Battle For Middle-Earth Good Campaign
Hard Difficulty

Firstly there are a number of factors that stand true whatever map you find yourself fighting in. These are as follows :-

• Apart from the first map Moria, all the other maps involve building camps, gathering resources building & upgrading troops. One particular strategy I learned early on was that you need to build a blacksmith (Gondor) or Armoury (Rohan) first & as many farms you can afford to do until you can afford to build an archery & stable. Most of the battles I've played have been good (being of the naturally good persuasion) so will concentrate on describing good strategies (Gondor or Rohan) & do another walkthrough as I do the Hard Evil Campaign. As soon as the map starts, build the blacksmith & then a farm & send out what meagre troops you start off with to build other cheaper farms outside your camp. As soon as these troops have left a main camp, close the doors. Nothing worse that getting engrossed in a remote battle one side of a map & not notice that your main camp is being overrun with evil creatures. If the doors are closed nobody is going to get in until siege machines have been build by the opposition. For some reason farms in camps cost 350 whereas outside farms only cost 200, don't know why but it does. Of course be careful to not let these troops run into wargs or trolls as they'll get wiped out in seconds without armour or flaming arrows. Most of the maps have safe farms you can build though so keep running/galloping around until you perhaps stumble near the enemy camp & retreat. Hopefully by the time you've built all the safe outlying farms you've also had time to continue building farms in your main camp & the occasional sentry tower for good defence measure.
• When you have enough resources & have built an archery & or stable start training troops. If you've done a good job of scouting the area you will have hopefully discovered where all the camps, Wargs, trolls & enemies are. To speed up resource gathering start building outlying camps when you can afford to & if in a safe location fill them with farms if in a relative safe area or farms & token sentry tower for Gondor if not. Unfortunately Rohan can't build sentry towers on building plots so perhaps a fountain & a group or 2 of archers fully upgraded when resources allow.
• Camps cost 800 for small with 3 plots, 2000 for medium with 6? plots & 4 sentry tower plots for Gondor, 6? for Rohan. Large main camps cost a whacking 5000 but have around 9 plots & many sentry tower plots around the walls. For Gondor you can build trebuchets or archer towers but depending on the location would be wary of trebuchets as they are prone to inflicting horrific "friendly fire" but excellent damage to enemies. Archery towers are a good first bet as they will kill of plain orcs or Uruks & alert you to action the other side of the map from wherever you are concentrating on.
• Look for treasure wherever possible to gain well needed resources early on. Unfortunately these are generally found when you destroy a Warg lair or Troll cave so you'll ideally need 2 battalions of fire arrow archers to finish them off quickly.
• As soon as any build that allows troop upgrades has been upgraded such as the blacksmith for armour, forged blades & banner carrier, archery range for fire arrows buy the upgrades when resources allow. Select which order you buy these upgrades in relation to the troops you have. If you only have archers then don't buy the forged blades at that time but buy the armour, fire arrows & banner carrier if you can afford it. The banner carrier upgrade is a very much underrated upgrade in that I've found it essential for doing quick dashes to kill a few enemies then retreating. It also allows a significant troop levels over your command points if you time things right by training new troops whilst your current in action banner carrier upgraded troops are down a few men. When the new guys are released your banner troops are slowly retraining new men regardless of your command level. Once your command point limit has been reached though all new training stops although if you've had a chance & the resources queue a few more troops. That way when you lose a few troops in battle, new ones will automatically train when there is sufficient "slack" in your command point limit. Likewise if you have cavalry then upgrade horse shields, armour, swords & specifically fire arrows for Rohan Archer Cavalry.
• Best advice would be to just keep a level head & common sense should prevail. During the heat of battle it's easy to get carried away & produce loads of troops but less fully upgraded troops are always better than more non upgraded troops.
• Merging units can be useful during close battles if you get it right. Some of the more useful combinations are listed below :-
  • Gondor Soldier or Tower Guard with Gondor Archer - If all the upgrades are purchased the swordsmen provide a good protective shield for the archers behind with their fire arrows. The banner carrier comes into use with occasional strategic retreats & of course the healing power when available. Same goes for Elvish Archers & Elvish Swordsmen.
