3 Lord of the Rings Games That Still Hold Up Today (& 1 Has Fans Begging for a Remake)

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Recent years haven’t been easy for Lord of the Rings games. The 2023 release of *Lord of the Rings: Gollum*, after being delayed for two years, was almost universally disliked by both critics and players. This year’s *Tales of the Shire*, also delayed, has received mixed reviews, though I personally enjoyed its relaxing atmosphere. However, despite these recent disappointments, not every Lord of the Rings game has been a failure – the franchise actually has several classic titles that are still beloved today.

As a huge Tolkien fan, I’ve seen so many Lord of the Rings games over the years! Middle-earth is just such a rich and detailed world, it’s perfect for all kinds of games – we’ve had everything from games based directly on the movies to fun LEGO versions and even survival games like Return to Moira. But if you’re looking for some of the older, truly great Lord of the Rings games that are still really enjoyable today, I think these three are the ones you absolutely need to check out.

3. The Lord of the Rings Online

Originally launched in 2007, the *Lord of the Rings* MMORPG remains a surprisingly enjoyable game. It allows players to team up with friends and journey through the expansive world of Middle-earth. Even after all these years, it still boasts a dedicated player base. The game offers a significant amount of content for solo players, letting you explore the world of *Lord of the Rings* with graphics that still hold up well. Many fans of the franchise continue to enjoy the game, and the developers regularly add new content to keep things fresh.

The game is fantastic because you can play the first 95 levels without spending any money. While some extra content still costs money, the main part of the game is now free to enjoy. If you’re a fan of *The Lord of the Rings* and want a great experience without breaking the bank, this game is a great option.

2. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

Even though it came out over a decade ago, *Shadow of Mordor* remains a fantastic game. While *Shadow of War* (released in 2017) was a great follow-up, we’re highlighting the original title here. *Shadow of Mordor* is famous for its innovative Nemesis System, which makes enemies feel surprisingly lifelike. These randomly generated foes remember your battles, develop unique grudges, and essentially have their own personalities.

Beyond its engaging gameplay, *Shadow of Mordor* beautifully recreates the world of Middle-earth. This open-world game doesn’t retell existing stories from *The Hobbit* or *The Lord of the Rings*; instead, it offers a fresh, original narrative set in between those events. You can enjoy exploring Middle-earth and seeing recognizable characters, all while experiencing a brand-new adventure. Plus, it’s easily accessible on Steam, making it perfect for both returning players and newcomers.

 1. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

I have fond memories of the Lord of the Rings games EA made when I was younger, and many others feel the same way. *The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers* really paved the way for its sequel, *Return of the King*. It’s a fast-paced, third-person action game where you battle enemies, and while it’s similar to the first game, *Return of the King* lets you interact with the environment more, making you feel truly part of Middle-earth. That immersive quality is why it’s still one of the most fun Lord of the Rings games for fans of the movies.

Man, this game is seriously loved! I keep seeing fans online begging for a remake, and there’s even a big petition going around on GOG. It originally came out way back in 2003 for the PS2, GameCube, and Game Boy Advance, so it’s kinda hard to play now unless you still have one of those consoles. If you *do*, though, it’s totally worth revisiting and getting lost in Middle-earth. I’m really hoping they’ll remake it someday with updated graphics, because honestly, no other modern Lord of the Rings game has quite captured that same magic.

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2025-09-22 17:42