Raising Faction Alignment and Hiring Military Units

Building Faction Standing

Your interactions across Middle-earth are governed by an alignment mechanic that tracks your standing with each independent faction. Engaging with friendly factions, interacting with settlement residents, and making supportive choices will raise your alignment with that specific group while potentially lowering it with their rivals. You can also interact with local settlement populations through the reworked NPC trading system to strengthen your economic and social ties. High alignment standing with specific groups unlocks unique faction achievements.

Hiring Troops

Once your alignment with a friendly faction reaches an adequate level, you unlock the ability to hire military units from their ranks. Approach military NPCs in faction settlements to recruit them into your service. Hired troops follow you and assist in combat, providing vital protection against rival factions and dangerous wilderness creatures.