- Lord of the Rings War in the North is a 2011 action RPG hack-and-slash set in Middle-earth
- Three playable characters: Eradan (Ranger), Farin (Champion), and Andriel (Loremaster)
- Co-op focus: Designed for 3-player online or local cooperative play
- Canon storyline: Runs parallel to the Fellowship's journey, featuring Bilbo, Gimli's father Glóin, and Great Eagles
- Combat system: Blend of melee combos, ranged attacks, and character-specific magic abilities
Lord of the Rings War in the North Review: Overview
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North is an action role-playing hack-and-slash video game developed by Snowblind Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released in 2011 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows, the game takes players to the northern fronts of Middle-earth during the War of the Ring. Rather than retelling the familiar story of Frodo and the Fellowship, the game follows a trio of heroes tasked with thwarting Sauron's lieutenant, Agandaûr, from raising an army in the North.
Video Highlights:
- Full gameplay walkthrough featuring the Ettenmoors region
- Encounters with iconic characters like Bilbo Baggins and Glóin
- Combat against trolls, orcs, and the stone giant Bargrisar
- Story interactions with the Great Eagles and Elrond in Rivendell
The game stands out for its mature tone, featuring bloodier combat than most Tolkien adaptations, and its strong emphasis on cooperative multiplayer. Each playable character brings a distinct combat style, encouraging players to synergize in both solo and party settings.
War in the North excels in its authentic Middle-earth atmosphere and satisfying co-op combat. While the single-player AI companions can feel inconsistent, the experience shines brightest when three players coordinate their class abilities.
Playable Characters and Classes
The core of the War in the North experience lies in its three distinct protagonists. Each character represents a classic RPG archetype with unique skill trees, weapon proficiencies, and combat roles.
| Character | Race | Class | Primary Role | Weapon Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eradan | Dúnedain (Man) | Ranger | Ranged DPS / Stealth | Bows, dual daggers, swords |
| Farin | Dwarf | Champion | Tank / Melee DPS | Axes, hammers, crossbows |
| Andriel | Elf | Loremaster | Support / Caster | Staff, magic seals |
Eradan (Ranger)
- Stealth scouting and critical strikes
- Dual-wielding daggers for fast combos
- Archery for long-range engagement
- Can discover hidden Dúnedain caches
Farin (Champion)
- Heavy armor and high survivability
- Powerful area-of-effect melee attacks
- Crossbow for ranged support
- Ideal frontline tank for the party
Andriel (Loremaster)
- Magic-based combat and healing
- Sanctuary seals for defensive zones
- Staff-based ranged magical attacks
- Brews potions like Miruvor for the party
The game is balanced around having one of each class in your party. Farin absorbs damage on the front lines, Eradan picks off enemies from range, and Andriel provides healing and crowd control. If playing solo, you can switch between characters at checkpoint stones.
Combat System and Gameplay Mechanics
War in the North uses a real-time combat system that blends hack-and-slash action with RPG progression. Players earn experience points from defeating enemies and completing quests, which are then spent on skill trees unique to each character.
| Mechanic | Description | Impact on Gameplay |
|---|---|---|
| Melee Combos | Light and heavy attack chains | Builds critical hit meter for finishers |
| Ranged Combat | Bows, crossbows, and magic | Essential for enemy archers on high ground |
| Dodge/Block | Timed evasive maneuvers | Critical for surviving troll and giant attacks |
| Skill Trees | Character-specific upgrade paths | Allows specialization in combat, defense, or utility |
| Loot System | Randomized gear drops and chests | Encourages exploration of optional areas |
Combat encounters often feature waves of enemies, including orc archers positioned on elevated terrain. The game rewards aggressive play but punishes recklessness, especially during boss encounters like the stone giant Bargrisar in the Ettenmoors.
When exploring caves in the Ettenmoors, watch for troll lairs identified by their distinct smell. Trolls deal massive damage and require coordinated attacks to bring down. Use Andriel's sanctuary seals to create safe zones for healing.
Story and Lore Highlights
One of the strongest aspects of War in the North is its integration with established Tolkien lore. The game weaves its original narrative into the broader events of the War of the Ring, with characters encountering familiar figures from the books and films.
