War of the Ring: The Card Game – Fire and Swords

War of the Ring: The Card Game – Fire and Swords arrives as the second expansion for Ian Brody's card version, adding more of the epic clash between the Free Peoples and the Shadow. The headline feature? It now supports up to six players, letting larger groups band together to defend Middle-earth or spread darkness. The box contains 60 new faction cards, nine new paths, nine new battlegrounds and thirteen skirmishes, plus a new type of smaller battleground representing settlements and forts like the Fords of Isen and Bree. Three fresh factions join the fray: Northmen for the Free Peoples, and Easterlings and Ruffians for the Shadow, expanding strategic options. The core mechanic remains a campaign driven by cards, where each scenario or battle is triggered by a deck that sets objectives and win conditions. Conflicts are resolved by playing cards with values and effects, replacing dice and adding tension to every decision. Hand management is key – timing resource use, attacks or defenses can swing the campaign. The game also supports solo play with rules to face the system itself. All of this fits in about 60 minutes, with a moderate complexity (3/5 weight), perfect for those who love Tolkien’s story without endless hours. If you already own the base game, Fire and Swords is the upgrade that broadens the experience, adding variety, more players and new narratives to explore.