What is the best game similar to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™?

The closest game to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ is Bayonetta 2, scoring 97/100 on our similarity scale. They share 7 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™?

The three closest games to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ are: 1. Bayonetta 2 (97/100, 7 shared attributes) 2. God of War (95/100, 7 shared attributes) 3. Infamous 2 (97/100, 7 shared attributes). All share Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™'s most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 18 dimensions.

Is God of War similar to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™?

Yes, very much so — God of War scores 95/100 similarity to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™. They share 7 attributes, including deep RPG systems and action RPG combat. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What RPG games are similar to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™?

The best RPG games similar to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ are Bayonetta 2, God of War, Infamous 2 and Yakuza 3. All share the RPG genre alongside other key Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ attributes like deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.

How is similarity to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ calculated?

We compare Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ against every game in our catalog using 18 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

50 Games like Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ that you should try

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Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ is hard to replace: few games combine deep RPG systems, dark, oppressive atmosphere and open world exploration in quite the same way. We compared Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ against over 6,700 titles across 18 gameplay attributes and found 50 genuine alternatives — not generic genre suggestions. Bayonetta 2, God of War and Infamous 2 lead the list, with Bayonetta 2 reaching a 97/100 similarity score. Every game here is ranked by how closely it replicates what makes Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ special.

iRank83/ 100

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GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

Top games similar to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™

50 similar games foundUpdated July 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™. Each one has been evaluated across 18 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Bayonetta 2

iRank91

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMultiplayerFantasyThird Person

IGDB91· 21OC91· 117

Year 2014Dev PlatinumGames · Nintendo

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with shooter and third-person shooting, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloFantasyHistoricalThird Person

OC94· 256

Year 2009Dev SCE Santa Monica Studio · Sony Computer EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.

≠ Missing: dark, oppressive atmosphere.

Details →

#3Infamous 2

iRank85

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloOpen WorldExplorationThird Person

IGDB85· 6

Year 2011Dev Sucker Punch Productions · Sony Computer EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3

✓ Both are third-person Action RPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Details →

#4Yakuza 3

iRank80

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMultiplayerNarrativeOpen WorldExplorationFirst PersonThird Person

IGDB80· 5

Year 2009Dev CS1 Team · SegaOn PlayStation 3

✓ Both are third-person Action RPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: loot and gear systems and skill tree progression, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Details →

#5The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

iRank94

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMagicMeleeNarrativeDarkOpen WorldFantasyMedievalExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 97%· 869KRAWG👍 93%· 7.2KMC92IGDB92· 26OC93· 179

Year 2015Dev CD PROJEKT REDPlaytime ~43hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.

≠ Missing: stealth mechanics.

Details →

Steam GOG Xbox

#6Assassin's Creed Valhalla

iRank77

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMultiplayerMeleeStealthDarkNarrativeOpen WorldHistoricalMedievalExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 70%· 42KIGDB85· 12OC83· 219

Year 2020Dev Ubisoft Montreal · Ubisoft EntertainmentOn Xbox · PS4 · PC

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.

≠ Missing: combat tactical.

Details →

Steam Epic Xbox

#7God of War: Ascension

iRank76

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMultiplayerFantasyHistoricalThird Person

IGDB76· 11

Year 2013Dev SCE Santa Monica Studio · Sony Computer EntertainmentOn PlayStation 3

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: loot and gear systems and skill tree progression, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Details →

#8Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMeleeStealthMagicDarkNarrativeOpen WorldFantasyMedievalExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 92%· 96KIGDB84· 18OC85· 103

Year 2014Dev Monolith Productions · WB GamesOn PlayStation 3 · PS4 · Linux

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings sandbox freedom, sandbox world and ranged combat, while skipping combat tactical

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloFantasyThird Person

IGDB91· 15OC85· 51

Year 2009Dev Nex Entertainment · SegaOn PlayStation 3 · PC

✓ Same family of third-person Action RPGs: action RPG combat, adventure storytelling and fantasy world

≠ Where it differs: brings shooter and third-person shooting, while skipping deep RPG systems

Details →

Xbox Nintendo

#10Bayonetta 3

iRank87

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloFantasyThird Person

IGDB90· 4OC85· 142

Year 2022Dev PlatinumGames · NintendoOn Switch

✓ Both are third-person Action RPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings shooter and third-person shooting, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Details →

Nintendo

#11A Plague Tale: Requiem

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMeleeStealthNarrativeDarkMedievalHistoricalExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 91%· 25KIGDB86· 6OC83· 161

Year 2022Dev Asobo Studio · Focus EntertainmentOn Xbox · PC · PS5

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and strong narrative focus

≠ Stands apart with crafting mechanics, resource management and visual 3d, while skipping action RPG combat

