How to Install and Play Return of Shadow Mod for BFME 1: A Complete Guide

BFME 1 Return of Shadow Mod Download: How to Install and Play the Ultimate Middle-Earth Experience

If you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-Earth, you might have heard of a mod called Return of Shadow. This mod is a massive overhaul that adds new factions, maps, spells, heroes, units, buildings, and gameplay features to the original game. It also rebalances the game and makes it more challenging and immersive. In this article, we will show you how to download and install this mod, as well as how to play it and enjoy the ultimate Middle-Earth experience.

What is BFME 1 Return of Shadow Mod?

Return of Shadow is a mod for The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle-Earth that was created by Radspakr. It aims to expand the game and make it more faithful to the books and movies. It also adds new content and features that make the game more diverse and fun. The mod has been in development since 2010 and has released several versions over the years. The latest version is Southron Edition 1.5, which was released on January 24, 2022.

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Features of BFME 1 Return of Shadow Mod

Return of Shadow has many features that make it stand out from other mods. Some of these features are:

• New factions: The mod adds 11 new factions to the game, each with its own unique units, heroes, buildings, spells, and gameplay style. These factions are Lothlorien, Imladris, Erebor, Free Peoples, Southern Fiefdoms, Dunland, Harad, Rhun, Angmar, Gundabad, and Mirkwood. Some factions are still in development and will be released in future updates.

• New maps: The mod includes over 100 new maps that cover every corner of Middle-Earth. From the arid lands of Rhun to the snow-capped peaks of Caradhras, you can fight in various terrains and scenarios. The maps are also larger and more detailed than the original ones.

• New spells: The mod expands the spell store from 8 to 12 spells per faction. It also rebalances the spell costs and adds new types of spells, such as summoning allies or creating natural disasters.

• New gameplay mechanics: The mod introduces new gameplay mechanics that make the game more realistic and strategic. For example, it has an Expanding CPL system that increases your command point limit as you build new bases. It also has a Watchtower system that allows you to build watchtowers that provide vision and territory bonuses. It also changes the battalion sizes, resource production rates, building armor values, damage values, and other aspects to make the game more balanced.

Factions of BFME 1 Return of Shadow Mod

The mod adds 11 new factions to the game, each with its own unique units, heroes, buildings, spells, and gameplay style. These factions are:

Faction

Description

Lothlorien

A faction of elves that live in the golden forest of Lothlorien. They are led by Galadriel and Celeborn, and have powerful archers, healers, and spellcasters. They can also summon ents and eagles to aid them.

Imladris

A faction of elves that dwell in the hidden valley of Imladris, also known as Rivendell. They are led by Elrond and have elite warriors, scouts, and mages. They can also use the power of the rings of power to enhance their abilities.

Erebor

A faction of dwarves that inhabit the Lonely Mountain of Erebor. They are led by Dain Ironfoot and have sturdy infantry, axe throwers, and siege weapons. They can also mine for gold and gems to boost their economy.

Free Peoples

A faction of men that represent the alliance of Rohan and Gondor. They are led by Aragorn and have a variety of units, such as cavalry, swordsmen, archers, and trebuchets. They can also call for reinforcements from other regions of Middle-Earth.

Southern Fiefdoms

A faction of men that hail from the southern regions of Gondor, such as Dol Amroth, Ethir Anduin, and Lamedon. They are led by Prince Imrahil and have naval units, pikemen, knights, and catapults. They can also use the influence of the White Tree to inspire their troops.

Dunland

A faction of men that live in the hills and plains of Dunland. They are led by Wulf and have savage warriors, warg riders, and fire throwers. They can also use their hatred of Rohan to fuel their rage.

Harad

A faction of men that come from the desert lands of Harad. They are led by Suladan and have spearmen, archers, mumakil, and corsairs. They can also use their alliance with Mordor to gain access to orcs and trolls.

Rhun

A faction of men that originate from the eastern lands of Rhun. They are led by Khamul and have swordsmen, horsemen, chariots, and dragon knights. They can also use their worship of Sauron to gain dark powers.