  • Yeoman Archer with Rohan Peasant. Not much of a comparison to Gondor but the best that Rogan can offer when. Adequate when fully upgraded though.
  • You can also merge cavalry with foot units but with the speed of the horses slowed to that of the foot soldiers not much in losing the best feature of the horses i.e. speed.
  • On the Evil side you need to merge Uruk crossbows with Pike Uruks when in the company of Rohirrim & some Uruk crossbows & Uruk Warriors for close combat, all fully upgraded of course. Same goes for Orc Archers & Mordor Orcs although only fire arrow upgrades are only real upgrade.
• At this point it's worth mentioning the apparent complaint by some that the Good side is generally more powerful than Evil. This is of course true to a certain extent but not surprising. In the real world it's generally known that Good will always triumph over Evil in the end. The very fact that you can win the Evil campaign tells me that the game is perhaps balances more towards Evil. In the book the sides of Evil far outnumbered the sides of evil by some absurd ratio. Yet
• Garrison abandoned towers only with archers with at least fire arrows & all upgrades if possible. If you get attacked by a number of troops which will almost definitely happen during hard difficulty. At least you'll stand a decent chance of clearing a few enemy battalions before they wipe you out. If you can spread a few forests around these towers & populate with a few fully upgraded rangers for Rohan & Archers you should be able to hold off most attacks indefinitely. That is until the trebuchets, Nazgul or Balrog come.
• Complete as many objectives as is safely possible. No point in taking a big risk with your troops if there's a large chance of being wiped out doing the objective. Best to wait until enemy is almost defeated then complete tasks. Some objectives are time dependent so try & complete them early on if you can safely do so.
• Build up army once enemy has almost been conquered to ensure maximum command army with all upgrades are carried over to next map.
• Set all hero powers on autoset by right clicking on the appropriate icon on the palantir.

Heroes (In rough order of usefulness in battle)
Gandalf	As in the book by far the most powerful hero in the game especially when fully ranked up to level 10 & Word Of Power. As with all heroes he starts on level 1 but should increase to level 10 swiftly if you use his powers wisely & ensure to not get too much damage before running away to heal. Powers at the start consist of the following :-
	Wizard Blast that can clear a battalion of orcs with one blast. At level 2 the Lightning Sword is gained allowing Glamdring the ancient Elven King of Gondolin's sword to clear away a few battalions. Also essential to deal with the Balrog in Moria as without it you will surely die. More of the use of this weapon in the walkthrough. At level 4 Leadership is gained as a passive ability. All troops within the range of this power become fearless with a bonus of armour & damage. To see this range select Show Unit Decals in settings. Note that to enable this setting you will need a decent graphics card, RAM & processor. At level 5 Gandalf gains the ability to ride Shadowfax. Mounted he's excellent at scouting around maps but prone to usual mounted enemy attacks to a certain extent. Also at level 5 the Light of Istari is gained. As is used to fight off the Nazgul during the retreat of Faramir from Osgiliath during Return Of The King. Emits a bright light beam from his staff that can clear away battalions quickly. Also good for all the anti-heroes on land & sky. Word Of Power is finally gained at the max level 10. This is very good as a get out of a wipe out situation quick wildcard to clear the visible screen of all enemies. If Evenstar power has been gained then Gandalf has 100% more damage & doubles spell recharge rate.
Aragorn
	Aragorn starts at level 1 with the ability to heal all heroes within a certain radius.
