The Lord of the Rings: War in the North is returning to modern gaming platforms, giving players another opportunity to explore its darker vision of Middle-earth. Limited Run Games announced that The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition will receive physical releases for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox, with pre-orders open through December 13, 2026.
War in the North Returns to PlayStation 5, Switch 2 and Xbox
The action role-playing game was originally developed by Snowblind Studios and released in 2011. Aspyr is behind the new Legacy Edition.
Set alongside the events of The Lord of the Rings, the game follows a separate Fellowship fighting to protect northern Middle-earth while Frodo and Samwise continue their journey toward Mount Doom.
At the center of the story is Agandaûr, a Black Númenórean serving Sauron who has assembled a major fighting force among the ruins of Fornost. Players must confront his forces as the war spreads across the North.
The game combines third-person combat with RPG progression, equipment management and cooperative play. Players can experience the campaign solo or team up through online and split-screen co-op.
Three Heroes Offer Different Combat Styles
Players can switch between three characters, each designed around a distinct role and set of abilities.
Eradan, Andriel and Farin
Eradan, a Dúnedain Ranger, specializes in stealth, bows and precise sword attacks. Andriel, an Elven Loremaster, provides magical support through healing and area-of-effect spells.
Farin, a Dwarven Champion, is built for close-range combat, combining high durability with powerful melee attacks.
Players can develop their chosen heroes with new skills and abilities while collecting weapons, armor and other equipment. The progression system allows builds to be adjusted around different combat preferences.
The game also presents a more mature interpretation of Middle-earth than many adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world. Its story emphasizes the brutality of the wider war against Sauron, including violent battles and the increasingly desperate effort to hold back his armies.
Standard Edition Priced at $49.99
The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition will be available physically in Standard and Deluxe editions for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox.
The Standard Edition is priced at $49.99 in the United States, €55.95 in Europe, £45 in the United Kingdom and CAD $70.99 in Canada.
It includes the physical game on disc or game card, an O-ring slipcover and an eight-page booklet titled A Wayfinder’s Ledger. The booklet features riddles associated with the game and the “Riddles in the Dark” activation.
Deluxe Edition Includes Map, SteelCase and Collectibles
The Deluxe Edition costs $79.99 in the United States, €88.95 in Europe, £73 in the United Kingdom and CAD $112.99 in Canada.
Along with the physical version of the game, the package includes a SteelCase and a full-color cloth map.
It also contains an exclusive letter written by actor Jed Brophy, presented on weathered-style paper and closed with a wax-seal sticker.
Pre-Orders Remain Open Until December 13
Pre-orders for The Lord of the Rings: War in the North – Legacy Edition opened October 5 and are scheduled to remain available until December 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The physical re-release brings the 2011 action RPG to current-generation consoles while retaining its cooperative combat, character progression and standalone Middle-earth storyline. For players who missed the original release, the Legacy Edition provides a new way to experience the battle for northern Middle-earth on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox.
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