=================================================
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Faq/Walkthrough
By: Shift
Version  1.31
Last Updated: June 6, 2005
=================================================
Recent Updates:
---------------
Version  1.31: 06/06/05          (2k)
-Improved Navigation
-Improved Formatting
-Miscellaneous Updates
Version  1.30: 10/24/04-10/25/04 (4k)
-Improved Formatting
-Miscellaneous Updates
================================================================================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
================================================================================
1. Introduction.............................................[INRO1]
2. Basics...................................................[BASC2]
3. Walkthrough..............................................[WLKT3]
4. Upgrades.................................................[UGRD4]
5. Unlockable Features......................................[UNFR5]
6. Cheat Codes..............................................[SSCC6]
7. Frequently Asked Questions...............................[FAQS7]
8. Version History..........................................[VERH8]
9. Contacts/Credits/Copyright...............................[CCC29]
Extended
--------
1. Introduction.............................................[INRO]
2. Basics...................................................[BASC]
3. Walkthrough..............................................[WLKT]
~The Path of the Wizard~
a) Helm's Deep...........................................[WLKA]
b) Road to Isengard......................................[WLKB]
c) Minas Tirith-Top of Wall..............................[WLKC]
d) Minas Tirith-Courtyard................................[WLKD]
~The Path of the King~
e) Paths of the Dead.....................................[WLKE]
f) The King of the Dead..................................[WLKF]
g) The Southern Gate.....................................[WLKG]
h) Pelennor Fields.......................................[WLKH]
i) The Black Gate........................................[WLKI]
~The Path of the Hobbits~
j) Escape From Osgiliath.................................[WLKJ]
k) Shelob's Lair.........................................[WLKK]
l) Cirith Ungol..........................................[WLKL]
m) The Crack of Doom.....................................[WLKM]
~The Palantirs~
n) Palantir of Saruman...................................[WLKN]
o) Palantir of Sauron....................................[WLKO]
4. Upgrades.................................................[UGRD]
5. Unlockable Features......................................[UNFR]
6. Cheat Codes..............................................[SSCC]
7. Frequently Asked Questions...............................[FAQS]
8. Version History..........................................[VERH]
9. Contacts/Credits/Copyright...............................[CCC2]
Section Search
--------------
To go to any of these sections, simply highlight or double click the four or
five letter search code inside the brackets.  For example, if you wanted to go
the Walkthrough section you would highlight: WL*KT (with out the *).  Once
highlighted press ctrl+c (to copy), then ctrl+f (to find), then ctrl+v (to
paste) and then finally hit enter to go to the desired section.  If a search
code is found in the text, it will be listed as: Section XX*XX.  These codes
will work only if you remove the '*' character.
================================================================================
1. INTRODUCTION                                                          [INRO1]
================================================================================
"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all
and in the darkness bind them."
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King the video game is based on the
movie The Return of the King as well as the books, The Two Towers and The
Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien.  The game follows the paths of what's
left of the Fellowship to their conclusion.
This game uses the same Hack n' Slash engine as EA's previous title "The Two
Towers" but greatly improves upon it.  Sporting more RPG elements, a much
larger character selection, better graphics and clips from all three films.
This is one of the best movie to video game transitions ever made.
This is my second full length FAQ/Walkthrough.  The goal of this guide is to
provide comprehensive coverage of the game, The Lord of the Rings: The Return
of the King while giving away as little as the story as possible, but by no
means is this guide spoiler free.  This guide was written using the
Playstation 2  version of the game, but since there is little difference
between the ports, it is useable for all platforms.
-Shift
*Warning* This guide does contain minor spoilers for both the game and the
books.
This document is Copyright 2003, 2005 Joseph Mingoia.  This document cannot,
in whole or in part, or in anyway, be reproduced without my written
permission.  For more copyright information as well as hosting information,
check out Section CC*C2 below.
================================================================================
2. BASICS                                                                [BASC2]
================================================================================
Topics Covered: Game Profile, System Requirements(PC), Controls, Characters,
Enemies, Dropped Items, Action Command, Skill Meter,
Combat Tips.
---------------------------
- GAME PROFILE
---------------------------
Title:         The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Platform:      Sony Playstation 2, Nintendo Gamecube, Microsoft Xbox, PC
Developer:     Electronic Arts
Publisher:     Electronic Arts
Genre:         Action-Hack n' Slash
Rating:        T for Teen
Players:       1-2
Memory Card:   ???
Playtime:      3-6 Hours(Average)
Release Dates: JP: 11/04/03
NA: 11/04/03
EU: 11/04/03
---------------------------
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS(PC)
---------------------------
Minimum:
--------
-Windows XP, Me, 2000, or 98
-700 MHz or faster Intel Pentium 3 or AMD Athlon
-128 MB RAM (256 MB if using Windows XP)
-Direct X 8.1 compatible video card*
-Direct X 8.1 compatible sound card
-107 MB free hard disk space (additional space required for Windows swap-file
and DirectX 8.1 installation)
-8X or faster CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
-MS compatible mouse
-Keyboard
*Note: Video card must be 32 MB or more and contain one of the following
chipsets: NVIDIA GeForce 4, GeForce 3, GeForce 2, ATI Radeon 9000,
ATI Radeon 8000, ATI Radeon 7500 or greater.
