Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game: the complete guide for new players

The Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game is a tabletop skirmish game from Games Workshop in which two players command small armies of Citadel miniatures drawn from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It suits people who love Tolkien's world and want a game with heroes, warbands and dramatic set-piece battles, without needing hundreds of models. To start, you need the Rules Manual, one army and a little terrain.

What is the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game?

It is a miniatures game played on a table with models, dice and a tape measure. Each player builds a force from the films' and books' factions, then plays through scenarios with objectives, not just a fight to the last model.

Armies are usually in the tens of models, not the hundreds. That keeps the cost and the painting workload manageable. It also means each hero matters, which is a large part of the game's appeal.

How does it play?

Heroes are the heart of the game. They lead warriors, make decisive strikes and can turn a fight on a single good moment. Warriors in numbers hold the line, claim objectives and support their leaders.

Games are decided by tactics: positioning, timing and knowing when to commit your heroes. Terrain matters a great deal, so buildings and ruins are part of the game, not decoration.

Where should a beginner start?

Buy in this order: rules, a core force, a few heroes, then terrain. That gets you playing quickly and avoids buying models you will not use.

1. The rulebook. The Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game Rules Manual covers how the game works and is the one book every player needs.
2. A boxed starting point. The War of the Rohirrim – Battle of Edoras gives you a ready-made two-sided game in one box, which suits a pair of friends starting together.
3. A faction you like. Choose the side whose look and story appeal to you. You will spend many hours painting it.
4. An army book. It tells you how to field your chosen faction in a game.

Which army is best for a first collection?

The best army is the one you want to paint. That said, the Battlehost boxes are a sensible shortcut, because they bundle a themed force in one purchase. Options include the Rohan Battlehost, the Isengard Battlehost, the Mirkwood Battlehost and the Dol Guldur Battlehost.

Which factions and kits are worth knowing?

Rohan

Rohan is a popular choice for newcomers, with horsemen at its centre. Warriors of Rohan form the foot core, and Riders of Rohan add the cavalry the realm is known for. Warriors of Rohan Commanders give your units leaders.

For heroes, look at Éomer, Marshal of the Riddermark, Éowyn and Merry and Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan. The War of the Rohirrim range also includes Héra, Daughter of Helm, Haleth and Háma and Fréaláf Hildeson, Olwyn and Lief. Opponents from that story include the Hill Tribesmen and their commanders.

Gondor and the Fellowship

Warriors of Minas Tirith and Knights of Minas Tirith make a disciplined Gondorian force, and Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth is a natural commander for it. The Fellowship of the Ring is a good heroes box for any good-aligned collection. Smaller sets such as The Three Hunters and Gandalf the White and Peregrin Took add named characters. Elrond, Master of Rivendell suits elven lists.

Isengard and Mordor

For the shadow's side, Uruk-hai Warriors and Saruman the White and Gríma anchor an Isengard force. Mordor players can start with Morannon Orcs, Warg Riders and a Mordor Troll. The Witch-king of Angmar and the Winged Nazgûl bring the great villains to the table. Easterling Warriors and the War Mûmak of Harad cover the eastern and southern allies of Sauron.

Monsters, legends and The Hobbit

Large centrepiece models add spectacle to a collection: The Balrog, Treebeard, the Great Eagles and Shelob and Gollum. The Hobbit era is represented by Thorin Oakenshield and Company and Bolg, Spawn of Azog. Another option is the King of the Dead and Heralds, for those who want the Paths of the Dead on their table.

What terrain do you need?

Some scenery makes games better. A table with ruins, towers and houses gives your warriors cover, your heroes somewhere to stand and the battle a sense of place. The Gondor Ruins, Gondor Tower and Gondor Mansion kits suit human realms. The Rohan Stronghold fits the horse-lords, and the Ruins of Dol Guldur gives a darker setting.

How do you paint a Middle-earth army?

Paint in stages, and finish a squad before starting the next. A battle-ready standard, with a base coat, a wash and a simple highlight, is enough to take to the table. Our guide on how to start painting Warhammer miniatures covers the basics, and the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide explains which paints do which job. The same brushes, paints and techniques apply to Middle-earth models.

Which books do you need?

Beyond the Rules Manual, army books let you build forces from a particular part of the story. Armies of The Lord of The Rings covers the main trilogy, Armies of The Hobbit covers the earlier story, and Armies of Middle-earth brings a wider range together.

Scenario books give you ready-made battles to play. The Burning of the Westfold and The Treachery of Gollum are examples, and the War of the Rohirrim Softback Supplement supports that part of the range. If you like the setting's fiction as well as its battles, the Black Library reading guide helps you explore Games Workshop's wider storytelling. For the full range beyond Middle-earth, see the Warhammer buying guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many miniatures do I need to start?

A small warband with a couple of heroes is enough for your first games. The game is designed around modest model counts, so you can grow a collection gradually. A Battlehost or the Battle of Edoras box is a convenient way to start.

Is it the same as Warhammer 40,000 or Age of Sigmar?

No. It is a separate game with its own rules and its own setting, based on Tolkien's world. It uses the same Citadel hobby tools and paints, so painting skills carry across.

Do I have to own the books for every army?

No. The Rules Manual covers how the game works, and you only need the army book relevant to what you collect. Many players buy one and add others as their collection grows.

Can I play with models from both the films and The Hobbit?

Yes, the ranges share the same world and the army books are organised so you can field forces from each era. Check the relevant book for how your chosen models fit together.

Is it a good game for painting beginners?

It is a good fit, because armies are small and a coherent force can be finished in a reasonable time. Start with a simple scheme and improve as you go.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures
• Black Library reading guide: where to start