- Split screen status: Lord of the Rings War in the North supports 3-player co-op both online and locally on consoles.
- Platform differences: PS3 and Xbox 360 feature local split screen; PC requires online play with no native split screen.
- Best trio setup: Combine Farin (Dwarf), Eradan (Ranger), and Andriel (Elf) for balanced melee, ranged, and magic.
- Progression sharing: All players earn XP and loot together, making co-op the most efficient way to level up.
- Matchmaking tip: Use the in-game lobby system to host or join public and private sessions across all supported platforms.
Understanding Co-op and Split Screen Support
Lord of the Rings War in the North is built from the ground up as a cooperative action RPG, allowing three players to experience the campaign together. The game was developed by Snowblind Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in 2011 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows. Understanding how the multiplayer framework operates across different platforms is essential for setting up your sessions.
Video Highlights:
- Full campaign walkthrough featuring the Ettenmoors, Bargrisar, and Miruvor quests
- Demonstrates single-player AI companion behavior that mirrors co-op tactics
- Shows combat mechanics for all three playable heroes
- Highlights story interactions with iconic characters like Bilbo, Glóin, and Frodo
The core campaign follows Eradan the Dúnadan ranger, Farin the dwarf warrior, and Andriel the elf loremaster as they defend the northern regions from Agandaûr, a deadly servant of Sauron. The narrative runs parallel to the events of the main Lord of the Rings trilogy, taking players to locations like Rivendell, the Ettenmoors, and Mount Gundabad.
PC players do not have access to native split screen functionality. The PC version requires online multiplayer via Steam or LAN for cooperative play. Only PS3 and Xbox 360 support local couch co-op.
Platform Co-op Comparison
| Platform | Local Split Screen | Online Co-op | Max Players | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PS3 | Yes (2-3 players) | Yes | 3 | Vertical or horizontal split |
| Xbox 360 | Yes (2-3 players) | Yes | 3 | Vertical or horizontal split |
| PC | No | Yes (Steam/LAN) | 3 | Requires internet or LAN setup |
Setting Up Split Screen on Consoles
Setting up a local split screen session on PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 is straightforward once you understand the game's lobby system. The process involves activating a second or third controller, signing into a profile, and joining the host's game from the main menu.
Launch and Load
Start the game on your console and load your existing save file or begin a new campaign. The host player must reach the first playable area before additional players can join.
Activate Second Controller
Turn on a second controller and sign into a guest profile or an existing account. Press the Start (Menu) button on the second controller to bring up the join prompt.
Select Character
The joining player selects from the remaining available heroes. If the host is playing as Eradan, the second player can choose Farin or Andriel. Each player must pick a unique character.
Configure Split Orientation
Once both players are in the game, access the settings menu to toggle between vertical (side-by-side) and horizontal (top-and-bottom) split screen layouts based on your TV setup.
Add a Third Player (Optional)
A third player can join at any time by repeating steps 2 and 3 with a third controller. The screen will adjust to accommodate all three perspectives simultaneously.
Players who join as guests on consoles will earn XP and loot during the session, but their progress is tied to the host's save file. To carry over progress independently, each player should use their own signed-in profile.
Split Screen Display Options
| Setting | Option A | Option B | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orientation | Vertical (side-by-side) | Horizontal (top-bottom) | Vertical for widescreen TVs |
| Screen Border | Thin border line | No border | Personal preference |
| HUD Scaling | Default | Large | Large for smaller screens |
| Subtitles | Shared across all screens | Individual | Shared for clarity |
PC Online Co-op Setup
Since the PC version of Lord of the Rings War in the North does not support local split screen, players must use the online multiplayer system to play cooperatively. The PC version connects through Steam's networking infrastructure, allowing friends to join hosted sessions or public matchmaking lobbies.
Access Multiplayer Menu
From the main menu, select "Multiplayer" to access the co-op lobby system. You can choose to host a game or search for existing public sessions.
Host or Join
Select "Host Game" to create a private or public session. Set a password for private games to restrict access to friends only. Alternatively, use "Quick Match" to join an open public lobby.
Invite Friends via Steam
Open your Steam overlay (Shift+Tab by default), right-click a friend's name, and select "Invite to Game." Your friend must have the game running and be on the main menu to receive the invite.
Select Characters and Start
Once all players are in the lobby, each person selects their preferred hero. The host initiates the session, and all players load into the host's current story checkpoint.
In online co-op, each PC player maintains their own character progression and inventory. When you join another player's session, your character level and gear carry over, but story progress is saved to the host's file. You can replay any chapter in your own save at the level you left off.
Best Character Combinations for Co-op
The three heroes in War in the North are designed to complement each other in combat. Each character fills a distinct role, and coordinating abilities across the party maximizes effectiveness against tough enemies like trolls, stone giants, and orc warbands.