Recommended:
------------
-Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon XP
-256 Megabytes of RAM
-Direct X 8.1 compatible video card (64+ MB)
-Direct X 8.1 compatible sound card
-107 MB free hard disk space (additional space required for Windows swap-file
and DirectX 8.1 installation)
-16X Speed CD-ROM/DVD-ROM
-Directx 8.1 Compatible Sound Card
-Gamepad (USB or Joystick Port)
-MS compatible mouse
-Keyboard
This game requires DirectX 8.1 or higher.
---------------------------
- CONTROLS
---------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic Controls  |PS2          |Gamecube   |Xbox        |PC            |
----------------------------------------------------------------------|
Move            |Left Analog  |Analog     |Left Analog |A/S/D/W       |
Speed Attack    |X            |A          |A           |Mouse 1       |
Fierce Attack   |Triangle     |Y          |Y           |Mouse 2       |
Physical Attack |Circle       |X          |B           |Left Ctrl     |
Parry           |Square       |B          |X           |Q             |
Ranged Attack   |L1+X         |L+A        |L+A         |Shift+Mouse 1 |
Backstep        |L2           |D-pad Down |White       |Tab           |
Action Command  |R1           |Z          |Black       |E             |
Killing Move    |R2           |R          |R           |Spacebar      |
Special Ability |R1+L1+R2+L2  |R+L        |R+L         |F5            |
Pause Menu      |Start        |Start      |Start       |Escape        |
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternatively for the PS2 and Xbox, you can move the Right Analog horizontally
for a speed attack, and vertically for a Fierce Attack.
* MOVE: This moves your character around, very useful for you know, playing
the game.
* SPEED ATTACK: A fast attack effective at taking out unshielded foes.  This
will most likely be your primary attack throughout the game.
* FIERCE ATTACK: A strong yet slow attack.  Which is capable of breaking enemy
shields and armour.  Useful against shield carrying foes and a must against
most champions.
* PHYSICAL ATTACK: Either a kick or a shove depending on the character.  It is
worthless by itself when used against enemies, but is apart of some useful
combos.  It is also used to knock down ladders.
* PARRY: Used to deflect enemy attacks and arrows.
* RANGED ATTACK: A longed range attack useful for taking out enemy archers.
There is no aiming needed, just face towards your target to achive a lock.
Holding the fire button results in a more powerful shot.  Each shot will use
one missile.
* BACKSTEP:  A quick step backward.  Useful when fighting Trolls, Archers or
when trying to get out of a crowd.
* ACTION COMMAND: Lets you interact with certain objects on some levels.  More
on this below.
* KILLING MOVE: Useful to quickly take out knocked down enemies, as well as
those in their 'stand up' animation.
* SPECIAL ABILITY: What special ability you have depends on what character you
are using.  Whenever you activate it, the portrait of your character (by
healthbar) will begin to fill.  Once filled the ability will deactivate and
you must wait for the portrait to empty before you can use it again.
* PAUSE MENU: From this menu you can look at a mission tip, the upgrades your
character has, or quit the current mission.
Note: Any controls mentioned in the Walkthrough are for the PS2 version.
---------------------------
- CHARACTERS
---------------------------
ARAGORN
-Special Ability: Increase damage/Enter perfect mode faster
-Missile Weapon:  Arrows
Aragorn is your jack of all trades character, good at everything, bad at
nothing.  But what else would you expect from the lost king of men?  He has
decent health, speed, and power.  As well as a fairly quick killing move.  He
also has the coolest looking warrior bane, where he flips them over and stabs
them right in their face with his dagger.
LEGOLAS
-Special Ability: Increase damage/Enter perfect mode faster
-Missile Weapon:  Arrows
Legolas is fast and has a great power in is ranged attack.  But his melee
attacks and health leave something to desire.  When you fight hand to hand,
stick with longer combos to get into perfect mode, then let your bow sing.
GIMLI
-Special Ability: Increase damage/Enter perfect mode faster
-Missile Weapon:  Hand Axes
Ah, Gimli as powerful as umm...a dwarf with an axe, and as slow as...well, a
dwarf with an axe.  His melee attacks are fairly slow, but very powerful, so
stick to short combos like the Orc Hewer and Balrog's Gambit, as he'll
probably kill them before you get off something longer.  He's ranged attack is
slow and not to strong, so stay away unless you have to use it.  His killing
move, though it looks cool (he uses it in the ROTK movie) it's VERY slow, so
stay away from it and Final Judgment if there is more then one enemy around.
GANDALF
-Special Ability: Magic Shield
-Missile Weapon:  Magic Bolts
At level ten, Gandalf is the strongest character in the game, and he's not to
bad before that either.  Although he can't take many hits, he can dish out
tons of damage.  Whether by bashing enemies while under the protection of his
shield, or using his incredibly powerful(especially when upgraded) devastating
and ranged attacks.  The downside to his devastating attack is that it costs
ten missles per use, but the resulting perfect mode (if there is enough
enemies) is well worth it.  His killing move is somewhat slow, so stick to
magic and combos that kill them while they stand.