Angmar

A faction of evil that consists of the remnants of the ancient kingdom of Angmar. They are led by the Witch-King and have orcs, goblins, wights, werewolves, and sorcerers. They can also use their mastery of ice and snow to freeze their enemies.

Gundabad

A faction of evil that comprises of the hordes of goblins and orcs that infest the Misty Mountains. They are led by Bolg and have goblin warriors, spider riders, cave trolls, and giants. They can also use their swarming tactics to overwhelm their foes.

Mirkwood

A faction of evil that represents the corruption of the forest of Mirkwood by the Necromancer. They are led by Thranduil and have spiders, bats, wargs, and woodsmen. They can also use their stealth and poison to ambush their enemies.

Maps of BFME 1 Return of Shadow Mod

The mod includes over 100 new maps that cover every corner of Middle-Earth. From the arid lands of Rhun to the snow-capped peaks of Caradhras, you can fight in various terrains and scenarios. The maps are also larger and more detailed than the original ones. Some examples of the maps are:

• The Shire: A peaceful green land where the hobbits live. You can build farms and inns to boost your economy and recruit hobbit militia to defend your home.

• Moria: A dark and ancient underground realm where the dwarves once dwelled. You can explore the vast halls and chambers filled with treasures and dangers.

• Helm's Deep: A mighty fortress where the Rohirrim make their last stand against Saruman's army. You can use the walls and gates to hold off the enemy onslaught.

• Minas Tirith: A splendid city where the men of Gondor defend their realm from the forces of Mordor. You can use the multiple levels and trebuchets to gain an advantage over your enemies.

• Cirith Ungol: A perilous pass where the orcs guard the entrance to Mordor. You can use the watchtower and the giant spider Shelob to ambush your foes.

• Pelennor Fields: A vast plain where the epic battle between Gondor and Mordor takes place. You can use the cavalry, the Rohirrim, and the Army of the Dead to turn the tide of war.

• Mount Doom: A fiery volcano where the One Ring can be destroyed. You can use the lava flows and the Eye of Sauron to hinder your enemies.

• Erebor: A majestic mountain where the dwarves reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. You can use the hidden passages and the treasure hoard to surprise your enemies.

• Dol Guldur: A sinister fortress where the Necromancer resides. You can use the dark magic and the undead to unleash your evil.

• And many more: There are many more maps to explore, such as Fangorn, Isengard, Edoras, Osgiliath, Mirkwood, Lothlorien, Imladris, Harad, Rhun, Angmar, Gundabad, and more.

Spells of BFME 1 Return of Shadow Mod

The mod expands the spell store from 8 to 12 spells per faction. It also rebalances the spell costs and adds new types of spells, such as summoning allies or creating natural disasters. Some examples of the spells are:

• Rallying Call: A spell that increases the damage and armor of your units for a short time. It costs 1 spell point and is available for all factions.

• Heal: A spell that heals your units in a target area. It costs 2 spell points and is available for Lothlorien, Imladris, Free Peoples, Southern Fiefdoms, and Dunland.

• Summon Eagles: A spell that summons three giant eagles that can fly and attack enemies. It costs 3 spell points and is available for Lothlorien and Imladris.

• Horn of Erebor: A spell that stuns and damages enemies in a large radius. It costs 4 spell points and is available for Erebor.

• Gwaihir's Wind: A spell that creates a powerful gust of wind that pushes back enemies and projectiles. It costs 5 spell points and is available for Lothlorien.

• Rain of Fire: A spell that causes fireballs to fall from the sky and burn enemies in a target area. It costs 6 spell points and is available for Rhun and Angmar.

• Balrog's Wrath: A spell that summons a Balrog that can breathe fire, whip enemies, and cause earthquakes. It costs 10 spell points and is available for Mordor.

Gameplay of BFME 1 Return of Shadow Mod

The mod introduces new gameplay mechanics that make the game more realistic and strategic. For example, it has an Expanding CPL system that increases your command point limit as you build new bases. It also has a Watchtower system that allows you to build watchtowers that provide vision and territory bonuses. It also changes the battalion sizes, resource production rates, building armor values, damage values, and other aspects to make the game more balanced. So