Eradan (Ranger)
- Role: Ranged DPS / Scout
- Dual-wield melee and bow combat
- Stealth abilities for flanking
- High mobility and critical hits
- Best for players who like agility
Farin (Dwarf)
- Role: Tank / Frontline Fighter
- Heavy axe and crossbow weapons
- High health and armor rating
- Area-of-effect knockback attacks
- Best for aggressive melee players
Andriel (Elf)
- Role: Support / Mage
- Staff and sword combination
- Healing and protective magic
- Sanctuary shield ability
- Best for strategic team players
Character Combat Stats Overview
| Hero | Health | Melee Power | Ranged Power | Magic | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eradan | Medium | ★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆ | Intermediate |
| Farin | High | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆ | Beginner |
| Andriel | Low | ★★★☆ | ★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Advanced |
The most effective co-op strategy positions Farin at the frontline absorbing damage, Eradan providing ranged cover from elevated positions, and Andriel casting healing spells and crowd control from behind the front line. Coordinate ultimate abilities to clear waves of enemies efficiently.
Co-op Skill Synergy Table
| Combo | Characters | Effect | Best Used Against |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shield and Shoot | Andriel + Eradan | Andriel casts Sanctuary while Eradan fires arrows from within | Orc archers, goblin swarms |
| Frontline Push | Farin + Andriel | Farin tanks while Andriel heals on cooldown | Trolls, armored enemies |
| Flanking Strike | Eradan + Farin | Eradan draws aggro with arrows, Farin charges in | Elite orc captains |
| Triple Burst | All three | Combine all ultimate abilities simultaneously | Boss fights, stone giants |
Troubleshooting Common Co-op Issues
Even on a well-established title, players may encounter connectivity or display issues when attempting to play multiplayer. Below are the most common problems and their solutions.
As of 2026, official multiplayer servers for the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions may have reduced reliability due to platform legacy status. PC players on Steam generally experience more stable connections through Steamworks integration.
Common Issues and Solutions
| Problem | Platform | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannot join friend's game | PC | NAT type or firewall | Forward ports, disable firewall temporarily |
| Split screen not activating | PS3/X360 | Controller not signed in | Sign into a profile before pressing Start |
| Lag during combat | All | Host connection speed | Host should have minimum 5 Mbps upload |
| Guest progress lost | PS3/X360 | Guest profile limitation | Use persistent profiles instead of guests |
| Desync during cutscenes | PC | Different game versions | Verify all players have same patch version |
| Character selection locked | All | Character already in use | Each player must choose a unique hero |
For the smoothest online experience, the host player should have the strongest internet connection. If players experience frequent disconnects, try having the player with the best connection host the session. Wired Ethernet connections consistently outperform Wi-Fi for co-op stability.
Pre-Session Checklist:
- Verify all players have the same game version and patches installed
- Confirm all controllers are synced and signed into profiles (consoles)
- Test internet connection and NAT type before hosting (PC)
- Agree on character selections before starting the session
- Adjust split screen orientation and HUD scaling to your TV size
- Ensure voice chat or communication method is set up for coordination
Co-op Rewards and Progression Tips
Playing in co-op mode offers several advantages over solo play. The game scales enemy difficulty based on the number of active players, but the shared loot system and combined combat effectiveness make co-op the most rewarding way to experience the campaign.
Solo vs. Co-op Comparison
| Aspect | Solo Play | Co-op (2-3 Players) |
|---|---|---|
| Enemy Health | Base value | Scaled up by ~50-100% |
| Loot Drops | Standard rate | Shared among all players |
| XP Gain | Full amount per kill | Full amount per kill (shared credit) |
| Revives | AI companion only | Any human player can revive |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging but manageable |
| Story Pacing | Self-controlled | Coordinated with team |
All loot dropped in co-op is available to every player in the session. Communicate with your team about who needs specific gear upgrades. Weapons and armor are character-specific, so dwarf gear only benefits Farin, ranger gear only benefits Eradan, and elf gear only benefits Andriel.
Key Co-op Milestones
| Milestone | Recommended Level | Co-op Advantage | Chapter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ettenmoors Completion | 5-8 | Shared Miruvor ingredients | Chapter 2 |
| Mount Gundabad Assault | 10-14 | Coordinated boss tactics | Chapter 4 |
| Nordinbad Defense | 16-20 | Defensive positioning | Chapter 5 |
| Carn Dûm Final Battle | 22-28 | Revive support critical | Chapter 7 |
To maximize experience gain in co-op, ensure all players are roughly the same level. The game scales enemies to the highest-level player, so a significant level gap can make combat punishing for lower-level party members. Use chapter select to help under-leveled friends catch up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Lord of the Rings War in the North have split screen on PC?
No, the PC version does not support local split screen. PC players can only play co-op online through Steam multiplayer or LAN connections. If you want couch co-op, you need the PS3 or Xbox 360 version.
Q: Can I play with 2 players instead of 3 in co-op?
Yes, the game supports 2-player and 3-player co-op. If only two humans are playing, the third character will be controlled by AI. You can switch which character the AI controls at certain checkpoints in the game.
Q: Do all players need to be at the same story point to play co-op?
No. Players can join a host's session regardless of their own story progress. However, story progression is saved only to the host's file. Joining players keep their character level, skills, and inventory but not story checkpoint progress.
Q: Is Lord of the Rings War in the North split screen still playable offline on consoles?
Yes, local split screen on PS3 and Xbox 360 is entirely offline and does not require an internet connection. You only need multiple controllers and profiles signed in on the same console.