THE HOBBITS (Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin)
-Special Ability: Turn temporary invisible
-Missile Weapon:  Throwing Knifes
The Hobbits are very quick, in both foot speed and their strikes.  However
they're weak both offensively and defensively, and must rely on banes and
Final Judgment to kill the majority of their foes.  Their upgraded ranged
attack wont kill instantly, but will poison them so they will drop later.  The
killing move is incredibly fast, you should be able to take out knocked down
enemies even in the middle of crowds.  Their special ability has them using
their Elvish cloaks to turn invisible, though they move half speed, any
non-boss enemy (including Champions) can be killed with one killing move to
the back.  To unlock Merry and Pippin as playable characters you must complete
the 'Crack of Doom'.
FARAMIR
-Special Ability: Increase damage/Enter perfect mode faster
-Missile Weapon:  Arrows
With the exception of a couple animations involving his dagger, and a much
stronger ranged attack(on par with Legolas) Faramir is exactly like Aragorn.
To unlock Faramir as a playable character you must complete the 'Crack of
Doom'.
---------------------------
- ENEMIES
---------------------------
The forces of Sauron have many different species in their ranks.  Some you
will constantly face off against throughout the game, others only appear in a
single mission.  Most of your enemies can be divided into four different
types:
-Normal:   The basic version of the enemy, easiest to defeat.
-Shield:   These enemies are capable of carrying a shield, which will deflect
all Speed, Ranged, and Physical attacks from the front.  You must
use a Fiecre attack break the shield.
-Archer:   These guys arm themselves with a bow or crossbow, to attack you
from a distance.
-Champion: These are the normal enemies with a life bar.  In addition to
having much more life, most are equipped with armour.
ORCS
-Types: Normal, Shield, Archer, Champion
-Bane:  Orc Bane
These are the small goblin-like enemies you encounter in almost every level.
They are short (only a foot or so taller then a Hobbit) and normally arm
themselves with just a sword, a shield and a spear or a crossbow.  Singly
week, they rely on large numbers to overwhelm their foes.
URUKS
-Types: Normal, Shield, Archer, Champion
-Bane:  Bane of Sauron
These are the larger species of Orcs from Mordor, encountered on later levels.
They have respectable offensive capabilities, and even a small group can pose
a threat to a weakened warrior.  Fortunately they lack a solid defense and are
easily defeated through cautious attacking.
URUK-HAI
-Types: Normal, Shield, Archer
-Bane:  Bane of Sauron
These half-orc, half-men hybrid are the creation of Saruman the White.  Clad
in armour baring the White Hand, most of these Orcs where killed at the battle
of Helm's Deep and entirely wiped out in their escape back to Isengard.
Similar to Uruks in most respects, they only appear in three levels.
BESERKERS
-Type: Champion
-Bane: None
These are the Champion Uruk-hai who carry large swords.  Found almost
everywhere in the Two Towers game, they make a few scattered appearances in
this game.
TROLLS
-Type: Champion
-Bane: None
These large and strong giants are more then capable of taking out even the
strongest of characters.  Their presence never goes unnoticed on the
battlefield.  They require special tactics to bring down.  Try using discarded
spears or make them the sole target of your special abilities.
DEAD
-Types: Normal, Shield, Archer, Champion
-Bane:  None
The men of the mountain pledged their allegiance to Isildur, to fight for him
and the Last Alliance.  When they broke their oath, Isildur cursed them and
they now walk the earth as spirits.  They have fighting style similar to that
of the Orcs, but they have no Bane.  They only appear in three levels.
EASTERLINGS
-Types: Normal, Shield, Champion
-Bane:  Warrior Bane
These are the evil men hailing from the unknown lands east of Middle-Earth.
They are in constant battle with the Men of Gondor and Rohan.  Though their
offensive capabilities are average, their armour is thick and requires several
strikes before they fall.
SPIDERS
-Type: Normal
-Bane: None
These giant spiders are the children of Shelob.  They take several strikes
from a Hobbit's blade to be killed.  Fortunately they are prone to fliping on
their backs, ripe for a killing move.  The combo, Final Judgment, is a great
way to exploit this weakness.
SPIDERLINGS
-Type: Special
-Bane: None
These are the small (well normally they would be huge) spiders that appear in
large groups on the floor.  There is no way to kill them, and they drain your
health very fast if you step on them.  They don't like fire, so a well placed
torch will cause them to scatter.
MUMAKIL
-Type: Champion
-Bane: None
The Mumakil are the giant Elephant-like beasts riden by the men of Harad.
They are well armoured and can take multiple shots of arrows, spears and even
siege fire before they fall.
THE NAZGUL
-Type: Boss
-Bane: None
These are the Nine, the Ringwraiths, Black Riders.  Whether on foot,
horseback, or airborne riding on top Fell Beasts, they are a force to be
reckoned with.
