The 10 best Lord of the Rings games ever, ranked

Whatever your personal preference, few would argue against the significance of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and Middle-earth works. Their influence is unmatched, and video games are no exception, with more than 35 licensed adaptations in the medium.

That said, these are wildly varied in quality and direction. Some serve as direct adaptations of books or films in the franchise, while others are original efforts set within the same universe. From beloved strategies to fast-paced action titles, there should be something for everyone.

The fascination with Tolkien’s creation is showing no signs of slowing down. With the second season of Rings of Power on the way later this year, it seems as good a time as any to go over the very best video games set in the expansive world of Arda.

10. The Lord of the Rings: War in the North

War in the North is a bit of a mixed bag, but it does have enough to warrant inclusion here. The game takes elements from both the books and the films to create an original story that takes place in tandem with the main narrative.

This hack-and-slash adventure allows players to take control of one of three original characters, which can be switched between at the start of each level. The combat can be repetitive and a little clunky, but it remains a fun exercise in chopping errant goblins to bits.

There are many reasons why War in the North ended up consigned to relative obscurity, but it generally warrants a playthrough for any Lord of the Rings fans.

9. Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War

Though the sequel to Monolith’s Shadow of Mordor was somehow more ambitious in scope than its predecessor, it failed to deliver effectively on all of its promises. The combat, movement and in-game systems remain highly effective game design, but Shadow of War suffers from bloat that the original doesn’t have.

Siege scenarios are a brilliant idea in theory, but their execution left them feeling repetitive and, at times, clunky and annoying to complete. The story was also more convoluted and difficult to relate to Tolkien’s existing lore, making the whole thing feel more like an offshoot, rather than an embedded part of the world.

All of that said, it’s still hugely enjoyable and exciting when surrounded by a bunch of Orcs who want nothing more than to remove our protagonist’s head.

8. Lego The Lord of the Rings

It wouldn’t be an iconic franchise list without an appearance from the world’s bestselling toy brand. Lego effectively imparts its unique brand of humor and aesthetic in this 2012 effort. As with all Lego games, this follows the main story from all three films, with some characteristic spoofs along the way.

If you have played any other Lego game adaptations, you should find reasonably similar fare here. Though it doesn’t quite reach the levels of Lego Star Wars, there is more than enough here for fans of either franchise to enjoy.

7. The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers

After the immense disappointment of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring game, it would have taken a brave person to bet on the success of The Two Towers. That said, it remains a hugely impressive example of what can be done with a movie adaptation with a clear direction.

The Two Towers elected to do a few things brilliantly, rather than overextending and churning out something disappointing. The combat is simple but appropriate for the setting, and it does a brilliant job of making the player feel like one of the major heroes of the story. Though it doesn’t have quite as much to sink your teeth into as its successor, it’s a beautiful action game by any stretch of the imagination.

6. The Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle-Earth

The first of two real-time strategy titles in this mini-series, The Battle for Middle-earth blew people out of the water when it launched in 2004. EA Games may have a slightly patchy reputation for games of this ilk, but they nailed all of the major elements that fans were looking for.

The game is split into two campaigns, with players able to select from either side in The War of the Ring. Within that, there were four factions with their own unique units, each realized in a way that is immediately reminiscent of what fans were treated to in the movies.

Though army size was limited by in-game systems designed to prevent the bricking of player PCs, it did provide the feel of being a part of the series’ many massive battles. The addition of Heroes and their unique abilities only added further layers to a criminally underrated strategy title.

5. The Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King

Serving as the best of the direct movie tie-ins, there is a lot to like about The Return of the King. In fairness, this entry has an immediate advantage over its predecessor, thanks to the vast setpiece battles that take place here in the film. Further depth is also added to the experience thanks to many of the film’s original cast reprising their roles as voice actors.

The game features fast-paced action and button combo combat that grants players a rating from fair to perfect, based on their prowess. The arcade-style elements feel oddly at home here, and progressing through the iconic story is a real thrill. Terrible Gameboy Advance port aside, this remains arguably the best direct movie adaptation ever.

4. Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor

Few expected Monolith Productions 2014 action-adventure to be as accomplished as it is. The game follows a Gondorian Ranger named Talion who, after his family is killed, accidentally bonds his soul with that of the great Elven craftsman Celebrimbor. The latter is responsible for creating the Rings of Power, and dark forces seek to bring him back to produce more.

Shadow of Mordor’s most lauded feature is the Nemesis System. This essentially allows the game to track any Uruk that Talion encounters. These Uruks can form rivalries, become more powerful or change entirely, depending on what happens in-game. It was this significant advancement that made the world come alive.

Equally, the game had an intoxicating blend of impressive combat and Assassin’s Creed-style movement and climbing. Add that to the interesting, though admittedly apocryphal, story and Shadow of Mordor quickly becomes a Lord of the Rings game for the ages.

3. The Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle-Earth 2

There are few RTS fans in the 21st century who haven’t played The Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle-Earth 2 at some point. As the popular sequel to the 2004 game of the same name, it built upon the mechanics and design of the original to deliver a remarkably complete offering to players.

The game is divided into a Good and Evil campaign, which players can choose between, depending on whether they wish to save Middle-earth or bring about its ruin. Players could take advantage of powerful heroes and iconic troops to bring about victory. Although this led to some problems in multiplayer, it remains beloved among the community that still plays with regularity.

2. The Lord Of The Rings Online

Though games like World of Warcraft often overshadow it, The Lord of the Rings Online is an impressive and broad MMO. Developed by Turbine Inc., the game is set to celebrate its 17th anniversary in April 2024, and it’s just as remarkable today as it was on release.

As is the case with many MMOs, LOTRO is hugely broad in scope, with more than 25 vast regions for players to explore. These cover all of the most iconic locations in Middle-earth, and the developer releases regular expansions that keep these areas feeling fresh and exciting. Though the player base is smaller than it used to be, a healthy number of people still call this game home, and it’s worth visiting to see if it could be yours, too.

1. The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age

What would happen if someone took the Final Fantasy formula and thrust it into the Middle-earth setting? The Third Age is the answer, and it is a genuinely brilliant game in its own right. Playing alongside the movie’s main story, players control original characters with unique abilities and varied personalities.

At specific points, the story intersects with the main characters’ adventures, and it’s a genuinely thrilling experience. Being able to control Gandalf against the Balrog briefly is emblematic of what video game adaptations of this beloved property should be about. The Third Age also had impressive mechanics, game design, and story elements for a package that has yet to be equaled or replicated.