Legolas
Gimli
Boromir
Frodo
Sam
Merry
Pippin
Faramir
Theoden
Eomer
Eowyn
Treebeard

Good Campaign, Hard Difficulty Walkthrough Index
Map 1 - Moria	Act 1 - +1 Power. Starts with entire Fellowship of Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Boromir, Frodo, Sam, Merry & Pippin just after entering the entrance. In Isengard is Saruman with 950 Uruks, 20 Warg Riders & 12 Siege Machines. Lurtz with 210 Uruks & 15 Wargs Riders has just entered the Eaves of Fangorn with another 950 Uruks & 20 Warg Riders heading into the Westfold. Eomer is in the Eastfold with 10 Rohirrim. Meanwhile closer to Mordor we find Faramir in Northern Ithilien, Gondor Army consisting of 30 Archers, 35 Soldiers & 3 Trebuchets defending Osgiliath. On the offensive at Osgiliath are 320 Orcs & 20 Trolls. To the east in Near Harad the Haradrim Army consists of 3 Mumakil & 180 Evil Men. Behind the walls of Mordor there are 200 Orcs & 10 Trolls behind the Black Gates, 10 Siege Machines, 2,500 Orcs & 100 Trolls heading for Minas Morgal on the way to the battle of Pellenor Fields. Closer to Mount Doom are another 360 Orcs & 15 Trolls that will likely join in the final battle at the Black Gate. At the foot of Barad-dur are another 200 Orcs & 10 Trolls probably destined for the Black Gate. Finally, to the north in Rhûn are the Soldiers of Rhûn Army numbering 60 Evil Men.
Map 2 - Westfold	Act 2 - +10% Resources - Starts with Eomer & 2 battalions of Rohirrim. Upon victory in the battle, the Fellowship travel east to Lothlorien where 20 Elves are currently waiting for you to arrive & help them defend their land. The spotlight now turns to Eomer & Rohirrim in the Westfold. On the offensive are Lurtz in the Westfold with 210 Uruks & 15 Warg Riders. Elsewhere the 950 Uruks & 20 Warg Riders are further east in the Eaves of Fangorn with Saruman still in Isengard  with  another 950 Uruks, 20 Warg Riders & 12 Siege Machines.
Map 3 - Lothlorien	Act 3 - +50 Command & +1 Power. Starts with Entire Fellowship of Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Boromir, Frodo, Sam, Merry & Pippin. They have entered the north west border of Lothlorien with Goblins from Moria hot on their tail. No change with the Uruks in the Eaves of Fangorn or Saruman at Isengard. Lurtz is now in the West Emnet with his 210 Uruks & 15 Warg Riders. No change with the status of all other enemies.
Map 4 - Rohan	Act 2 - +20 Command. Starts with Eomer & 30 Rohirrim. The Fellowship on are on their way down the Anduin to Amon Hen. Lurtz is now in East Emnet with the other Uruks in East Emnet. No change with the status of all other enemies.
Map 5 - Amon Hen	Act 4 - +20 Command & +1 Power Starts with Aragorn, Gandalf, Frodo & Sam. Rescue Gimli, Legolas & Boromir on the way to the boat to escape. Lurtz has now caught up with them & will give you some heavy opposition before you get to the boat. No change with the status of all other enemies.
Map 6 - West Emnet	Act 5 - +20 Command & +10% Resources. Starts with Eomer, 10 Archers & 30 Rohirrim. With the Fellowship now split, Frodo & Sam head for Emyn Muil, Merry & Pippin captured by Uruks & halfway across the West Emnet on the way to Isengard. Gandalf, Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli in hot pursuit. No change with the status of all other enemies.
Map 7 - East Emnet	Act 5 - +20 Command. Starts with Eomer, 20 Yeomen Archers & 35 Rohirrim. Merry & Pippin still under capture by Uruks & just crossing into East Emnet on the way to Isengard. Gandalf, Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli still in hot pursuit & gaining. Frodo & Sam now entering the Dead Marshes. No change with the status of all other enemies.
Map 8 - Eaves of Fangorn	Act 7 - +30 Command & +10% Resources. Start with 3 Battalions of Rohirrim. Rescue Merry & Pippin, call in Eomer & troops when they arrive & rescue Ents. Merry & Pippin under capture of the Uruks are now halfway across the Eaves of Fangorn. Gandalf, Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli still in hot pursuit. Eomer is with 10 Archers & 45 Rohirrim at present with Frodo & Sam at the far east of The Dead Marshes. No change with the status of all other enemies.