SHELOB
-Type: Boss
-Bane: None
A gaint spider-like creature whose lair sets at the backdoor of Mordor.
SAURON'S LIEUTENANT (Mouth of Sauron)
-Type: Boss
-Bane: None
A Man (he is not a Ringwraith) of great power and importance in the land of
Mordor, the ambassador of Sauron.  He is sent to parley with the Captains of
the West at the Black Gate.
---------------------------
- DROPPED ITEMS
---------------------------
These are the items you will find scattered around levels or dropped by
enemies:
* RED POTION: Recovers a small amount of health.
* GREEN POTION: Recovers a moderate amount of health.
* SILVER QUIVER: Recovers your missiles.
* ELVEN RUNESTONE: Gives you 1000 experience points, this cannot be dropped by
enemies.
---------------------------
- ACTION COMMAND
---------------------------
You can interact with various objects on most levels by pressing the Action
Command button while inside the blue circle.
Some of the more common ones:
* SPEARS: Normally found protruding out of some suckers side, or arranged in
some semi-organized piles.  These things are powerful enough to break armour
and shields, and will kill any unarmoured normal enemy (including Trolls) in
one shot.
* SIEGE ENGINES: Catapults, Ballistae ect.  These are normally used to fulfill
objectives or to help you bring down enemy siege engines.  They are very
useful when fighting Mumakil.
* BOILING OIL: Strategically set in a few places, knock these over to rain a
painful death on whatever is below.
* HOT COALS: Set in metal baskets across a few levels.  You can knock them
over at certain angles, spreading the coals over the floor and setting any
enemy who walks over them on fire.
* TORCHES: Useable in scaring away spiders, burning webs or lighting Orcs
aflame.
* LEVERS: Used in the raising and lowering of bridges and the opening and
closing of gates.
* LADDERS/ROPES: Allows acending/decending to different heights.
---------------------------
- SKILL METER
---------------------------
The Skill Meter is that circular meter to the right of your health bar.  Every
time you attack (and connect) with an enemy, or parry an attack, it increases.
Every time an enemy connects with you, or you just stand around, it decreases.
The Skill Meter effects how much experience points you get will you dispatch
an enemy.  A fair kill happens when the skill meter is very low, and nets you
the least amount of experience points.  A good kill when the meter is under
half, giving you a moderate amount of experience points.  An excellent kill
when the meter is above half, which gives a high amount of experience.  A
perfect kill will only happen when the meter is full, which puts you in
'perfect mode', this gives you the maximum amount of experience.
There are several ways to get into perfect mode:
-Use Combos.  Combos raise your skill faster then regular button mashing,
after enough combos(and parrying) you'll enter perfect.
-Parry.  Depending on how many enemies are around you, you can reach perfect
by simply parrying.
-Use Banes. If you successfully preform a bane, you'll immediately go into
perfect mode.  However, since the mode starts at the beginning of the
animation it's much shorter then a normal perfect mode.
-Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Faramir's special ability allows them to reach
perfect in only a few hits, combos, or parrys.
-Gandalf's devastating attack, when used in the middle of a crowd.
Your mission rating is based on how many kills you receive in each category.
For example, you get 56 Fairs, 28 Goods, 20 Excellents, and 10 Perfects.  You
mission rating would be 'Good'.  Even though you had more fairs, it's offset
by the excellents and perfects.  You will then receive bonus experience off
your mission rating:
-Fair:      1000xp
-Good:      2000xp
-Excellent: 3000xp
-Perfect:   5000xp
---------------------------
- COMBAT TIPS
---------------------------
* Parry and dodge. Not only will you save health, but you will also keep your
skill meter from decreasing.  Since parrying will raise your skill, you
should always try to parry instead of dodge.  However, there are some
situations, like when fighting a Cave Troll, where parrying wont work.
* Use Combos. Not only do they increase your skill faster, most of them look
pretty cool.  You bought them for a reason you know.
* Banes. Know your enemies and whether or not you have a bane that will work
on them.  The Orc Bane works on Orcs.  The Warrior bane works on the
Easterlings (evil men).  The Bane of Sauron works on Uruks and the Uruk-hai.
* Champions, or normal enemies with a life bar, normally have armour.  Which
means you must first break it using a fierce attack or spear before you can
harm them.
* When fighting Archers, the parry, backstep, shoot tactic is very effective.
* When surrounded don't panic. Just keep parrying and wait for either an ally
to come and help you, or a chance to either bane or backstep away.
* When your low on health(it's flashing red) the chances of an enemy dropping
a potion dramatically increase.  The same goes if your out of missiles.
* Use your special ability wisely.  After each use you will have a small
'cooldown' time, where you will have to wait to use it again.
* Try to get into perfect mode as much as possible.  Not only do you get the
maximum amount of experience from your kills, you get increased damage as
well.
