The much-awaited strategy game Lord of the Rings: Rise to War has finally opened its doors for pre-registration with barely a month left before the launch. As per Net Ease Games and Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, the game is set to be officially released in the global markets on September 23.

Once released, The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War will be available for download on the iOS App Store, Google Play Store, and, oddly enough, the Samsung Galaxy Store. 

Players in Europe, South America, North America, Oceania, and Southeast Asia will be able to pre-register. Those who do will receive an exclusive in-game Gift Pack that includes a special portrait of the Hobbit of the Shire, Bilbo Baggins. Apart from that, there are also 9 x Universal Speed+15min, Hunter’s Coat, and 3000 Gold.

The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War Pre-Registration & Release Date Out

There also seems to be a target based reward system for the number of  pre-registrations:

  • At 125k registrations: Universal Speed+ 15 min x 10 & Relocation Ability x 1
  • At 250k: 5000 Gold & 200 Gems
  • At 375k: Mathom Medal x 1, Lumber x 10000, Ore x 10000, Grains x 10000, Stone x 10000
  • At 500k: Mathom Medal x 1 & Bilbo Baggins Exclusive Avatar

The Gameplay Elements 

The game is set in the third age of Middle-earth, with many diverse terrains to conquer and fortify. The entire map is divided and laid out on a tile-based system similar to other games of this genera, making it easier to keep track of claimed territories.

As for the world-building, the developers promise an immersive and faithful rendition of the fictional world of Arda, including its characters. 

As such, the game is designed around Tolkien’s trilogy books and Peter Jackson’s film adaptations with an official license for the source. Meaning we will see a lot of similar faces and locations from iconic Aragorn, the Ranger of the North, to the elegant Elven Lord of Rivendell, Elrond.

In the case of choices and dialogue options, the LOTR: Rise To War’s official website describes it as “state-of-the-art immersive gameplay and simulated warfare will engulf fans in grippingly realistic consequences to their actions in-game, all inspired by masterful storytelling.”  

Moving on to the factions, there are a total of 8 factions/kingdoms to choose from; they are:

  • Gondor, home to the descendants of Númenóreans
  • Rohan, known for their horseback riders, Rohirrim.
  • Lothlórien, the kingdom of Elves.
  • Erebor, home of the Dwarves. 
  • Mordor, the domain of Sauron .
  • Isengard, where the black tower Orthanc stands.
  • Angmar ruled by the witch-king of Angmar
  • And finally, Rhûn was occupied by the Easterling Tribes.

The overall objective is pretty straightforward; as the developers put it, LOR: Rise of War is a Geo-strategic Seasonal Wargame where players have to build and grow their settlements, gather massive armies to wage war, capture and defend new territories, all in pursuit of the One Ring.

Each defeat in battle will lead to loss of land, so players will first need to gauge the enemy’s strength and gather enough forces to ensure victory.  Players will also have the option of joining/creating either Fellowships or Warbands depending on which side they choose to fight for. 

If you are a fan of the LOTR franchise, give this game a try; the characters and lore alone should be worth your time.