Key Story Beats:
| Chapter | Location | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Prologue | Fornost and Bree | Heroes defeat an orc chieftain, meet Aragorn |
| Rivendell | Imladris | Council of Elrond, Bilbo seeks help with poetry |
| Ettenmoors | Wild moors | Hunt for stone giant Bargrisar, ally with Eagles |
| Mount Gundabad | Northern Misty Mountains | Infiltrate orc stronghold seeking Agandaûr |
| Later Chapters | Nordinbad, Carn Dûm | Final confrontation with Sauron's forces |
The narrative features memorable interactions, such as Bilbo Baggins asking the player to deliver an unfinished poem to Lady Arwen. The poem honors Aragorn and foreshadows his destiny as king. Meanwhile, Glóin (Gimli's father) arrives from the Lonely Mountain with warnings that Black Riders have been seen demanding news of Bilbo at the gates of Erebor.
The Ettenmoors chapter introduces Beleram, a Great Eagle who becomes a permanent companion. After the heroes slay the stone giant Bargrisar, Lord Gwaihir himself grants Beleram permission to join the party. This relationship adds a unique aerial dimension to the story.
Progression and Exploration Tips
Prioritize Side Quests in Rivendell
Before leaving for the Ettenmoors, speak with Bilbo Baggins and Lady Arwen. Bilbo's poetry quest and Arwen's Miruvor ingredient-gathering mission provide valuable rewards, including potent healing items for the journey ahead.
Search for Dúnedain Caches
Throughout the Ettenmoors and other regions, Eradan can discover hidden supply caches left by Rangers of old. These caches contain rare gear and consumables that significantly boost your party's effectiveness.
Collect Mithril for Arwen's Banner
Arwen tasks the player with finding Mithril to complete a banner for Aragorn. While Mithril is extremely rare, it can sometimes be seized as spoils of war from elite enemies and bosses.
Manage Miruvor Strategically
Miruvor is a powerful restorative item brewed by Arwen. It renews heart, soul, and vigor. Save your flasks for critical moments when your party is overwhelmed and other healing options are exhausted.
Upgrade Crowd Control Early
Invest skill points in area-of-effect abilities, especially when facing groups of orc archers on high ground. Farin's sweeping attacks and Andriel's magic seals are invaluable for crowd control.
Always check side paths in dungeons. Many optional areas contain ranger caches, rare loot, and lore items. The game does not auto-mark these locations, so thorough exploration is essential.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Final Verdict
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Story & Lore | ★★★★★ | Excellent integration with Tolkien canon |
| Combat System | ★★★★☆ | Satisfying but can feel repetitive |
| Co-op Experience | ★★★★★ | Best enjoyed with three players |
| Single-Player AI | ★★★☆☆ | Companion AI struggles in tough fights |
| Graphics & Atmosphere | ★★★★☆ | Gritty, authentic Middle-earth feel |
| Replay Value | ★★★★☆ | Three classes offer different playthroughs |
Final Review Checklist:
- Authentic Tolkien lore with parallel storyline to the Fellowship
- Three distinct playable classes with unique skill trees
- Satisfying cooperative combat for up to three players
- Memorable encounters with Bilbo, Glóin, Arwen, and Great Eagles
- Some repetitive enemy encounters and inconsistent companion AI
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North remains a worthwhile experience for Tolkien fans and co-op enthusiasts. Its authentic lore connections, satisfying combat, and unique northern perspective on the War of the Ring make it a standout title despite some dated mechanics. Playing with friends elevates the experience significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lord of the Rings War in the North canon to the Tolkien books?
While not written by J.R.R. Tolkien himself, the game is set within the established Middle-earth timeline and runs parallel to the events of The Fellowship of the Ring. It features canonical characters like Elrond, Bilbo, Arwen, and Glóin, and its events are designed to complement the main story without contradicting it.
Q: Can you play Lord of the Rings War in the North solo?
Yes, the game is fully playable in single-player. You control one character while the AI manages the other two. However, the AI companions can be inconsistent during challenging encounters, so the experience is generally more enjoyable in cooperative mode.
Q: Which character is best for beginners in War in the North?
Farin the Dwarf Champion is the most beginner-friendly character due to his high health, heavy armor, and straightforward melee combat. His tankiness allows for more mistakes while learning the game's mechanics.
Q: Does War in the North feature content from The Hobbit?
Yes, the game references The Hobbit through characters like Glóin (Gimli's father and one of Bilbo's companions) and mentions of the Battle of the Five Armies. Bilbo Baggins himself appears in Rivendell and interacts with the player characters.