From the publisher’s rulebook
Who goes first in The Lord of the Rings: Journey to Mordor?
Fantasy Flight Games English rules, copyright 2016
Whoever most recently read The Lord of the Rings goes first.
Rule details
Play continues clockwise. The instruction refers to reading the book.
Source & edition
- The Lord of the Rings: Journey to Mordor: Fantasy Flight Games rulesFantasy Flight Games · Setup, step 4: Determine First Player; PDF pages 1 · Checked 2026-09-23Printed page references: 1
Image: © Fantasy Flight Games and any cover-art licensors or artists (precise ownership not stated on source page) · Fantasy Flight Games
If there’s a tie
The rulebook doesn’t say.
Related games and editions
The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earthRepos English base game
The Lord of the Rings: The Card GameFFG English original core set
Games with a similar starting rule
Memo MissionWhoever most recently read a fairy tale goes first.
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Adventure Games: Monochrome Inc.Whoever most recently watched or read a thriller goes first.
Adventure Games: The Grand Hotel AbaddonWhoever most recently read a ghost story goes first.
Die Zausel vom ZauberwaldThe player who most recently stumbled starts.
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