The Lord of the Rings is the greatest fantasy release in the history of the genre, laying the foundations for just about every major work that has come out since and bringing millions of new fans on board for the ride. It’s little wonder, then, that we have seen so many excellent adaptations since, from the beloved movie trilogy to a myriad of brilliant video games.
If you are interested in the wider world of Middle-earth, one of the best ways to experience it in 2026 is via the tabletop, where you actually have several options on the table, depending on how you want to play. Now, not one, but two of those are set to get major releases, pushing them forward into the future in the process.
In case you aren’t familiar with The One Ring, it’s essentially a TTRPG that uses a custom-built ruleset designed from the ground up to specifically suit Tolkien’s themes and approach to writing. The other major option is The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying 5E, which adapts the creation into the mechanical framework of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
In my humble opinion, The One Ring is the best option for fans, even if the learning curve is more steep if you’re coming from a traditional D&D background. Now, Free League Publishing (who produce both games) have confirmed new expansions and revised core rules are on the way, with a release currently scheduled for 2027.
The company shared a brief statement announcing the launch of the campaign and the scope of their intended plans:
“From the halls of Rohan to the heights of Minas Tirith, we are bringing new adventures to the tabletop with today’s BackerKit campaign for The One Ring™ and The Lord of the Rings™ Roleplaying 5E, based on the books of J.R.R. Tolkien.
“The campaign features six volumes across the two games: a Gondor and Rohan expansion, a bestiary featuring creatures such as Ringwraiths and Balrogs, and a revised core rules manual for each. The updated edition of The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying 5E will be a fully standalone game compatible with the 5.5 ruleset, while both core rules incorporate Strider™ Mode for solo adventures without a Loremaster.
“If you are new to The One Ring™ and The Lord of the Rings™ Roleplaying 5E this campaign is the perfect starting point, with all new and previous content in printed and digital formats easily available. The Starter Set PDF for each version is included in all rewards at no extra cost as an instant access reward, available for download immediately after pledging.”
Both games are getting a new bestiary, with the primary version being produced for The One Ring as Creatures Strange and Foul. Meanwhile, The White Tower and the Hall of Gold is also on the way, and includes detailed locations, campaign frameworks, and adventure hooks for both Gondor and Rohan.
The core rules are also being updated, and you can pick up any or all of that by investing in the project over at BackerKit. If you have been waiting for the right reason to take the leap on a Lord of the Rings TTRPG, this is the perfect opportunity to do so, and it’s very difficult to envisage a world where you’ll regret it.
- Publisher
-
Free League Publishing, Cubicle 7
- Designer
-
Francesco Nepitello, Marco Maggi
- Player Count
-
2 to 6
- Age Recommendation
-
14+
