Free Range Games is secretly working on a sequel to The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, according to a LinkedIn profile discovery. An Executive Producer’s profile revealed development of the franchise sequel alongside an unannounced $100 million IP, confirming Middle-earth fans will return to the depths of Khazad-dûm once again.
Project Status Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Developer | Free Range Games |
| Current Status | In development |
| Discovery Method | LinkedIn profile leak |
| Other Project | Unannounced $100M IP |
| Original Release | October 2023 |
| Recent Expansion | Durin’s Folk (November 18, 2025) |
What We Know About the Sequel
The sequel confirmation comes from an Executive Producer who recently worked at Free Range Games, mentioning oversight of “The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria franchise (and sequel)” on her professional profile. While official announcements haven’t been made, this development suggests the survival-crafting game performed well enough commercially to warrant continuation.
The timing aligns with the recent Durin’s Folk expansion launch, which adds over 20 hours of content including recruitable NPCs, monument construction, and multiplayer expeditions in procedurally generated dungeons.
Original Game’s Journey
Return to Moria initially received mixed reception at launch with a 59 Metacritic score but has since improved significantly, earning “very positive” ratings on Steam. The game’s steady updates and expansions transformed it into one of the genre’s most robust offerings, exploring the Fourth Age of Middle-earth through dwarven eyes.
Set after Tolkien’s original trilogy, players control dwarven companies tasked with reclaiming Moria’s lost treasures while battling orcs, managing resources, and constructing grand bases.
What to Expect Next
With both a major expansion just released and a sequel in development, Free Range Games is doubling down on Middle-earth content. The studio is also developing a separate nine-figure budget project, indicating significant industry confidence in their capabilities.
More Coverage: Follow gaming updates at Tech2Sports for sequel announcements.
Official Game Info: Visit Return to Moria’s website for expansion details.
FAQs
When will the Return to Moria sequel be officially announced?
No official announcement has been made yet—the information comes from a LinkedIn profile leak revealing active development.
Is the Durin’s Folk expansion worth getting?
Yes, it adds 20+ hours of content with new story chapters, recruitable NPCs, monuments, and repeatable multiplayer dungeons.
