Developer Aspyr Media has shadow-dropped a modern port of The Lord of the Rings: War in the North with quality-of-life features, bug fixes, and improved mechanics and performance.

War in the North originally released in 2011 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It got okay reviews at the time, but was overshadowed by other action-adventure and RPGs that released that same year: namely The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. In fact, all three were released in November 2011.

The original developer was Snowblind Studios, the same studio behind the superb Champions of Norrath and Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance for PlayStation 2.

War in the North’s story takes place during the events of The Lord of the Rings. Agandaur, an evil Numenorean, is massing his armies in the north. Choose between an Elven magic-user, a Dwarven Champion, or a Dunedain Ranger and hack-and-slash your way through his minions. It’s not official Middle-Earth canon, but it serves as a side-narrative, with cameos from known characters like Aragorn, Gandalf, and others.

You can play by yourself or with friends locally or online.

The re-release of The Lord of the Rings: War in the North is out now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch/Switch 2, and PC. If you’re interested in the original release, it appeared on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. Check out the launch trailer below:

Form Your Own Fellowship. It’s Time for War!

A Shadow rises in the North. Step into a darker, grittier Middle-earth where war rages beyond the Fellowship’s path. The Lord of the Rings: War in the North™ – Legacy Edition expands Tolkien’s epic legendarium, delving into the brutal, untold story of Agandaûr, a Black Númenórean and servant of Sauron who has rallied an immense force in the ruins of Fornost. While Frodo and Samwise embark on their journey to Mount Doom, a new Fellowship must rise and defend the North. Let this be the hour when we draw swords together!

Choose Your Orc-Bane

Seamlessly hot-swap between three uniquely skilled characters.

Eradan: Dúnedain Ranger–Stealth and precision with bows and swords

Andriel: Elven Loremaster–Magical support with healing and area-of-effect spells

Farin: Dwarven Champion–Tank-like durability and devastating melee attacks

Co-op Fellowship

Play with up to 2 friends online or in split-screen co-op. The survival of your Fellowship and all of Middle-earth depends upon your uniquely skilled heroes working together. Fight together or die alone!

Deep RPG Progression

Customize your hero with unique skills, abilities, and gear. Collect powerful weapons and armor to shape your playstyle.

Command a Great Eagle

Call upon Beleram, a mighty Great Eagle, to strike from the skies and turn the tide of battle.

Iconic Cameos & Locations

Encounter familiar faces like Aragorn, Gandalf, and Elrond as you journey through lore-rich locations including the Elven sanctuaries of Rivendell and Lórien, the daunting heights of The Lonely Mountain, and the fog-laden paths of Mirkwood.

Darker, Grittier Middle-earth

Experience the brutal reality of war with mature storytelling, blood-soaked battlefields, and the desperate fight to defend the North against Sauron’s advancing armies.

A World Full of Peril

The world is gnawed by nameless things. Face ruthless Orcs, monstrous Trolls, deadly Wargs, spectral Barrow-wights, and the dark sorcery of Agandaûr’s forces in epic battles across Middle-earth. Don’t be hasty—Agandaûr commands even greater terrors, summoning Fell Beasts and Creatures of Shadow to his aid.

Forth, and Fear No Darkness! What Say You?!

[Steam]