Map 9 - Fangorn	Act 8 - +2 Power. Starts with Eomer, 10 Archers & 45 Rohirrim. With Merry & Pippin now safe with Treebeard in Fangorn Forest, Gandalf, Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli are at Edoras to free Theoden King from Saruman's spell. & rally troops to Helm's Deep. Frodo & Sam are at the Black Gates overlooking the arrival of the Soldiers of Rhûn.
Map 10 - Wold	Act 8 - +20% Resources Starts with Eomer, Gandalf,  10 Archers & 45 Rohirrim. Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas & Gimli are at Dunharrow waiting for the Muster of The Rohirrim to arrive. Merry & Pippin are with Treebeard in Fangorn trying to convince him to lead the Ents to destroy Isengard. Frodo & Sam are in Northern Ithilien. Closer to Mordor the Soldiers of Rhûn Army numbering 60 Evil Men are now behind the Black Gates, the 360 Orcs & 15 Trolls are now in the Pass of Cirith Ungol & the Haradrim Army of 3 Mumakil & 180 Evil Men have reached Harondor. The 2 Armies of Saruman consisting of 2 x 950 Uruks, 2 x 20 Trolls & 12 Siege Machines are heading south from Isengard to Helm's Deep.
Map 11 - Helm's Deep	Act 10 - +30 Command & +2 Power Starts with Fellowship members Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli behind the keep with Theoden & Eowyn. On the offensive will be Isengard Army of 950 Uruks, 20 Warg Riders & 12 Siege Machines heading from Isengard in the north east & another 950 Uruks & 20 Warg Riders to the east. Further to the east are 100 Elven Archer reinforcements. Heading from Fangorn will be Gandalf, Eomer, 25 Archers & 45 Rohirrim.
Map 12 - Isengard	Act 11 - +10% Resources & +2 Power Starts with Fellowship members Merry & Pippin with Treebeard & 7 Ents on the edge of Fangorn forest ready for the Last March towards the destruction of Isengard.
Map 13 - Northern Ithilien	Act 13 - +20% Resources Starts with Faramir, Frodo & Sam at the Forbidden Pool. Legolas, Aragorn & Gimli are at Dunharrow on their way to the Paths Of The Dead. Gandalf, Pippin & Boromir are on the eastern edge of Rohan on their way to Minas Tirith. All other armies of Evil are behind the walls of Mordor waiting.
Map 14 - Crossroads	Act 14 - +3 Power Starts with Faramir & Gondor Army from Northern Ithilien. Gandalf, Pippin & Boromir have reached Minas Tirith. Legolas, Aragorn & Gimli are now south of the White Mountains with the Army Of The Dead following on their way to the Black Ships. Frodo & Sam with Gollum are on their way to Shelob's lair. Apart from another 60 Soldiers of Rhûn north of Dagorlad, all other Armies of Mordor still waiting in Mordor.
Map 15 - Emyn Arnen	Act 14 - +10 Resources & +1 Power Starts with Faramir & Gondor Army from Northern Ithilien. Gandalf, Pippin & Boromir have reached Minas Tirith. Legolas, Aragorn & Gimli are now south of the White Mountains with the Army Of The Dead following on their way to the Black Ships. Frodo & Sam with Gollum are on their way to Shelob's lair. Apart from another 60 Soldiers of Rhûn north of Dagorlad, all other Armies of Mordor still waiting in Mordor.
Map 16 - Osgiliath	Act 16 - +20 Command & +2 Power Starts with Gondor Army consisting of 20 Archers, 35 Soldiers & 3 Trebuchets. Faramir, 25 Archers, 10 Soldiers & 45 Knights are heading from their victory in Emyn Arnen. Gandalf, Pippin & Boromir are still in Minas Tirith. Legolas, Aragorn & Gimli have now reached the River Anduin about to board the Black ships with the Army of the Dead. Frodo & Sam with Gollum are on their way to Shelob's lair. Apart from 10 Siege Machines, 2500 orcs & 100 Trolls heading from Cirith Ungol to Osgiliath, all other Armies of Mordor still waiting in Mordor.
