The Evil Campaign opens with the betrayal of Saruman and his War on Rohan. All heroes then appear at the Battle of Minas Tirith, after which the player can either end the Campaign by assaulting the Black Gate, or attack other regions controlled by Mordor, such as Rhun or the Dead Marshes. The Good Campaign follows first the journey of the Fellowship through Moria and the war between Isengard and Rohan, with Eomer as the player's primary hero against the orcs of Saruman. Following the battles of Helm's Deep and Isengard (both mandatory missions), the War turns to Gondor, where Faramir most often leads the player's troops. Unlike the films, Gandalf is able to survive the conflict with the Balrog, Boromir his battle with the Uruk-hai, and Theoden his confrontation with the Witch-king at the Pelennor Fields.
There are mandatory missions, and lands that the player can choose to attack. In the original Battle for Middle-earth, the Campaign follows the plot of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.