================================================================================
3. WALKTHROUGH                                                           [WLKT3]
================================================================================
Although you can pick any path after Helm's Deep, some stages will still be
locked until certain stages on other paths are completed.  This walkthrough
presents the paths in an order that will not cause them to be interrupted by
this.  This guide was written for single player, but since there is very
little difference between single player an co-op, it can be used for both
modes.  The Playable Characters list at the beginning of each subsection
applies directly to single player.  The Recommended Upgrades list at the end
of each subsection applies to those who use the guide from beginning to end.
Keep in mind that to beat this game it will take a certain amount of skill.
This walkthrough will give the heads up and general strategy for each stage,
but several times over the course of the game you will be forced to fight
large groups of enemies to advance.  And to kill these enemies may require
practice.  Make sure to know your combos, banes, and any weaknesses your
enemies may have.  This guide will give as many tips as possible, but if
you're still unable to complete a particular stage, it's probably because
you're simply not killing fast enough.  This game has a steep learning curve,
but once you master it, the game will seem too easy.  Good luck.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3a. HELM'S DEEP             ~The Path of the Wizard~                      [WLKA]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"There suddenly upon a ridge appeared a rider, clad in white, shinning in the
rising sun.  Over the low hills the horns were sounding.  Behind him,
hastening down the long slopes, were a thousand men...  'Behold the White
Rider!' cried Aragorn.  'Gandalf is come again!'"
Playable Characters: Gandalf
After the opening scene you'll start the tutorial.  Which immediately thrusts
you into battle with four Uruk-hai, just use your speed attack to dispatch
them.  Now keep fighting around here near Gimli until Legolas asks for aid.
Then make your way to the ladder, using your fierce attack on the shielded
Uruk-hai in the way.
After you ascend the ladder (just in time too) use your ranged attack to pick
off each archer, while parrying and backsteping their arrows.  After they're
defeated, Aragorn will need your help back on the ground.  Fortunately, a rope
will appear a few feet away, take out the three charging Uruk-hai, and slide
down the rope.
Since this is a very easy level and a great place to gain lots of experience,
just keep fighting away here until the level ends.  You will mainly be
attacked by Uruk-hai, and you will be getting alot of help from your allies.
You can try standing near a pile of spears and start chucking them at anything
that moves, or just jump into the melee.  Your choice.
If for whatever reason you want to end it prematurely, fire off a catapult at
the cart.  Either way you should end up with at least 11,000xp.  Use this to
purchase the Orc Bane and the Orc Hewer for the fellowship.
Recommended Upgrades:
---------------------
-Fellowship: Orc Bane, Orc Hewer.
-Gandalf:    None.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3b. ROAD TO ISENGARD        ~The Path of the Wizard~                      [WLKB]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Playable Characters: Gandalf
The level opens with several Uruk-hai running away from you, don't waste your
missles as you can't hurt them.  As you proceed up the path two Uruk-hai will
try and jump you, since the Orc Bane wont work on them use the Orc Hewer and
keep going.  A little further up the path you'll see an Ent smashing some
Orcs.  Then a couple shield Uruk-hai backed by an archer will attack you, take
out the Uruks while under the log then back up and shoot the archer.
Alittle further down the path you should spot one of those explosive carts.
Target it with your ranged attack and fire, it will explode and kill the Uruks
nearby.  After killing an Archer on the rock take the left path and blow up
another cart, then backtrack and take the right path.  As you pass under the
bridge you'll get jumped, take them out and follow the path to the other side
of the bridge and flank the Archers.  Continue down the path, taking out Uruks
and Archers as you go.  Soon, you will run into some small Orcs--these you can
bane by parrying their attacks and using your killing move--this will put you
in a short perfect mode, which is very useful in the upcoming fights.  Follow
the path downhill and to the right.
*Checkpoint*
After the Ent smashes two Orcs together, continue down the hill.  At the base
of the hill a counter will appear in the top right corner.  You (or the Ents)
must kill 75 Orcs to proceed.  Just hang out near the base of the hill and
kill the Orcs that attack you.  If you want you can enter the middle of the
battle, but you run the risk of Ents trampling you.
After 75 are dead, an Ent will break some rocks revealing a new path, take it.
As you proceed you'll hear some dialogue between Gandalf and Saruman.  Once
you round the next bend, two Uruk-hai backed by several Archers will attack
you.  Lure the Uruks back around the corner to take them out free from Archer
fire.  Now pick off the archers and continue down the path.  After a couple
more scuffles you'll reach another checkpoint.
*Checkpoint*
Run up the small hill, shoot the cart and finish off anything that survived.
In this next section, you'll have to shoot carts at the bases of the towers,
while being assaulted by arrows and waves of three Orcs each.  Just shoot the
nearest cart, parry the arrows, bane the Orcs (this is a great place to get
bane timing down), and proceed to the next tower.
Once you reach the bridge, take out the two towers on it's left side, kill the
two shielded Uruks and cross it.  Take a left to grab the exp item, and kill
the next wave of enemies.  Now head right past the bridge.  Once you get to
another hill two Orcs and their Archer buddys come out to attack you.  Lure
the Orcs away from the Archers and bane them.  Then quickly kill the Archers
and run down the hill.  Once you reach the base, you'll be shot at from off
screen, immediately backstep and take out the charging Orcs while behind cover
from the Archers.
