Real-time strategy where you command armies and hero units from both sides of the War of the Ring. You build bases, gather resources, and field troops from multiple factions while controlling named characters who level up and use special abilities during battles. Two campaigns let you play through the film timeline—one as the Free Peoples defending against Sauron, another as his forces conquering westward. Base construction uses a freeform placement system rather than fixed slots. Between missions you unlock powers from a tech tree that grants tactical options like summoning reinforcements or casting area effects. Cutscenes pull directly from the movie trilogy. Multiplayer skirmishes support various faction matchups across Middle-earth locations.
