The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game – The Fortress of Nurn

Fantasy Flight Games · Board game · 2020
1–4 Solo 30–60 min Weight 3.0/5
rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love epic battles and want to test your team's strength in Mordor, this expansion is for you.

Highlights
  • Intense cooperative gameplay
  • Updated player cards
  • Strategic hand management
  • Fun variable powers
  • Consistent LCG style
Keep in mind
  • Requires prior knowledge of the base game
  • Gameplay time may increase
  • Moderate complexity
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game – The Fortress of Nurn, you and your band of heroes venture into the heart of Mordor, where danger lurks at every turn. After freeing prisoners from the slave fields that surround the fortress, night falls and the battle draws near, demanding caution and strategy. The primary goal is to destroy the Fortress of Nurn and free Thane Ulchor, the great adversary who holds Mordor’s power, thus concluding the saga that began long ago. The expansion introduces a brand‑new scenario, updated player cards, a new Spirit version of Aragorn, and a contract that increases the number of decks you can build, allowing for more combinations and tactics. Cooperative play requires all players to work together against the system, sharing resources and making critical decisions to overcome the challenges. Hand management forces players to organize their cards strategically, deciding when to use or discard each card to maximize impact. Variable player powers add depth, as each participant receives unique abilities that change each game, shaping team strategies. The game stays true to the LCG style, with modular deck building and expansions that fit together seamlessly, preserving consistency and the evolution of the universe. If you’re already familiar with the base game, The Fortress of Nurn offers tougher challenges and new cards that enrich the experience, demanding more attention and collaboration. For newcomers, it’s an excellent way to dive into Tolkien’s world, with simple yet engaging rules that capture the epic atmosphere of Mordor. Moreover, the expansion maintains the high‑quality graphics and immersive narrative fans expect, with detailed illustrations and text that evoke the dark, heroic setting. In short, The Fortress of Nurn is a valuable addition for those seeking more depth and excitement in a cooperative card game based on Tolkien.

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 OK
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Authors: J.R.R. Tolkien Collectible: Living Card Game (Fantasy Flight Games) Game: The Lord of the Rings – The Card Game (LCG) Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Fantasy Flight Games
Designer Nate French

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players is this expansion suitable for?
Ideal for 1 to 4 players, but works best in teams of 2 to 4.
What is the average playtime?
Between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on team experience.
What is the difficulty level?
Medium to high; requires cooperative strategy and good hand management.
What components are included in the expansion?
Updated player cards, a Spirit version of Aragorn, a deck contract, and a neutral attachment.
Who is this expansion recommended for?
Tolkien fans, LCG players, and those who enjoy cooperative challenges.
Do I need to know the base game to play?
Yes, the expansion builds on the core game and assumes familiarity with its basic rules.