The game presents a top-down view of linear stages based on locations and battles from The Return of the King. The objective is usually to reach a destination, defeat enemy groups, protect allies, or survive a major encounter.

Players move through environments, attack or use character abilities, collect items, and interact with objects. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf emphasize different combat styles. Completing stages and gathering experience improves the selected hero, while later missions introduce stronger enemies and more demanding objectives.

Learn each hero's effective range before committing to a fight. Aragorn and Gimli can handle close combat, while Legolas and Gandalf are safer when they keep distance and use attacks from the edge of the screen.

Avoid rushing through groups of enemies. Use the environment to separate attackers, collect useful items, and upgrade the active character whenever progression allows it. During protection and survival objectives, prioritize the stated objective over optional enemies.