Appendix - Useful hints LotR: Conquest Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

Each level can be played on one of three available difficulty levels and the only exception to that rule is the tutorial mission of the campaign of forces of good. Conquest is not an easy game. If you don't feel like a good player, you should consider choosing the lowest difficulty setting. The heroic level is far more challenging, however there's even a bigger difference with the legendary level. As for the campaigns, you will usually have to deal with a few easier levels at the start, but on the other hand all the final missions will require you to master the abilities of the main characters. Especially the last two levels are usually very hard. There are a few exceptions, including the difficult start to the second campaign, however for most of the time you'll start off easy and with each completed mission you'll have to work harder for final success.

COMPLETING OBJECTIVES

Remember that you won't have to eliminate all enemy units present on the battlefield and in most cases it won't even be possible, because enemy reinforcements will keep showing up in the area. As a result you'll always have to focus only on what you've been ordered to do. You can do this by ignoring enemy movements entirely or by eliminating foes on your way to your current destination. There's also a thing about your allies - in most cases you won't have to assist them in any way, however if you're playing as a mage you can decide to heal them from time to time. They will repay you in staying active and help you in getting rid of the attackers.

You won't have to take part in all the battles. Usually you should only focus on completing your current objectives.

FAILING THE MISSION

You should take some time to understand the basic rules of Conquest. Losing your active character doesn't necessarily mean failing the mission, because you'll be given a few chances. I've used the term "lives" in the walkthrough, but to be honest it's more a number of respawns. By respawning I mean appearing near a checkpoint and controlling a new character. Blue checkpoints are being used by the forces of good and red checkpoints are being used by the forces of evil. Losing all lives will result in failing the mission and so it's always crucial to choose the best character for your current assignment. Thankfully you won't have to win based on the number of lives you've been given at the start of the mission, because you'll earn additional respawns for completing objectives.

Failing can also come in the shape of not being able to protect a certain zone or even entire map from enemy units. You'll often deal with defensive type of missions and you should always put your efforts into not losing. Remember that if you fail to defend an area you will be forced to repeat the entire level, not just the last assignment!

USING HEROES

During the course of both campaigns you'll meet over a dozen of heroes. Some of them will be controlled by the AI, however you'll also be given a command of a few of these characters. You shouldn't deny such an opportunity, even if a hero doesn't seem fit for your current assignment. The main reason is that they're very powerful and it's going to be harder to lose them, even if they can't handle the situation perfectly. Saruman and Gandalf are by far the best heroes in the game, because not only can they inflict injuries from the distance, but they also can heal themselves and their allies. Read the main guide to find out more how to utilize each hero for best results.

Heroes are very powerful and you should always agree to use them. There are only a few situations when you shouldn't choose them and you'll find out more about these exceptions from the main guide.

COMMANDING OTHER CREATURES

Aside from standard characters and heroes, you will be allowed to control other beasts during the course of some missions. Most of these beasts will come in handy, however there are a few you'd want to avoid. I would recommend that you don't ignore the possibility of playing as a troll, ent or oliphant. You should choose them whenever they become available, however don't forget to read my guide, because in some rare occasions they may not be the best choice. One of these exceptions is the level Weathertop where you'll want to command them only while trying to complete some of the objectives. As for useless creatures, horses for example can be added to this category. You'll probably do more damage on foot, assuming that you've picked a good class for your current assignment.