Lord of the Rings Open World RPG Warhorse Studios

No, Warhorse Studios is not developing an open-world Lord of the Rings RPG. Warhorse Studios, the Czech developer known for the Kingdom Come: Deliverance series, has not announced any project set in Middle-earth, and no official Lord of the Rings open-world game from them exists. This article explains what Warhorse Studios is actually working on, what Lord of the Rings open-world games do exist, and why the two are often confused.

Who Is Warhorse Studios?

Warhorse Studios is a video game developer based in Prague, Czech Republic. It was founded in 2011 by Daniel Vávra, a former designer on the Mafia series, and Martin Klíma, a former producer at 2K Czech. The studio’s first and most famous project is Kingdom Come: Deliverance (2018), a medieval RPG set in 15th-century Bohemia. The game is known for its first-person melee combat, realistic historical setting, and a strong focus on player choice. In 2019, Warhorse was acquired by Koch Media (now Plaion), the parent company of Deep Silver. The studio’s sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, was announced in April 2024 and released in February 2025.

Why Do People Think Warhorse Is Making a LOTR Game?

The confusion likely stems from a few sources. First, both Kingdom Come: Deliverance and a hypothetical Middle-earth RPG would be medieval-themed, open-world, and heavily story-driven. Second, there have been persistent rumors and fan wishes for a realistic, grounded Lord of the Rings game, and Warhorse’s reputation for historical authenticity makes them a popular fan pick. Third, a 2023 report from the website Inverse claimed that an unnamed AAA studio was working on a Lord of the Rings open-world game, and some fans speculated it could be Warhorse. However, Warhorse has never confirmed such a project, and no official announcement has been made. As of now, the studio’s only known projects are the Kingdom Come titles.

What Lord of the Rings Open-World Games Actually Exist?

There are several official Lord of the Rings games that feature open-world or large explorable areas, but none are from Warhorse. The most prominent is Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014) and its sequel Middle-earth: Shadow of War (2017), developed by Monolith Productions. These games are set in a semi-open world and feature the Nemesis System, which creates unique enemy hierarchies. Another notable title is The Lord of the Rings Online (2007), a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that lets players explore a vast recreation of Middle-earth. More recently, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum (2023) was a stealth-focused game, but it was not open-world and received poor reviews. In 2023, a new open-world Lord of the Rings game was announced by the Chinese publisher Wemade, but it is still in development and not tied to Warhorse.

What Is Warhorse Studios Currently Working On?

Warhorse Studios’ current focus is Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, a direct sequel to the 2018 game. The sequel continues the story of Henry of Skalitz, now a more experienced warrior, and expands the setting to include the city of Kuttenberg (Kutná Hora) and its surroundings. The game features a larger map, improved combat, and a deeper crafting system. It was released for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S in February 2025. The studio has not announced any other projects, and there is no evidence that they are working on a licensed property like Lord of the Rings.

How to Choose a Lord of the Rings Game

If you’re looking for an open-world Lord of the Rings experience, consider what you value most:

• Story and character: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War offer a darker, more action-oriented take on Middle-earth, with a focus on revenge and the Nemesis System.
• Exploration and MMO: The Lord of the Rings Online is free-to-play and offers the most complete map of Middle-earth, but it has older graphics and a subscription model for some content.
• Historical realism: If you want a realistic medieval RPG without fantasy elements, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is the closest match, but it is not set in Middle-earth.
• Upcoming titles: Keep an eye on the Wemade game, though details are scarce.

Common Misconceptions About Warhorse and LOTR

One common misconception is that Warhorse Studios was hired by a major publisher to make a Lord of the Rings game. This is not true. Another is that Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a Lord of the Rings game because it features castles, swords, and a medieval setting. In reality, it is a historically accurate portrayal of a real time and place, with no fantasy elements. Some fans also confuse Warhorse with other studios that have worked on LOTR games, such as Monolith Productions or EA (which made the Lord of the Rings games in the early 2000s).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Warhorse Studios making a Lord of the Rings game?

No. There is no official announcement, and the studio is currently focused on Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.

Will there ever be a Lord of the Rings open-world game like Kingdom Come?

It is possible, but no such game has been announced. If one were made, it would likely be by a different studio, as Warhorse has not expressed interest in licensed IPs.

What is the best open-world Lord of the Rings game?

It depends on preference. Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War are the most polished action RPGs, while The Lord of the Rings Online offers the largest world to explore.

Why do people think Warhorse is making a LOTR game?

Mostly due to fan speculation and the studio’s reputation for realistic medieval RPGs, which fans feel would suit Middle-earth.

Is Kingdom Come: Deliverance set in Middle-earth?

No. It is set in the Kingdom of Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic) during the early 15th century, and it has no fantasy elements.

Are there any official Lord of the Rings games in development?

Yes, Wemade announced an open-world game in 2023, but little is known about it. Also, a new game by the studio behind Shadow of Mordor has been rumored, but not confirmed.

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