- Switching characters in Lord of the Rings War in the North depends on your game mode (solo or co-op)
- Solo play: You control one hero at a time while AI manages the other two party members
- Co-op mode: Up to three players each lock into a specific hero for the entire session
- Hero selection happens at the main campaign menu before launching a chapter
- AI companions fill any unoccupied hero slots automatically
How Character Switching Works in War in the North
In Lord of the Rings War in the North, the fellowship always consists of three heroes: Eradan the Dúnedain Ranger, Andriel the Elven Lore-master, and Farin the Dwarven Champion. The game does not feature a real-time toggle button to jump between bodies during active combat. Instead, how you switch and control characters depends entirely on whether you are playing solo or in co-op multiplayer.
War in the North is designed around a persistent three-hero party. You never leave a character behind — they are always present in the field fighting alongside you.
When playing alone, you select your primary hero from the campaign menu. The remaining two characters are controlled by the game's AI, contributing to combat, using basic abilities, and reviving downed allies. If you want to experience a different combat style, you must exit to the chapter selection screen and choose a new hero to lead the campaign.
| Game Mode | Player Control | AI Companions | Switching Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Campaign | One selected hero | Two AI-controlled heroes | Change hero at chapter selection |
| 2-Player Co-op | Two player-controlled heroes | One AI-controlled hero | Players lock heroes at lobby creation |
| 3-Player Co-op | All three heroes controlled | None | No AI present, full manual control |
Do not look for a hotkey to jump into another hero's body during a fight. If your chosen hero falls in solo play, you must rely on your AI companions to revive you before the entire party wipes.
Switching Heroes in Solo Play
For solo players, switching characters effectively means changing your lead hero between campaign chapters. The game's structure allows you to maintain separate progression tracks for each character, meaning you can level up Eradan, Andriel, and Farin independently.
Access the Campaign Menu
From the main menu or after completing a chapter, navigate to the stage or chapter selection screen. You cannot change your active hero once a level has loaded.
Select Your Desired Hero
Before launching the next chapter, highlight and select the hero you wish to control. A confirmation screen will display the character's current level, equipped gear, and allocated skill points.
Manage AI Companion Behavior
Once in-game, the two unselected heroes will fight automatically. While you cannot directly command them to use specific skills, they will engage nearby enemies, hold defensive positions, and attempt revives when a player goes down.
Distribute Gear for AI
Even though you are not actively controlling the other two heroes, their effectiveness depends on their equipment. Access the inventory menu to manually equip better weapons and armor on your AI companions to ensure they survive tougher encounters.
Your skill points and equipment are saved per character. If you switch from a Level 10 Eradan to a Level 5 Farin, the game adjusts accordingly. You can safely swap between heroes to try new builds without losing progress on your main character.
Changing Characters in Co-op Mode
In multiplayer, switching characters works differently. The host determines which heroes are available for the session. If you are joining a game, you must select from the heroes the host is not currently controlling.
Video Highlights:
- See the three-hero party dynamics in action
- Understand how co-op roles distribute among players
- Watch how AI fills gaps in smaller groups
- Learn how loot sharing works across different characters
When setting up a co-op session, communication is key. If two players want to switch roles — for example, trading the tanky Dwarf for the ranged Ranger — the host typically needs to return to the main lobby so players can re-select their preferred heroes.
Once a co-op session begins, player roles are locked. You cannot swap bodies with another human player mid-chapter. To change characters, the host must end the current session and restart from a checkpoint or chapter hub.
Co-op Hero Selection Priority
| Player Count | Recommended Setup | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Player (Solo) | Choose any hero; AI takes the rest | Full control over preferred combat style |
| 2 Players | Tank (Farin) + Damage (Eradan) | AI Andriel provides automatic support magic |
| 2 Players | Tank (Farin) + Support (Andriel) | AI Eradan handles ranged threats automatically |
| 3 Players | Full party: Eradan, Andriel, Farin | Optimal balance of melee, ranged, and magic |
Managing AI Companions Effectively
Since switching characters in solo play leaves two heroes to the AI, understanding how to manage your automated companions is critical to surviving higher difficulties like Heroic and Legendary.
Equip Them Properly
Check AI inventory regularly. The game does not auto-optimize companion gear. Manually equip them with the best available weapons and armor from your loot pool to increase their damage and survivability.
Monitor Their Health
AI cannot heal themselves efficiently. If an AI companion is downed, drop what you are doing and revive them quickly. A two-hero party is far more vulnerable to being overwhelmed.
Use Crowd Control
Protect your AI allies. If Andriel is surrounded while you play as Eradan, use your bow to pick off attackers. AI companions struggle when pinned down by multiple elite enemies.
When playing solo, loot drops are shared across all three characters. If you find a powerful staff, manually navigate to Andriel's inventory tab and equip it. Keeping your AI party well-geared is just as important as upgrading your own hero.
Choosing the Right Hero for Your Playstyle
Because switching characters requires returning to the chapter menu, choosing the right hero from the start saves time. Each character in Lord of the Rings War in the North fulfills a distinct combat role.
| Hero | Race & Class | Primary Role | Best Weapon Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eradan | Dúnedain Ranger | Ranged Damage / Mobile Melee | Bow, One-handed swords |
| Andriel | Elven Lore-master | Magic / Support / Crowd Control | Staff, Elven blades |
| Farin | Dwarven Champion | Tank / Heavy Melee Damage | Axes, Two-handed weapons, Crossbow |
If you enjoy hit-and-run tactics, choose Eradan. If you prefer strategic spellcasting and team support, pick Andriel. For players who like to absorb damage and hold the frontline, Farin is the optimal choice.
Before Switching Characters:
- Save your current progress at a checkpoint or hub area
- Review skill point allocations for the hero you plan to switch to
- Transfer or equip appropriate gear for the new hero's combat role
- Confirm AI companions have upgraded weapons and armor
- Check that consumables like health potions are stocked for all party members
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I switch characters mid-mission in Lord of the Rings War in the North?
No. Once a chapter or mission loads, your selected hero is locked for the duration of that level. To switch characters, you must return to the chapter selection screen and choose a different hero before launching the next mission.
Q: Do AI companions level up automatically in solo play?
AI companions gain experience and level up alongside your active character, but they do not automatically allocate skill points. You must manually access their skill trees and spend points to unlock and improve their abilities.
Q: How do I switch characters in co-op multiplayer?
In co-op, the host creates a lobby and players select their preferred hero before the session starts. If you want to switch to a different hero mid-campaign, the host needs to exit to the main menu and create a new lobby where players can re-select their characters.
Q: What happens to loot when I switch characters in War in the North?
All loot, equipment, and inventory items are retained in a shared stash. When you switch to a different hero at the chapter menu, you keep access to all gear. Make sure to manually equip character-specific items, such as bows for Eradan or staves for Andriel, before starting the next chapter.
Q: Is there a way to command AI companions during combat?
While you cannot issue direct tactical commands like in some RPGs, AI companions will automatically engage enemies, use basic skills, and attempt to revive downed players. You can influence their behavior by managing their equipment and skill builds from the pause menu.
Understanding how character switching works in Lord of the Rings War in the North ensures you always have the right hero for the job. Keep all three characters well-equipped, manage your AI companions carefully, and coordinate hero selection with your co-op team for the best combat experience.