The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria™
Action
Adventure
RPG
Single-player
Multi-player
Co-op
Online Co-op
Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Steam Cloud
Family Sharing

A survival crafting adventure set in the Fourth Age of Middle-earth. Lead the Dwarves to reclaim Moria - mine, build, and battle through procedurally generated depths alone or with up to 8 players in co-op. It is time to return to Moria!

Developers: Free Range Games
Publishers: North Beach Games
Release Date: Aug 27, 2024
Price (USD): $14.99
Current Players: 2.1k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(82%)
Middle-earth atmosphere
dwarven singing
co-op mode
crafting mechanics
building mechanics
difficulty balancing
adherence to lore
technical issues
clunky combat
resource scarcity
procedural generation
Overall, the game offers a faithful Middle-earth atmosphere that fans of the lore can appreciate, especially with its dwarven cultural elements. However, players are frustrated by technical issues and clunky combat mechanics. While the game shines in co-op settings, providing engagement with its exploration and crafting elements, its procedural generation and resource scarcity often detract from the experience. Those seeking an immersive dive into Tolkien's world might find value, but should be prepared for some rough edges.

Positive Points

  • The game excellently captures the atmosphere of Moria, providing an immersive experience that aligns well with the Lord of the Rings lore.
  • Players find the dwarven singing and cultural elements charming and a significant addition to the gameplay experience.
  • Co-op mode enhances the overall enjoyment, allowing players to engage in mining, crafting, and exploring with friends.
  • The crafting and base-building mechanics are appreciated by players who enjoy survival games, offering satisfying progression and customization options.
  • Negative Points

  • The game suffers from significant technical issues, such as frequent crashes, bugs, and poor optimization, especially in multiplayer.
  • Combat mechanics are often criticized for being clunky and repetitive, detracting from the overall engagement.
  • Resource availability and management can be problematic, with critical materials like salt being too scarce and affecting progression.
  • The game has received criticism for its procedurally generated environments, which can feel repetitive and impact exploration negatively.
  • Mixed Points

  • Building mechanics receive mixed feedback; some players enjoy the creative freedom while others find the snapping and placement frustrating.
  • The game's adherence to Tolkien's lore is a double-edged sword; while it's appreciated by fans, others feel it restricts the narrative potential.
  • Difficulty balancing is inconsistent, with some players finding it challenging in a rewarding manner, while others see it as unfair or frustrating.
  • Common Themes

  • Players frequently mention the game's atmosphere and respect for Tolkien's lore as a major strength, citing it as a faithful adaptation of Middle-earth.
  • The crafting and survival elements are central to the experience, with mining and resource management being core gameplay loops.
  • Multiplayer is commonly recommended to enhance the gaming experience, adding fun and dynamics to exploration and combat.
  • Technical issues and bugs are a common complaint, affecting the game's stability and player enjoyment significantly.
  • Updated 11/19/2025, 12:01:56 AM UTC