Blog: Campaign Mode vs Sandbox Mode

2024/07/03

Cross-posted from Steam

‍

Survival games generally lean towards sandbox and non-linear gameplay, where players have the freedom to explore and create their own stories. However, the world of The Lord of the Rings thrives on epic journeys and well-defined narratives. In creating The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria™, we faced the challenge of merging these two contrasting approaches. Our solution? Offering two distinct world types: Campaign and Sandbox.

‍

Campaign Mode: An Epic Journey

For fans of The Lord of the Rings, the Campaign mode delivers a rich, story-driven experience. This mode is designed to be linear, providing a structured journey with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It’s crafted to give players a traditional adventure that aligns with the grand narratives found in Tolkien's works.

In Campaign mode, the dynamics cater to those who prioritize story over survival mechanics. Here, you’ll find a finely tuned balance where the narrative takes precedence, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the lore and culture of the Dwarves. This mode is perfect for players who want to absorb each game mechanic and atmosphere deeply before progressing, ultimately ending their journey with a profound appreciation for the Dwarven race and their rich history.

‍

Sandbox Mode: Embrace the Unknown‍

On the other hand, Sandbox mode draws inspiration from traditional sandbox survival games, offering a stark contrast to the linearity of the Campaign. This mode is inherently non-linear, providing minimal story guidance and leaving the player to forge their own path.

In Sandbox mode, the game world is generated with a wide variety of random seeds, meaning each playthrough can vary significantly in layout and difficulty. The dynamics here are vastly different: there's no hand-holding. From the moment you start, you make all the choices, and can face dangers that don’t necessarily match your skill level. This mode doesn’t push you forward; it lets you move at your own pace, encouraging exploration and experimentation.

‍

Fine-Tuning Your Experience with Difficulty Settings

Both modes offer a range of difficulty settings, allowing players to tailor their experience. And the diverse difficulty options extend beyond combat, allowing control over various aspects of gameplay to ensure that everyone, from solo players to those seeking a hardcore challenge, can find the right balance for their adventure.

‍

Choosing Between Campaign and Sandbox

Deciding between Campaign and Sandbox ultimately comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for. If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings and crave a structured, story-rich journey, the Campaign mode is your best bet. It offers a traditional adventure that pays homage to the epic tales of Middle-earth™. To learn more please check out our preview video we made when Sandbox Alpha released earlier this year:

If, however, you prefer the freedom to explore and create your own stories without the constraints of a linear narrative, Sandbox mode will be more to your liking. Its open-ended nature and varying challenges provide a fresh experience each time you play.

‍

Gear up and let's delve deep into Moria!

In summary, The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria masterfully blends the narrative depth of Tolkien’s world with the freedom and challenge of survival games. Whether you choose the guided journey of the Campaign or the unpredictable adventure of the Sandbox, you’re in for an immersive experience that celebrates both the lore of Middle-earth and the thrill of survival gaming.

‍

The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is coming to Steam and Xbox in Fall 2024 (exact date TBA) alongside the Third Title Update and Sandbox for all platforms. Join our Discord and choose the role Forge Fire to get alerts for Dev Updates about Return to Moria!