Players take on the role of five Hobbits—Merry, Pippen, Fatty, Sam, and Frodo—on their quest to destroy the One Ring. They must work their way through four boards, cooperating to overcome challenges and prevent the Ringbearer from being corrupted. As the game progresses Sauron moves toward the fellowship and certain events can cause the Hobbits to corrupt and move towards Sauron. Whenever a Hobbit meets Sauron he is corrutped and out of the game; if the Ringbearer becomes corrupted the game ends. The Fellowship can call upon Gandalf for help or risk using the Ring - which may lead to further corruption.

The Lord of the Rings board game is a unique and original game in which players must work together to defeat the game itself, a daunting task that will challenge even the most experienced players. The cooperative play style immerses players into the game, cheering their success and cursing the foul turns of fate that hinder their quest.