The Lord of the Rings: Return of Moira debuted its first gameplay footage at Summer Games Fest, where players will step into the role of Dwarves traversing the Mines of Moira. Set after the ending of the books, Lord Gimli Lockbearer tasks a party of Dwarves to mine beneath the Misty Mountains in search of the treasures within. The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moira will be a survival game— the first survival title in the LOTR long list of video game entries. 

Mines will be procedurally generated, wherein no two playthroughs will be alike. Players can set forth solo or with online companions of up to eight players. Dwarves are fully customizable with a character customization, unique play style of weaponry, gear modification and much more. 

In a description of the game’s survival mechanics: “To survive the treacherous Mines of Moria players must conserve resources, hunt and gather for food and manage their sleep, temperature and noise levels. Utilize dynamic light systems for safety and to blaze a path further into the darkness. Battle unspeakable evils and survive hordes of monstrous Orcs in visceral combat, while uncovering the secret of the Shadow that looms within the mountain.” 

Base building will also be incorporated through the items players harvest. Bases can be built from nothing or expanded upon the existing environment. Hostile enemies may threaten built bases, which players will have to expertly defend raiding parties. 

The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moira will be released in Fall 2023 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.