Details →

Steam GOG Epic

#12Mount & Blade: Warband

iRank87

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloMultiplayerMeleeTacticalOpen WorldMedievalHistoricalFantasyExplorationFirst PersonThird Person

Steam👍 98%· 171KRAWG👍 89%· 742MC78IGDB69· 5

Year 2010Dev TaleWorlds EntertainmentPlaytime ~10hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of third-person Action RPGs: deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, shooter and sandbox freedom, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Details →

Steam GOG Xbox

#13Overlord

iRank83

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

MultiplayerSoloMeleeMagicDarkNarrativeOpen WorldFantasyExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 94%· 6.7KRAWG👍 77%· 638MC81IGDB70· 2

Year 2007Dev Triumph Studios · CodemastersPlaytime ~1hOn PC · Xbox · Apple Macintosh

✓ Both are third-person Action RPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: puzzle design, real-time strategy and setting scifi, while skipping stealth mechanics

Details →

Steam Xbox

#14The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

iRank91

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloStealthMagicMeleeNarrativeDarkOpen WorldFantasyMedievalExplorationFirst PersonThird Person

Steam👍 95%· 318KRAWG👍 89%· 4.9KMC94IGDB80· 10

Year 2011Dev Bethesda Game Studios · Bethesda SoftworksPlaytime ~46hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Both are third-person Action RPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: sandbox freedom, sandbox world and procedural generation, while skipping combat tactical

Details →

Steam Xbox PS

#15Gothic

iRank88

GenreRPGSubgenreAction RPGSub-subgenreThird-Person ARPG

SoloStealthMagicMeleeNarrativeDarkOpen WorldFantasyHistoricalMedievalExplorationThird Person

Steam👍 93%· 18KIGDB78· 1

Year 2001Dev Piranha Bytes · JoWooD Entertainment AGOn PC

✓ Fits the third-person Action RPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: punishing difficulty, ranged combat and loot and gear systems, while skipping combat tactical

Details →

Steam GOG

Complete list of Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines

RPG · Action RPG

Deadpool

RPG · Action RPG

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days

RPG

Ninja Gaiden

RPG · Action RPG

Devil May Cry

RPG · Action RPG

The Saboteur

RPG · Adventure

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

RPG · Simulation

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings

RPG · Adventure

Fable

RPG · Adventure

The Amazing Spider-Man

RPG · Action RPG

Hogwarts Legacy

RPG · Action RPG

METAL GEAR RISING: REVENGEANCE

RPG · Action RPG

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

RPG · Action RPG

Assassin's Creed® Odyssey

RPG · Action RPG

Assassin's Creed® Origins

RPG · Action RPG

Assassin's Creed Rogue

RPG · Adventure

Castlevania: Lament of Innocence

RPG · Action RPG

Assassin's Creed Mirage

RPG · Action RPG

LEGO City Undercover

RPG · Action RPG

NINJA GAIDEN 4

RPG · Action RPG

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

RPG · Action RPG

Styx: Master of Shadows

RPG · Adventure

Tales of Vesperia

RPG

Enclave

RPG · Action RPG

Zenless Zone Zero

RPG · Action RPG

Maneater

RPG · Action RPG

Dragon's Dogma II

RPG · Action RPG

Ninja Gaiden II

RPG · Action RPG

Asura's Wrath

RPG · Action RPG

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

RPG · Action RPG

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

RPG · Action RPG

Tales of the Abyss

RPG

Risen 3: Titan Lords

RPG · Action RPG

Arcania: Gothic 4

RPG · Action RPG

MediEvil

RPG · Action RPG

Explore games similar to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ by category

Rankings in the same genre

Best Third-Person Action RPGs Best Action RPGs Best RPG Games

Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™?: The closest game to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ is Bayonetta 2, scoring 97/100 on our similarity scale. They share 7 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™?: The three closest games to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ are: 1. Bayonetta 2 (97/100, 7 shared attributes) 2. God of War (95/100, 7 shared attributes) 3. Infamous 2 (97/100, 7 shared attributes). All share Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™'s most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 50 candidates across 18 dimensions.
Is God of War similar to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™?: Yes, very much so — God of War scores 95/100 similarity to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™. They share 7 attributes, including deep RPG systems and action RPG combat. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What RPG games are similar to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™?: The best RPG games similar to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ are Bayonetta 2, God of War, Infamous 2 and Yakuza 3. All share the RPG genre alongside other key Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ attributes like deep RPG systems, action RPG combat and adventure storytelling.
How is similarity to Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ calculated?: We compare Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ against every game in our catalog using 18 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Middle-earth™: Shadow of War™ experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.