Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of J.R.R. Tolkien with the best Middle Earth games ever released.
After all those years, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth continues to captivate readers and viewers with its depth, lore, and sheer epicness. That’s why many different forms of art and media tried to capture that enchanting essence.
Of course, these mediums include the best Middle Earth games as well. Some of these games try to offer a unique spin on Tolkien’s world, whereas others faithfully captivate the intricate world that the esteemed writer built.
Unfortunately, some completely ruin the opportunity to tell the tales of this amazing world, like The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, one of the most disappointing games of the past year. That said, we will be focusing on the finest titles that tried to bring the Middle Earth into the games. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
5. The Third Age: Total War
Although it’s a mod, The Third Age: Total War is just as ambitious as a full-fledged game. That’s because this incredible community work transforms Medieval 2: Total War completely, rendering one of the best Total War games much better both in terms of content and gameplay.
Apart from all of its wonders as a conversion mod, The Third Age: Total War faithfully adapts Tolkien’s world into a strategy game. Even the writing in the game’s events makes it one of the best Middle Earth games ever.
4. Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War
Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor is one of the best Middle Earth games. It puts you in the shoes of Talion, a ranger with a score to settle in Mordor. It also offers an alternative glimpse into the forging of the rings and the ringmaker Celebrimbor.
What sets Shadow of Mordor and its sequel, Shadow of War, apart from others is their Nemesis System, though. They masterfully create a solid dynamic between the player and the game’s orc enemies as well.
Although we’re not the biggest fan of their alternative Middle-Earth stories, Shadow of Mordor is still one of the best Middle-Earth games to date.
3. The Lord of the Rings Third Age
As one of the most underrated PS2 games, The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age takes you to the dark forests and vast plains of Middle Earth. Its story revolves around the original trilogy and comes with a set of twists as well.
That said, you don’t control any of the main characters, though. Instead, this PS2 classic depicts a new group of heroes that aid the Fellowship of the Ring. With diverse characters and strategic combat, the game offers a fresh perspective on Tolkien’s world. Despite not receiving as much attention, it’s beloved as one of the best Middle Earth games.
2. The Lord of the Rings Online
As one of the longest-running MMORPGs set in Middle Earth, The Lord of the Rings Online is one of the best Middle Earth games to date. It offers you the chance to embark on your epic quests alongside familiar characters from Tolkien’s books.
Furthermore, it also wonderfully replicates the iconic locations in Middle-Earth. From Rivendell to Minas Tirith, you can actually visit the amazing places we’ve previously seen in the movies. Thanks to all these features, it still delivers an immersive experience as one of the best MMORPGs to play in 2024.
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth 2
Strategy game enthusiasts will find much to love in The Battle for Middle-earth 2. In fact, true fans of the genre have already sunk hundreds of hours into this exceptional strategy title.
BFME 2 has you command the armies of Gondor, Rohan, Mordor, Isengard, Elves, and Goblins. This incredible real-time strategy title also does a brilliant job of adapting Middle Earth into a video game. From character voiceovers to its inviting visuals, everything about BFME 2 is simply wonderful. Do check out the best games like BFME 2, if you’re already familiar with this masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
Indeed, we have a large collection of games based on Tolkien’s incredible world. That said, we still believe that even the shortest tale in the legendarium can make a wonderful and immersive video game. It doesn’t seem possible with the current landscape, though. That’s why we have to stick with games like Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria.
Here’s hoping that projects like BFME 2 Reforged come out as soon as possible to take us back to the mesmerising realm of J.R.R. Tolkien. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for fewer games like The Lord of the Rings: Gollum as well.
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