Run down the hill and you'll see an Ent trying to break the dam, only he is
being shot at by Archers, who are guarded by a Beserker.  Approach the
champion and use your magic shield (R1+R2+L1+L2).  Attack him with a fierce
attack to break his armour, then Orc Hewer him to death.  Now it gets a little
hectic, you must protect the Ent by killing the archers (who will ignore you
and only attack the Ent).  After you kill the Archers on yourside, take out
the ones across the river.  Then shot the dam as many times as you can before
the next wave comes.  Eventually, the dam breaks and the level ends.
Recommended Upgrades:
---------------------
-Fellowship: Strength of Stone.
-Gandalf:    Fog of War, Wizard's Power, Light of the Pilgrim.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3c. MINAS TIRITH-TOP OF WALL ~The Path of the Wizard~                     [WLKC]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Playable Characters: Gandalf
The Orc icon in the top right corner is your overrun meter, should it fill,
you will automatically lose.  The map icon next to it looks a little like
this:
ST    X    X     X                     X      X      X   ST
-----------------------              -----------------------
|                      E|X          X|E                      |
--------------------   |   X    X   |   --------------------
|    ------------    G
|C                  P|
--------------------
X: Places where ladders can appear
C: Catapult Tower
P: Potion Tower
E: Empty Towers
G: Way to the gate
ST: Places where siege towers can appear
Your goal here is to keep the wall from being overrun.  When you see red dots
appear on the map, that means a ladder is going up, quickly run to it and use
your physical attack (circle) to knock the ladders down, reducing your overrun
meter.  So keep running from ladder to ladder knocking them down and killing
any Orc that climbs up.  But try not to get hung up fighting any Orcs that
make it onto the wall, focus mainly on knocking down the ladders.
Note: If you need some health, there are a couple of potions in the bottom
right tower.
After awhile you'll see a cutscene of a siege tower approaching, and Gandalf
will say you need to use the catapults.  Run to the bottom left tower, while
knocking off any ladders in your way, and fire the catapult twice, bringing
the siege tower down.  Quickly go back to knocking off the ladders to lower
your overrun meter.  But stay either in the middle or right section of the
wall, as another siege tower will appear on the far right side, and this one
your going to have to shoot.  After you destroy it, return to the middle, and
keep knocking off ladders and killing Orcs (Orc Hewer is great here).
Keep your eye on the left side of the map for another siege tower, once you
see it, return to the catapult tower.  After you order the first shot, a
flying Ringwraith will attack the tower, shot him a couple of times and he
will fall, blocking off the right section.  Order the second shot to finish of
the siege tower.  Then hurry back to the middle section.
Once there, you'll see a cutscene of a siege tower landing on the right
section.  Hurry there by using the action button near one of the middle ropes
to lower yourself to the outer wall.   Then run to the next rope and climb up
over to the next section.  Run to the tower, use your magic shield, kill the
Orcs and destroy the tower.  After it's destruction, follow the Gondorian
soldiers to the gate to end the level.
Recommended Upgrades:
---------------------
-Fellowship: Final Judgment, Balrog's Gambit.
-Gandalf:    Light of the Pilgrim, Wrath of Anor.
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3d. MINAS TIRITH-COURTYARD  ~The Path of the Wizard~                      [WLKD]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Playable Characters: Gandalf
The goal of this level is to hold off the orcs until 200 women make it to
safety.  The first wave is nothing but regular orcs, and a couple of which
carry shields.  Just use the Orc Bane and combo them to death.  Save your
special ability and missiles for later.  The next wave consist of unshielded
Uruks, and unless you have the Bane of Sauron, you'll have to stick with
combos.
Note: The are two potions in barrels on opposite sides of the courtyard.
Once 50 women make it to safety, several orc archers will line up at the far
gate.  Quickly take them out with your missles and concentrate on the new
waves of melee attackers.  If you have the missles to spare, wait by the gate
for the next wave of Uruks.  Wait for the first couple to pass you then use
your devastating attack (hold triangle), which should send you right into
perfect mode.
Once 100 women make it to safety, champion Uruks will start to appear.  Use
your fierce attack to break their armour then take advantage of the spears
that are spread around.  If they have no back up, try to relentlessly combo
them for a perfect mode.  Catapult fire will also start to rain down, but
always in the same spots, which you should avoid.
When 150 women make it to safety, a short cutscene will occur.  You're now up
against Trolls, plus everything else from the preceding waves.  Quickly use
your special ability and charge one of the Trolls.  After a few combos, he'll
go down and set you in perfect.  Now quickly grab a spear and skewer his
buddies, if you can't reach the spears in time, just concentrate on one with
your ranged attack.  Now if your low on health, retreat to the safety point,
where the Trolls won't go, and hold there.  Otherwise kill has many enemies as
you can.  Once 200 women reach the safety point, a cutscene will occur and the
level will end.