Map 17 - Shelob's lair	Act 18 - +2 Power Starts with Sam searching for Frodo. Gondor Army consisting of 20 Archers, 35 Soldiers & 3 Trebuchets. Faramir, 25 Archers, 10 Soldiers & 45 Knights are heading back to Minas Tirith. Gandalf, Pippin & Boromir are still in Minas Tirith. Legolas, Aragorn & Gimli have now reached the River Anduin about to board the Black ships with the Army of the Dead. Apart from 10 Siege Machines, 2500 orcs & 100 Trolls heading from Cirith Ungol to Osgiliath, all other Armies of Mordor still waiting in Mordor.
Map 18 - Minas Tirith	Act 19 - +8 Power Starts with Faramir, Gandalf, Pippin, Boromir & Gondor Army consisting of 90 Archers, 45 Soldiers & 45 Knights. Legolas, Aragorn & Gimli have now reached the River Anduin about to board the Black ships with the Army of the Dead. Frodo & Sam are now inside Mordor on their way to Mount Doom. Apart from 10 Siege Machines, 2860 orcs & 115 Trolls on the Fields of The Pelennor & 10 Mumakil & 100 Harradrim heading from the south, all other Armies of Mordor still waiting in Mordor. Theoden has reached Anorien in response to the call for Aid from Gondor.
Map 19 - Druadan Forest	Act 14 - +10% Resources & +1 Power Starts with Eomer, Eowyn, Theoden, Merry, 95 Archers, 5 Peasants & 50 Rohirrim. Gandalf, Boromir, Pippin, Faramir, Legolas, Aragorn & Gimli wait at Minas Tirith with 75 Archers, 10 Soldiers & 20 Knights. Frodo & Sam are now inside Mordor crossing the Plains of Gorgoroth on their way to Mount Doom. Behind the Black Gates are 120 Soldiers of Rhûn, 400 Orcs & 20 Trolls.
Map 20 - Cair Andros	Act 14 - +20 Command & +2 Power Starts with Eomer, Eowyn, Théoden, Merry, 35 Archers, 5 Peasants & 40 Rohirrim. All other forces of good are still at Minas Tirith after the battle & all remaining forces of good are grouping behind the Black Gate. There are still another 16 battles to be fought yet though with +40 Command, 150% Resources & 26 Power points still to be had. Command points are of course maxed out at 300 already but the resources & Power points are worth it. From my experience of the medium difficulty, every one of these will count if I'm to survive the final battle at the Black Gate.
Map 21 - Anorien	Act 14 - +20% Resources Starts with Eomer, Eowyn, Théoden, Merry, 35 Archers & 45 Rohirrim. Remaining forces of Good consisting of Gandalf, Boromir, Pippin, Faramir, Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli, 75 Archers, 10 Soldiers & 20 Knights are still at Minas Tirith. Behind the Black Gates are120 Evil Men from Rhûn, 400 Orcs & 20 Trolls.
Dunharrow	Act 14 - +20 Command & +1 Power
Halifirien	Act 14 - +20% Resources
Eastfold	Act 8 - +20 Command & +10% Resources
Eastern Rohan	Act 2 - +1 Power
Mouths Of The Entwash	Act 14 - +1 Power
Dead Marshes	Act 20 - +1 Power
Emyn Muil	Act 20 - +2 Power
Dagorlad	Act 20 - +3 Power
Mirkwood	Act 20 - +20 Resources & +3 Power
Rhûn	Act 20 - +10% Resources & +3 Power
Central Ithilien	Act 20 - +10% Resources & +2 Power
Southern Ithilien	Act 14 - +20 Resources
Harondor	Act 20 - +2 Power
Near Harad	Act 20 - +4 Power
Nurn	Act 20 - +40% Resources & +3 Power
Black Gate	Act 20