A Mod 13 Years In The Making Is Finally Ready For An Unbuyable Game

After more than ten years of development, the Middle-earth Extended Edition for The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-earth has officially launched in version 1.0. Sadly, Battle for Middle-earth is not available for digital purchase, but you can find it secondhand on eBay, often costing as much as a brand-new PlayStation 5 game. This mod has long been anticipated, enhancing a beloved real-time strategy game into a much larger experience than its original form.

Battle for Middle-earth, created by Danger Close Games, hit the shelves in December 2004. Development of the Middle-earth Extended Edition began eight years later in 2012, and the mod was released progressively by its developer, Rohirim91, as various components were completed. Today’s update is the first in four years and effectively marks the project’s completion; however, Rohirim91 has not confirmed if further updates will be forthcoming.

The announcement of the release, while lacking celebratory language, has the tone of a routine update. Rohirim91 has outlined how to install the mod, stating, “Middle-earth Extended Edition returns with an expanded set of playable maps, new features, refined campaigns and AI, as well as balance adjustments and bug fixes. BFME 1 Patch 1.06 is required.”

This mod exemplifies the passion that makes gaming such a rewarding pastime. It represents 13 years of dedication toward a game that is now over two decades old. Despite Battle for Middle-earth not being available for digital purchase, a campaign to bring it to GOG has been initiated. If you’re interested in supporting this endeavor, consider reaching out to the GOG team and expressing your desire to see the game available there.

If you’re a fan of this classic RTS, you can download the latest version of the mod here. It introduces new factions, additional maps, and significantly enhances the AI, making it a major improvement over the original game. In many respects, it revitalizes a title that can sometimes feel outdated and aligns the campaign missions more closely with The Lord of the Rings lore.