The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War not only presents a faithful rendition of Middle-earth from the popular fantasy franchise, but also brings all your favorite characters to life from the fans in an engaging mobile strategy game.
The impressive accuracy of the elements of Tolkien's creation also shines through in the different Factions players can choose at the start of the game, which will depend on the style of play and the tactical advantages of each group. Will you take the side of good or evil?
Your Faction will determine your position on the map, your starting Commander, as well as the troops and unit bonuses your army will have as you progress through the game. Beyond choosing the Faction you like the most, these are some of the factors to take into account when choosing your side.
Good features
Rohan
With its open plains and skillful Horse Lords, Rohan is the home of Éowyn, the franchise's favorite. The kingdom is known for the Rohirrim who patrol the mountains, and its capital, Edoras, is ruled by King Théoden.
This Faction's special ability is Forth Eorlingas, which increase your army's marching speed by 3% and gives you a significant advantage in battle. Players who choose this Faction can also make use of the special Marshal unit.
gondor
Gondor means "Land of Stone" in Sindarin, which is also the name of this Faction's special ability. In it, players can gain an advantage when it comes to building, since reduces construction time by 5%. The Knight of the Swan is the special unit of this Faction.
Gondor's capital is Minas Tirith, and its symbol is the White Tree. The city was actually the last line of defense of the ancient capital, Osgiliath. When Osgiliath fell, Minas Tirith became the new capital, as it was "a strong citadel ... and was not to be taken by a host of enemies (Return of the King, Fifth Book, Chapter 1)."
arnor
Gondor's sister kingdom, Arnor is also ruled by a King, Annúminas being its former capital. Over time, the northern kingdom moved the capital to Fornost Erain, and Annúminas was abandoned.
Arnor's special ability is Land of Kings, an appropriate name since his special unit is the Guardian of the North. The Faction's special ability reduces construction costs by 5%, giving players a welcome boost in fortifying their settlements.
Lothl Teurien
The kingdom of the elves found in three regions on either side of the Misty Mountains. Caras Galadhon is its capital, nestled in the Mallorn trees of the Lórien forest. Galadriel and Celeborn rule the Galadhrim here, protected by Galadriel's magic from her Ring of Power.
Players who choose this Faction can take advantage of the Elven Wisdom ability, which provides commanders with a useful EXP gain of 5%. The special unit is the Marchwarden and it is an interesting option for players who prefer elven armies.
Lindon
Another elven territory, Lindon is home to the High Elves. Its capital is the port city of The Gray Havens, which allows the elves access the Undying Lands via ships. It is from here that Bilbo and Frodo set sail at the end of their story.
This Faction's special ability is called Praised Land, which increases the yield of wood and grain harvesting by 10%. The special unit type is the Ñoldor Long Shot.
erebor
Players have many options for Men and Orcs, but Erebor is the only Faction that allows them to use Dwarves.
Erebor is the home of the hard-working Dwarves in the underground territories of the Lonely Mountain, near the Iron Hills. It is here that the dragon Smaug once laid siege to the kingdom.
The Faction's special ability is called Sons of Durin. This decreases recruitment time by 5% and offers players the Iron Warrior as a special unit type.
The factions of evil
Mordor
As the domain of Sauron, Mordor offers a strategic geographic advantage for the players, as it is walled by the Ephel Dúath and the Ered Lithui. The fires of Mount Doom are responsible for forging the One Ring, and its capital is Barad-dûr.
Then, at last, his gaze stopped: wall upon wall, battlement upon battlement, black, immeasurably strong, iron mountain, steel gate, adamant tower, he saw her: Barad-dûr, Fortress of Sauron. All hope left him
(The Fellowship of the Ring, Book 2, Chapter 10).
If it's the ultimate baddie Faction you're after, Mordor is the way to go. The Land of Darkness special ability provides a nifty 5% increase in resource production, along with a special Ravager unit.
isengard
Saruman rules the Orthanc's impenetrable tower in Isengard, which is also its capital. Orthanc was built by the Dúnedain during the Second Age and is under the protection of the magician.
This Faction offers players the use of the strongest Uruk-hai orcs, as well as the Iron Ring special ability that reduces recruitment costs by 10%. The Faction's special unit is the Snaga Thrak.
Rhun
With its capital, Kineland, Rhûn offers players access to the Easterling tribes from the eastern deserts and to the shores of the Sea of Rhûn.
A hidden gem, this Faction provides a 10% increased damage dealt to armies non-players with their East Traveler special ability. Players can also use the War Chariot special unit type here.
angmar
Angmar, which means 'Iron Home', is ruled by the Witch-king of Angmar and it was founded in the Third Age.
Its capital is Carn Dûm and it was created to paralyze the northern kingdoms of men. This faction's Hearth of Steel special ability boosts siege damage by 5% and offers players the ability to use the Fallen special unit.
The Lord of the Rings: War is available for your download for free through the link that I show you below. The game includes in-app purchases.
