The Lord of the Rings: War in the North has made a surprise return 15 years after its original release. Aspyr shadow-dropped a new Legacy Edition on August 11 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
The re-release costs $19.99 and includes several updates for modern hardware. PC players can find it through Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, while the Nintendo Switch 2 version reaches the European eShop on August 18.
Aspyr has updated War in the North with 60 FPS support on modern platforms, except the original Nintendo Switch. The Legacy Edition also adds improved enemy targeting, autosaves, extra save slots, and updated interface elements showing party Health, Mana, and EXP.
Gyro controls are available on PS5, Switch, and Switch 2. Aspyr has also included bug fixes and a new system that lets players spot character-specific secrets without having to switch to that hero first.
War in the North follows three playable heroes: Dúnedain Ranger Eradan, Elven Loremaster Andriel, and Dwarven Champion Farin. Players can now quickly switch between the three characters during solo play.
Online co-op supports three players, allowing each person to control one member of the party.
Two-player split-screen also returns, although local co-op is not supported on the original Switch version.
Snowblind Studios originally developed War in the North for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. The action RPG launched in November 2011 and told a separate story running alongside the Fellowship’s journey through Middle-earth.
Players travel through locations including Rivendell, Mirkwood, Lórien, and the Lonely Mountain while fighting Agandaûr, a servant of Sauron building an army in the North. Familiar characters including Gandalf, Aragorn, and Elrond also appear during the campaign.
The Legacy Edition also restores an easy way to legally buy War in the North after the original PC release disappeared from digital storefronts. GOG is offering the new PC version without DRM, alongside its releases on Steam and Epic Games Store.
War in the North is Aspyr’s first released Lord of the Rings title. The studio says more classic games from the franchise will return in the future, though it has not revealed which one will be next.
