of all time. This incredible RTS game offered a magnificent blend of strategy and Tolkien’s legendarium. That’s why it was one of the best games for strategy fans.
While it launched nearly 16 years ago, this glorious strategy still delivers a wonderful and addicting experience. Taking control of Middle Earth’s armies and clashing against Mordor or Rohan is still delightful. That’s why the game’s loyal player base is still organising online tournaments almost every month.
However, we all start looking for new games after a slight burnout on the ones we truly love. That’s where the best games like Middle Earth 2 take the scene. While we do love everything it offers, it would be a lot more refreshing to dive into a different game with a familiar flavour.
5. Age of Mythology: Extended Edition
One of the best games like BFME 2 is also another strategy classic. Now available across multiple platforms, Age of Mythology: Extended Edition comes with a solid blend of strategy and fantasy. While anyone, even with a humble gaming career, would know how timeless this game was, it’s always worth mentioning this cult classic.
When it comes to its similarities to BFME 2, we can point out the ability to summon heroes and mythical figures in both games. BFME 2 allows you to summon the Lady of Light, Galadriel. Age of Mythology, on the other hand, lets you summon the most divine beings of various mythologies, like Odin and Zeus. On another note, you’ll probably enjoy Warhammer Age of Sigmar if you like this blend of fantasy and strategy as well.
4. Age of Empires 4
The latest entry in the Age of Empires series is one of the most ambitious RTS games ever. It’s also your best option if you want to play a next-gen strategy game.
Naturally, Age of Empires 4 is one of the best games like BFME 2 as well. Although it lacks a fantasy aspect, the fourth and final entry in the series is the ultimate RTS game in recent memory. Expectedly, it’s one of the best games on Xbox Game Pass as well.
3. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Starting our list of the best games like BFME 2 with Dawn of War, one of the best Warhammer 40K games ever. This brilliant strategy gem doesn’t share any thematic similarities with the star of our list, for sure. But it still has some of the best RTS elements we’ve ever seen in the genre. It’s similar to the Battle for Middle Earth 2 when it comes to base management as well.
While you might not fancy its sci-fi setting, the original Dawn of War offers a bulletproof RTS experience that just keeps on giving. It’s truly one of the best games of the genre with its rich unit roster, solid enemy AI, and faithful representation of the 40K universe.
2. Warcraft 3
It’s almost impossible for any strategy enthusiast to miss out on Warcraft 3. That’s because it’s one of the most acclaimed strategy titles we’ve ever seen in the genre. Naturally, it’s also one of the best games like BFME 2 with its hero-based gameplay.
It’s almost impossible for any strategy enthusiast to miss out on Warcraft 3. That’s because it’s one of the most acclaimed strategy titles we’ve ever seen in the genre. Naturally, it’s also one of the best games like BFME 2 with its hero-based strategy formula.
With Reign of Chaos and Frozen Throne, Warcraft 3 is truly a marvellous achievement in the genre. It’s also exceptional with its intricate world-building, brilliant story, and unmatched RTS elements. If you’ve somehow never played it before, this article might be your sign to give it a chance to try it. Consider playing Warcraft Rumble for a more condensed experience too.
1. The Third Age: Total War
Nothing tops The Third Age: Total War when it comes to the best games like BFME 2. Although it’s a mod, The Third Age is one of the best community works the modding landscape has ever seen. It offers a complete overhaul of Medieval 2: Total War. Moreover, it transforms one of the best Total War games into an enchanting and challenging Middle Earth campaign.
Created by some of the most talented modders out there, The Third Age: Total War is the experience you’re looking for if you liked BFME 2. It’s nearly impossible to think that it’s a mod, as it revamps the whole game and utilises the base game’s technical capabilities wonderfully, very much like the best Warband mods.
Final Thoughts
Well, that’s our roundup of the best games like BFME 2. From historically accurate strategy games to modern approaches to the genre, we listed the must-play games for every BFME 2 fan. In other words, these are the best games to play for Middle Earth fans, unlike Gollum.
Unfortunately, we’ll probably never see a new entry in the BFME series. That’s because its developer and publisher have already moved on from the trilogy years ago. While there are some great projects like BFME 2: Reforged, we will only have the titles above to scratch that strategy itch.
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