The best games set in the J.R.R. Tolkien "Middle Earth" world 2024

Looking for a really good game set in the Middle-earth world of J.R.R. Tolkien? Then we have just the thing: The list with the best Middle-earth games.

Who was J.R.R. Tolkien?

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (January 3, 1892 - September 2, 1973) was an English writer, poet, philologist and academic, best known as the author of the fantasy works The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

Lord of the Rings is one of the most successful books of the 20th century and is considered a foundational work of modern fantasy literature.

Professor of English at Oxford

From 1925 to 1945, he was professor of English at Pembroke College, Oxford - and from 1945 to 1959 at Merton College, Oxford. Tolkien was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II on March 28, 1972, for his works.

Hobby becomes profession - from storyteller to author

When his children were old enough in the early 1920s, Tolkien began telling them imaginative stories on a regular basis. The disappearance of a toy dog belonging to his second son Michael, for example, led to the story "Roverandom." Then in 1930, he began writing the children's story "The Hobbit." Through connections with a publisher through one of his former students, the book "The Hobbit" was then published in 1937.

Work on Lord of the Rings interrupted by World War 2

The direct follow-up project was "The Lord of the Rings," but due to other tasks, World War II, and several publishing disputes, completion dragged on until 1954. Due to paper prices skyrocketing as a result of the World War, the book was published in 3 volumes. Tolkien always rejected the term "trilogy" - actually the book had 6 parts. An unauthorized pirated printing in the USA then finally triggered the wave of success of the fantasy world Middle-earth.

Middle Earth... what is that?

Middle Earth is the fictional setting of much of J. R. R. Tolkien's works. The term corresponds to Miðgarðr of Norse mythology and describes the world inhabited by man. This is the central continent of the Earth in Tolkien's invented mythological past. Tolkien's most widely read works, "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," are set entirely in Middle Earth. "Middle-earth" has come to be used as an umbrella term for Tolkien's legendary works and his fictional view of the world.

Where is Middle Earth located?

Middle Earth is the main continent of Tolkien's Earth "Arda" in an imaginary period of Earth's past with the end of the Third Age about 6,000 years ago. Tolkien's stories about Middle-earth focus mainly on the northwest of the continent. This part of Middle-earth suggests Europe, the northwest of the Old World, with the environs of the Shire being reminiscent of England (more specifically, the West Midlands, with Hobbiton being on the same latitude as Oxford).

Games based on works by other authors:

A lot of games are based on the works of book authors. Just check out our list of games based on authors below.

List of the best board games from the Tolkien world of Middle-earth that you can buy 2024

This list was last updated on August 20, 2024. We compared 126 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Love Letter: The Hobbit – The Battle of the Five Armies

    All details for the board game Love Letter: The Hobbit – The Battle of the Five Armies and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  2. The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth and similar games

    The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth invites players to immerse themselves in the rich and legendary world created by J.R.R. Tolkien. This fully cooperative, app-supported board game is designed for one to five players, offering a unique blend of adventure, strategy, and storytelling set in the iconic landscapes of Middle-Earth.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  3. Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation

    All details for the board game Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation and similar games

    Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation Deluxe Edition is a celebrated two-player board game designed by Reiner Knizia. Set in the rich world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, this game allows players to immerse themselves in the epic struggle between the forces of Sauron and the Free Peoples. Renowned for its blend of strategy, bluffing, and adventure, this deluxe edition elevates the experience with enhanced components and new gameplay elements.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  4. War of the Ring: Second Edition

    All details for the board game War of the Ring: Second Edition and similar games

    Immerse yourself in the epic struggle for Middle Earth in War of the Ring: Second Edition, a riveting board game that pits the Free Peoples against the formidable Shadow Armies. As the fate of Middle Earth hangs in the balance, players embark on a quest for victory through military conquest or the perilous journey of the Ringbearer.

    More details for War of the Ring: Second Edition
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 150 - 180 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for War of the Ring: Second Edition

    • YouTube Review for the game "War of the Ring: Second Edition" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "War of the Ring: Second Edition" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  5. Hobbit Tales from the Green Dragon Inn

    All details for the board game Hobbit Tales from the Green Dragon Inn and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 - 60 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  6. The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game and similar games

    The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game is a cooperative adventure game that immerses players in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. The game challenges players to complete scenarios using heroes, allies, and a deck of event and attachment cards.

