A new Lord of the Rings RPG video game is in the making and it is rumored to be confirmed this year. This new video game is described as a third-person action game aiming to compete with the Hogwarts Legacy game, from the Harry Potter universe, that was released in 2023.
Early reports suggest a strong focus on immersive play through large-scale world design and storytelling. While details remain limited, expectations throughout the community are already building. As this new title could become one of the most ambitious fantasy RPGs in recent years.
Early News On The New Lord Of The Rings Video Game
The brand-new LOTR video game is reported to be an ambitious, high-budget experience that could push beyond traditional AAA standards. Set in Tolkien’s Middle-earth, the project is expected to feature a large-scale world, detailed environments, and a strong emphasis on cinematic storytelling.
Backed by Embracer Group, the company that acquired the rights to The Lord of the Rings IP in 2022. Furthermore, it will be funded by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The new title is said to involve multiple partners and significant investment. Estimates suggest a budget around $100 million, placing it among the more ambitious fantasy projects currently in development.
While official announcements and details remain scarce, the game is rumored to focus on immense design and expansive gameplay.
The Comparison to Hogwarts Legacy
Comparisons are odious. However, following rumours and a widespread belief amongst the LOTR fan community that this video game could pose direct competition to Hogwarts Legacy, there are certain expectations that this new title is expected to meet.
- Character customisation. Whilst character customisation in Hogwarts Legacy serves as a tool to enhance the player’s immersion, it is considerably more limited and offers far fewer options than other RPGs on the market. In the case of The Lord of the Rings, this could be one of the main pillars of character customisation. Without knowing much about the video game, and with only limited information available. Character customisation could include not only the character’s appearance, but also their race, background and abilities. Given the context of Tolkien’s universe, we could be looking at a character customisation system more akin to BG3 or Dungeons & Dragons.
- The possible focus on an open-world exploration. Rather than following a strictly linear path, the game could encourage discovery through dynamic environments, side quests, and emergent storytelling. If well executed, this approach would give players the freedom to forge their own journey. Whether exploring vast landscapes, engaging in large-scale battles, or uncovering hidden lore scattered throughout the world.
- RPG and detailed storytelling. In short, a variety of responses and a real impact on the plot and relationships with other characters, and storyline. This is where the new title should distance itself further from the influence or reflection of Hogwarts Legacy. Just as in the Harry Potter video game, it seems there is no definitive ‘no’ to many situations, and the character must face certain situations or characters, come what may. The LOTR new video game has the opportunity to enrich this aspect and really make a difference.
Morality And Corruption, The Possibility To Play As A Villain
At the heart of The Lord of the Rings lies a central theme: the corrupting nature of power. Most clearly embodied in the One Ring and its influence across Middle-earth. Any new RPG set in this universe should reflect that philosophy through a meaningful morality system that goes beyond the simple good morality vs. evil choices. Player decisions should shape not only the narrative outcome but also relationships, world states, and even the character’s identity over time. The freedom to wield power should carry consequences in the storyline. Whether through combat, leadership, or the pursuit of personal gain, Reinforcing Tolkien’s idea that power always comes as a cost.
By integrating branching storylines, moral ambiguity, and long-term repercussions, the game coils deliver a more authentic and immersed experience that stays true to the author’s work.
When can we expect it?
Last October Insider Gaming published that the new Lord of the Rings RPG video game was in development. Since then, little else is known about the project. At the Game Awards ceremony, the industry’s premier showcase for new video game projects, the game was neither mentioned nor featured in any way. One might therefore speculate that it is still in development.
No gameplay hints, nor release window has been released up to this date.
BREAKING NEWS!
Insider Gaming has just published, today 31st of March 2026 that recent reports suggest that Warhorse Studios, best known for Kingdom Come: Deliverance, could be the team behind the rumored new Lord of the Rings RPG Video Game. According to industry sources, the studio is believed to be working on a large-scale, open-world project backed by Embracer Group.
While this has not been officially confirmed, the claim is said to come from a veteran industry insider. If true, Warhorse’s experience with realistic, immersive RPG systems could shape a more grounded and detailed take on Middle-earth.
A New Era for LOTR Video Games
The potential involvement of Warhorse Studios coils signal the beginning of a new era for games set in Middle-earth. While past titles such as, Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor and Middle-earth: Shadow of war introduced new systems and large-scale combat. They often leaned toward action-driven gameplay and deep RPG mechanics. This new vision could not only revive the interest in the franchise, but also establish a new benchmark for fantasy RPGs.
Get ready to add the new Lord of the Rings video Game to your gamer CV and revisit past titles while waiting . Find gamers that, like you, await this new AAA RPG game.
Game on!🏹⚔️💍