Warhorse Studios develops Lord of the Rings RPG

Warhorse Studios, known for the successful game Kingdom Come: Deliverance, confirmed on 20 May 2026 that it is working on a new open-world RPG set in the world of Lord of the Rings. The announcement came via social media, where the studio reminded fans that the rumors circulating since late 2025 were indeed true.

Announcement and expectations

In the announcement, Warhorse said the new game will be an open-world RPG set in Middle-earth. That could mean the setting may not be limited to the familiar timeframe of the original Lord of the Rings stories. Given Warhorse’s expertise in creating grounded, story-driven worlds, this new RPG could appeal to fans who enjoyed the detailed simulation and immersive storytelling of Kingdom Come: Deliverance. The studio has long emphasized historical authenticity, which suggests we may see a blend of fantasy and realistic elements.

What do we know so far?

Warhorse has also confirmed that it is working on a new Kingdom Come adventure. The popularity of the Kingdom Come: Deliverance series, set in medieval Bohemia, may point to a similar approach for the new Lord of the Rings RPG. Fans are hoping for a vast open world filled with adventure and intrigue, taking them through Tolkien’s iconic landscapes and stories.

It will be interesting to see the studio’s narrative choices, especially now that speculation suggests it may draw inspiration from both Tolkien’s literature and the environments the team has built in previous games.

Embracer Group and Fellowship Entertainment

Warhorse Studios operates under Embracer Group, which recently announced the creation of a new subsidiary, Fellowship Entertainment. The organization is intended to strengthen the company’s biggest franchises. It is also planning to explore external partnerships around well-known intellectual properties, increasing the chances that we could see more creative crossovers and innovations in the future.

Warhorse’s games, especially Kingdom Come: Deliverance, have sparked heated debate over their use of generative AI, a topic currently drawing attention across the gaming industry. Lead developer Daniel Vávra, who was previously associated with Kingdom Come: Deliverance, left his role in February 2026 to focus on producing a film based on the game.

The development of the Lord of the Rings RPG raises many questions about creativity, gameplay, and narrative structure within the gaming community, and what players can expect from Warhorse in the near future. More information and updates seem likely soon, and the gaming world is watching closely for further reveals.