    Nominated for 7 awards.

    More details for The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game
    • 1 - 2 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  7. The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game – Revised Core Set

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game – Revised Core Set and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 90 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  8. The Lord of the Rings Adventure Book Game

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings Adventure Book Game and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 160 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. The Lord of the Rings: Adventure to Mount Doom

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings: Adventure to Mount Doom and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 50 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  10. Monopoly: The Lord of The Rings Edition

    All details for the board game Monopoly: The Lord of The Rings Edition and similar games
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  11. Der Hobbit: Smaugs Einöde

    All details for the board game Der Hobbit: Smaugs Einöde and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  12. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Deck-Building Game

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Deck-Building Game and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 15+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  13. Lord of the Rings

    All details for the board game Lord of the Rings and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2003

    More details for Lord of the Rings
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Lord of the Rings

    • YouTube Review for the game "Lord of the Rings" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Lord of the Rings" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  14. The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-Earth and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  15. The Lord of the Rings: Journey to Mordor

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings: Journey to Mordor and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  16. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Deck-Building Game

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Deck-Building Game and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 15+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  17. The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game – Two-Player Limited Edition Starter

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game – Two-Player Limited Edition Starter and similar games
    • 1 - 2 Players
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game – Two-Player Limited Edition Starter

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game – Two-Player Limited Edition Starter" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  18. The Lord of the Rings

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings and similar games

    The Lord of the Rings is a cooperative board game that immerses players in the epic journey of the Fellowship as they strive to destroy the One Ring and thwart the dark powers of Sauron. Each player assumes the role of a Hobbit from the Fellowship, each with unique abilities that contribute to the team's success.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2001

    More details for The Lord of the Rings
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for The Lord of the Rings

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Lord of the Rings" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  19. The Lord of the Rings Labyrinth

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings Labyrinth and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for The Lord of the Rings Labyrinth

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Lord of the Rings Labyrinth" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  20. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Deck-Building Game

    All details for the board game The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Deck-Building Game and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 15+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  21. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Deck-Building Game

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Deck-Building Game and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 15+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  22. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

    All details for the board game The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 15+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  23. Yahtzee

    All details for the board game Yahtzee and similar games

    Yahtzee is a well-known and beloved classic dice game that involves both luck and strategy. The game is straightforward but offers engaging gameplay as players try to score in various categories using five dice.

    🔥 Deal: 70% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Yahtzee
    • 2 - 10 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  24. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Party

    All details for the board game The Hobbit: An Unexpected Party and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 40 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  25. The Battle of Five Armies

    All details for the board game The Battle of Five Armies and similar games

    The Battle of Five Armies is a strategically rich board game that transports players to the climactic scene from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. This game brings to life the epic confrontation where the forces of the Elvenking, Dwarves, and Men ally against the menacing armies of Wolves, Goblins, and Bats, under the leadership of Bolg. Key characters like Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins, and potentially even the Eagles and Beorn, play crucial roles in this battle for the fate of Middle-earth.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    More details for The Battle of Five Armies
    • 2 Players
    • 90 - 240 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  26. Exit: The Game – The Lord of the Rings: Shadows over Middle-earth

    All details for the board game Exit: The Game – The Lord of the Rings: Shadows over Middle-earth and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  27. Risk: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Edition

    All details for the board game Risk: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Edition and similar games

    Risk: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Edition expands upon the classic game of global domination by incorporating elements from the entire Lord of the Rings film trilogy, inviting players to battle across Middle-Earth for supremacy. This edition enhances the traditional Risk experience with a wealth of content that draws deeply from the rich lore and geography of Tolkien's world.

    More details for Risk: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Edition
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 180 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  28. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Das Kartenspiel

    All details for the board game The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Das Kartenspiel and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  29. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

    All details for the board game The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 40 Minutes
    • 15+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  30. The Hobbit

    All details for the board game The Hobbit and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for The Hobbit

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Hobbit" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English

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