Recommended Upgrades:
---------------------
-Fellowship: Balrog's Gambit, Strength of Iron, Bane of Sauron.
-Gandalf:    Light of the Forges, Flame of Udun.
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3e. PATHS OF THE DEAD        ~The Path of the King~                       [WLKE]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The way is shut.  It was made by those who are dead, and the dead keep it.
The way is shut."
Playable Characters: Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli
Proceed down the path and through the mists.  Once on the other side, the Dead
will attack you, take them out with speed attacks, and continue on.  Don't
pick up a spear yet, instead run under the arch.  This will trigger a
cutscene, and you will have to fight more Dead.  'Kill' them and continue on.
Enter the mists and start walking.  About halfway through you will see
spectres fly over head.  Guess what?  You're right, more Dead.  When on the
other side of the mists, you will see two Archers appear on the bridge.  Once
they're dispatched, take the left path up towards the bridge.  Take out the
next wave, grab the quiver and cross the bridge.
Follow the path straight and take out the two Dead that spawn.  Continue past
them and grab the experience slab from the ledge.  You should be level two
now, and if you purchased any level two upgrades for the Fellowship, your
character can now use them.  Right after you grab the slab, some Dead
predictably spawn behind you.  After you're done with them, run up to the left
edge and push a boulder down on some enemies below.  Now backtrack to the
bridge.
Go to the lower level and take the descending path for a red potion.  Go back
up and attack the shield carrying Dead.  Continue on to take out whats left of
those you dropped the boulder on.  After another room of enemies you should
run into a raised bridge.  Run to the lever on it's right side, before you
have a chance to turn it, three Archers spawn across the gap.  Take them out
and lower the bridge.  Grab the potion on it's left side and cross.
*Checkpoint*
Note: To pass through the mists quickly, turn around and backstep.
As you proceed through the mists, the bridge will raise and you will get
ambushed.  Use your special ability to get into perfect and destroy them.  Run
up to where the Archers guarding the bridge stood for a red potion, then exit
on the other side of the mists.  There is another red potion as you round the
bend.  A few steps after that you'll see a short cutscene and have to fight
more Dead.  Make your way through them and enter the next section of mists.
On the other side is more Dead, then to change things up you get to climb a
ladder then more Dead.  But not just normal Dead, these Dead have a champion
Dead.  Anyway use your special ability, and kill the Dead.  After these Dead
are dead, continue on and fight some more Dead.
Now knock over the giant statue, bridging the gap across.  Once across, take
the left path and run under the statue to the lever on the gate's right side.
Feign using the lever and kill the two champions that spawn behind you.  Then
raise the gate and pass through.  Grab the potion and start to cross the long
bridge.  Once you reach the middle, you will be trapped and attacked from both
sides.  A counter of 35 will appear in the upper right corner.  Aragorn and
Legolas should use Final Judgment on each new enemy that spawns from one side.
Gimli can use Orc Hewer.  Once you start getting overwhelmed, use your special
ability and finish the rest off in perfect mode.  Once you defeat 35, run to
the other end of the bridge and the level will end.
Recommended Upgrades:
---------------------
-Fellowship: None.
-Aragorn:    Ranger Fury, Dunedain Arrows, Gondorian Sword Master.
-Legolas:    Mirkwood Arrows, Light of Lothlorien.
-Gimli:      Dwarven Fury, Lonely Mountain Lore.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3f. THE KING OF THE DEAD     ~The Path of the King~                       [WLKF]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The dead do not suffer the living to pass." "You will suffer me!"
Playable Characters: Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli
Boss: The King of The Dead
--------------------------
During the cutscene your allies will be cut off from you, leaving you to fight
alone.  Once the battle starts, he will burrow into the ground and raise up at
another location.  Avoid him as he reappears or you will take some damage.  He
will then attack you with brief three hit combos, parry then respond in kind.
After a few exchanges, he will borrow again and appear on the far edge of the
area.  A cutscene will occur, and you'll have to fight four unshielded Dead.
Sine you can't hurt their King now, concentrate on them.  He will then attack
with his three hit combo, hereafter he will again summon more dead, this time
four Archers.  Take them out using the textbook parry, backstep, shoot
technique.  If you need more missles, there is a quiver behind one of the
boulders.  Once again he tests his three hit combos on you.
Got his pattern yet?  Well, too bad he's about to change it.  Another cutscene
will occur.  You will gain control behind one of the boulders, right as The
King does his wind attack.  This will break away a section of the boulder.
Quickly jump out and shoot a few arrows his way.  Do the same through his
second wind attack.  On the third, just parry, as the rest of the boulder
crumbles, he will try to get some cheap shots from behind the dust.  He will
then attack you with his five hit combo, parry his attacks (his last strike is
somewhat delayed) and give him a Orc Hewer right back.  He will now switch
between; summoning more powerful dead (including champions), his wind attack,
and attacking you physically.  Just keep wearing him down, and he'll fall.
*Checkpoint*
After the cutscene, the mountain starts to collapse.  Your two allys take off,
which is a clue (besides the dialogue of course) that you should too.
