Hello everyone,

I have recently gotten back into painting miniatures and while I did it for a board game (Mansions of Madness), I have been looking for another game to play that has high quality miniatures and a theme that I really like.

Many years ago, I bought and painted the Mines of Moria starter and was about to play it when I discovered that my brother was not nearly as interested in it as I and I never got a game in. Since then I have discovered there are many games you can play solo if you have the desire which brings me to my question.

Could you play this game (LOTR and/or The Hobbit) solo and have a good time?

I love painting minis, love Lord of the Rings, and would love to learn to make terrain for this game but am unsure if it is worth the time and financial investment to do so. I know the game is designed for two players but since I want to play scenarios and do so in the spirit of the books, I think it could still be a blast to play but I'd like to hear from those who currently play before making that decision.

Even if I don't play LOTR/The Hobbit minis, I do plan on making some dioramas and enjoying the miniatures that way so don't be afraid to tell me the truth even if it seems like it might scare a new player away

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You can find me at: https://KuribosPainting.com/ and on Instagram @kuribospainting.

Yes, I think scenarios work reasonably well as solo activities. It's more fun with a partner, but it's good fun by yourself as well.

Ring of Gyges,

Thanks for the quick response! I appreciate your opinion and feel encouraged to try the game now. If anybody else has similar or dissenting opinions, I would appreciate hearing them as well.

I do have a couple of follow-up questions if you don't mind. First off, where is a good place to start in the game currently, especially since I’d like to play scenarios? Obviously, Escape From Goblin Town is readily available but is The Hobbit a good place to start playing scenarios for someone new to the hobby? I want to play any scenarios that capture the feel of the books/movies but do not have a crazy high model or terrain count to start if possible.

To help you answer this question, so far I have purchased the Fellowship and Two Towers Journey books and also have Shadow in Flame and Pelennor Fields since I was able to buy them all for a reasonable price. I also picked up Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin as far as miniatures go. Unfortunately, it seems like getting the miniatures is difficult for some of these scenarios though like Gildor. One day I would love to play Scouring of the Shire’s campaign but that book is expensive on Ebay and very few are for sale, let alone finding any decently priced Ruffian minis or some of the other unique characters. I know there is probably not one right answer but perhaps someone can give some information to inspire me and give a clear direction!

Secondly, if I want to play Lord of the Rings scenarios can I get by with the softcover version of the One rulebook or should I pay more and get the hardcover? This rulebook is decently hard to find on Ebay and I haven’t seen any for a good price so I want to make sure to get the right one before I jump into that side of the game!

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You can find me at: https://KuribosPainting.com/ and on Instagram @kuribospainting.

I sometimes play solo, it certainly works best when playing scenarios.

I certainly wouldn't recommend getting the hard cover One Ring (blue) rulebook as the rules are out of date. If you're only playing solo using the rules from Mines of Moria are fine. If you did purchase a hardback rulebook then get the Hobbit rulebook as it has the latest rules and some scenarios (in a linked campaign) from the first Hobbit film. Although it is currently out of stock you can also buy it as a bundle with the new There and Back Again book which has profiles and the continuing campaign scenarios from the second two Hobbit films.

I don’t remember what the Mines of Moria set is like for scenarios but is probably a good place to start. I’ve had most fun playing solo using the scenarios in Escape from Goblin Town. That would be a good next step as it includes some simple scenarios that build up the rules and also a small version of the latest rules.

Farmer Maggot,

Thank you for the suggestions! That definitely helps me make a decision. I will see if I can’t find a cheap softcover One Ring book and if not, I will pick up Escape from Goblin Town soon. I want to play as much as I do paint and the hobby side of things and getting that starter set will make it easiest to jump in. I’m really looking forward to doing so and thanks again to everyone for your help!

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You can find me at: https://KuribosPainting.com/ and on Instagram @kuribospainting.

Kuribo,
Did you pick up the Mines of Moria or a softcover One Ring book? For years, I just painted and played solo, collecting a very large collection. I do think the mines of Moria is a good place for Solo play.
If solo play is your thing I think you will find the game pretty fun. However, when and if you do play with others, you will find the game takes on a whole new level. A human opponent does things that you would never expect and you will get better at playing the game. That being said, recommend mines of moria. Once you get really comfortable with the scenarios, beef them up with tougher models (more trolls etc) and put handicaps on yourself such as less models, have to always charge etc.

If money is something you are worried about (I know the feeling) and you prefer friendly to competitive games I'd recommend getting some models for the Journey Books the Lord of the Rings models are cheaper than the Hobbit ones (£15 for 12 warriors compared to £20, £25 and even over 50 in some cases). This is the route I followed, and am still, but I occasionally pick up a Forgeworld box as a treat at my birthday or Christmas at times. This would also mean you can play through the scenarios but this is only a recommendation so do as you as you so wish.

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A ginger bread and born.