Experience the most iconic Middle-earth battles in The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War

A game as immersive as The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War wouldn’t be what it is today if it didn’t at least feature one (or more) of the iconic battles fans know from the books or the movies - and what better way to experience these battles, than assembling an army and marching right into the middle of the action?

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the iconic battles fought in the kingdom of Middle-earth, which any player can access through the Red Book of Westmarch and devise the best strategy to win.

From the Battle of Moria, fought in the Dwarf city in the valley of Azanulbizar, all the way to something more massive, such as the Battle of Helm’s Deep which decimated Saruman’s forces, here are five battles that players can dive into in The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War.

1. The Siege of Minas Tirith

Stage 17 of Red Book of Westmarch

The greatest battle to ever take place in Middle-earth, the battle of Minas Tirith is one of the most noteworthy ones, both in the game and in the movies. This battle of epic proportions between Mordor and Gondor sees alliances made between the factions that lead to what we see in The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War (the good factions and the evil ones).

A beautiful yet massive battle takes place at the gates of the White City, and the battle with the Witch-king’s Army that defeated Denethor II’s army is not one to overlook. A lot of planning and strategising is needed to pass this stage in the game, providing a rather fitting tribute to the incredible scope of the battle depicted in The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.

2. Helm’s Deep

Stage 11 of Red Book of Westmarch

The Battle of Helm’s Deep is another key battle in the history of Middle-earth. This battle is not only one of the best looking ones in the movie, but also one of the most descriptive ones in the books. After Saruman sends off his forces to attack Rohan, he ends up losing most of his army of Uruk-hai after Gandalf the White and Eomer take a stand against him.

While in The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War this battle is not portrayed in such a cinematic way as it is in the movie, it still shows the beautiful fortress of Helm’s Deep and the epic battle that ensues.

3. Battle of the Black Gate

Stage 18 of Red Book of Westmarch

The last iconic battle in the Red Book of Westmarch, the Battle of the Black Gate is the one that truly shows how great the saga of Middle-earth truly is. In an attempt to help Frodo destroy the One Ring in Mordor, the Free Peoples of Middle-earth try their best to hold on while Frodo carries out the task.

With the help of Legolas, Aragorn, Merry and Pippin and Gandalf the White’s army, attacking the Black Gate of Mordor is no easy feat (despite the huge armies). Even though the Ringwraiths are powerful, thanks to the Eagles, another key unit in The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War, the battle swings in The Fellowship’s favour.

4. Moria

Stage 7 of Red Book of Westmarch

By far one of the most iconic battles from The Fellowship of the Ring, this fight takes place in the fallen corridors of the underground kingdom of Dwarves, after the Fellowship tries to escape Orcs in the mithril mines.

This battle between the great Balrog of Morgoth and Gandalf the Grey is as intense as one can imagine, marking it as one of the most noteworthy battles in The Lord of the Rings.

5. The Fall of Isengard

Stage 12 of Red Book of Westmarch

After losing the battle for Helm’s Deep, Saruman met his final demise when the Ents of Fangorn forest descended upon Isengard, smashing its gates and flooding the city by destroying the walls of its dam.

With Merry and Pippin acting as your Commanders, The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War lets you lead an army of giant tree-like units against the remnants of Orcs and Men that make up the last of Saruman’s forces to put a final end to the nefarious machinations of the villainous Wizard.