War of the Ring review

War of the Ring second edition from Ares Games is the pick for wargamers who also love The Lord of the Rings. It is a grand strategy game with two sides: the Free Peoples player leads Rohan, Gondor and the Elves while guiding the Fellowship toward Mount Doom, and the Shadow player commands Orcs, Trolls and Ringwraiths while hunting the Ring-bearer. That split gives two ways to win, by force of arms or by the quest. The box is large: a 70 x 100 cm board in two sections, 205 plastic figures in more than 30 sculpts, 16 action dice, 5 combat dice and 110 event and character cards. GameNerdz lists 2 to 4 players, ages 13 and up and 150 to 180 minutes. The list price is $119.90, and GameNerdz sold it at $89.97 when we checked. It is not historical, and the long playing time means it needs a free afternoon.

Who it is for

Tolkien fans who want an epic, long strategy war

Price

$119.90 list price; $89.97 at GameNerdz when checked.

Player Aides Folders $89.97 $119.90
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• 70 x 100 cm game board in two sections
• 205 plastic figures in more than 30 different sculpts
• 16 action dice and 5 combat dice
• 110 event and character cards
• Two sides: Free Peoples and Shadow

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Combines army battles with the Fellowship's hidden quest for Mount Doom
• Strength: 205 figures and a 70 x 100 cm board
• Strength: Supports 2 to 4 players
• Weakness: Listed at 150 to 180 minutes
• Weakness: Highest list price after Combat Commander at $119.90
• Weakness: Fantasy war, not a historical one

Key facts

• Publisher: Ares Games
• Designers: Roberto Di Meglio, Marco Maggi, Francesco Nepitello
• Edition: 2nd edition
• Playing time: 150 to 180 minutes
• Age: 13+

Where it ranks

War of the Ring is No. 5 in our Best Military Board Games verdict.