Seriously, if the dust bowl catches up to you, you will die, so start running.
Once you reach the main gate, the path you used to enter will be cut off, and
you are forced to go a different way.  Unfortunately, there is alot of Dead
ready for you.  So use your special ability, jump into the mob, and start
parrying.  Once you hit perfect, use speed attacks to kill as many as you can.
Once they're dead, continue on.
Note: You can't help but notice all of the boulders crashing down, although
they CAN hurt you, I've only be hit once in the several times I've
played through.
A little further up the path you come to a piece of the way you took in.  Soon
you'll encounter another short cutscene, producing more Dead.  Use your
special when available and go for any Champions first.  Continue on and you
will run into some more mists...which you still walk cautiously through.  Once
on the other side you'll meet up with your allys and a green potion.  Get
ready for several more waves of all types of the Dead.  Just use Orc Hewer or
Final Judgment until the Champions start appear, then use your special and go
into perfect to maximize your experience.  Since the dust bowl can still catch
up, don't linger once they are all defeated.  Quickly run out the opening to
end the level.
Recommended Upgrades:
---------------------
-Fellowship: Warrior Bane, Dark Deliverance.
-Aragorn:    Wilderness Rage.
-Legolas:    Elven Fury, Lothlorien Arrows.
-Gimli:      Mountain Rage, Eredor Axes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3g. THE SOUTHERN GATE        ~The Path of the King~                       [WLKG]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Playable Characters: Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli
To start off, just head to the wide open gate.  Once you set foot on the
bridge, you will be ambushed.  A Troll will shut the gate and jump down from
above, and several Uruks and Orcs will try and surround you.  Quickly run from
the Troll (he will stay on the bridge) back towards the starting postion.
Start thinning out the Orcs and make your way back towards the left side of
the bridge.  Now get into perfect mode, and quickly pick up a spear and skewer
the Troll.
Note: If you don't kill the Troll here, you can easily kill it using the
burning oil on top of the wall.
This level has tons of enemies that just keep respawning, as such it is
capable of producing massive experince points.  So just keep killing as many
as you see fit.  You do have an objective though.  On either side of the path
are catapults, one on the right and two on the left.  The one on the right
will just fire at a Troll on top of the wall.  The two on the left will
destory a tower in such a way that it gives access to the top of the wall.
Make your way there.
A few feet from the ladder, three Uruks will attack you.  Go into perfect by
using the Bane of Sauron (if avialable) or your special ability.  Quickly run
up the stairs and repeatedly fire at the Troll until he's down.  Take out the
remaining enemies and knock down the ladders.
Eventually a Mumak (Elephant) will show up.  Periodically fire at it while
taking out new waves of Uruks, and it will fall.  Finish off the Uruks and
open the gate.  A few Orcs will come from the other side of the gate and wait
on the bridge.  Keep using the nearby pots of burning oil on them until
they're dead.  Climb down from the wall and enter the gate to end the level.
Recommended Upgrades:
---------------------
-Fellowship: Strength of the Fellowship, Shield Cleaver, Killing Zone.
-Aragorn:    Rivendell Arrows, Wrath of Numenor, Kingmaker, Mithril Arrows.
-Legolas:    Arrows of the Valar, Galadriel's Gift, Elrond's Rage.
-Gimli:      Wrath of Moira, Moria Axes, Axe Mastery of Kings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3h. PELENNOR FIELDS          ~The Path of the King~                       [WLKH]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Playable Characters: Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli
Once your start, run as far right as you can.  A counter will appear in the
upper right corner.  You must kill sixty enemies, mostly Uruks and Shielded
Easterlings, before you can move on.  I recommend staying away from the
middle, where several champions are, and just picking off enemies from the
edges.
*Checkpoint*
You will now have to stop a Mumakil before it can trample Eowyn and Merry.
Keep running left until you see it, and use the Ballistae and arrows to bring
it down.  Once it's defeated, another Mumakil will start advancing, but it's
on the other side of the chasm and you are out of range.  In between the
second and last Ballistae (heading left) is a flag, and to the left of the
flag is a path leading into the chasm.  Run down and stright across, ignoring
all enemies, to the other side.  Take out the Mumakil as you did the first
one, only this time you are going to have to deal with a few Uruks and
Easterlings.
A cutscene will occur and the Witchking will start attacking Eowyn and Merry.
Run to the left until you see him.  Knock down the charging Easterling and
shoot as many arrows into the Witchking's side as you can.  After Witchking
flies off, go back to the path leading down into the chasm, but don't go down
yet.  Wait here until you see another Mumakil start to advance.  Now pay
careful attention to which side of the chasm it's coming from, if you see
torches, it's on this side, if you see a flag, you will have to cross.  Take
it out as fast as possible, then go back and attack the Witchking.  This
process could happen several times, but once the Witchking runs out of life,
the level will end.
Recommended Upgrades:
---------------------
-Fellowship: Helm's Hammer, Swift Justice.
-Aragorn:    Mithril Arrows, Strength of the Evenstar, Sword Mastery of Kings.