The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is building towards an epic battle sequence that will literally take up almost half of the episodes. The second season of Prime Video’s popular fantasy series focuses on Sauron (Charlie Vickers) and his rise to power in Middle-earth, which begins with the creation of the titular rings. The first episodes of The Rings of Power Season 2 featured a lot of setup and little action, but expect an action-packed, three-episode conclusion bigger than anything previously witnessed in the series.

In an interview with GamesRadar, The Rings of Power co-showrunner Patrick McKay discussed the big climax of the second season, which takes place during the Siege of Eregion. This isn’t too shocking, as Sauron, disguised as the bearer of gifts, Annatar, is currently helping Celebrimbor forge the rings of power in the Elven city of Eregion. Sauron’s evil manipulation will eventually end in war, leading to several armies marching into Eregion over a several-month period. McKay teased:

“The Siege of Eregion is the big climax at the end of season 2. It starts in episode 6, goes through 7 and goes deep into 8, and each sequence is a different phase of this battle. Siege battles take place historically, not over a night or a day, but over months, and we wanted you to feel the weight of that, we wanted you to feel the layers of each of that.”

McKay makes sure to mention that the three-episode battle is “not just action for action’s sake,” and is packed in with emotional performances and a heavy dose of Elrond (Robert Aramayo). With the climactic battle taking place over three episodes, it’s clear The Rings of Power Season 2 looks to one-up the previous season by raising the stakes and adding more battle sequences.

The Rings of Power Season 2 Is a Complete Shift From First Season

The Rings of Power Season 1 featured a slow-burn reveal of Sauron’s identity, the Stranger’s true power, and the forging of the three main rings. Naturally, a follow-up to the first season means upping the ante in every way possible, including the aforementioned battle sequence taking over three episodes to complete. Maxim Baldry, who plays Isildur, tells GamesRadar that the second season of The Rings of Power will be powered by a momentum shift after an exposition-heavy first season.

“Season 1 was very expositional, we had to set up a lot of characters, we had to set up a lot of worlds. In season 2, we are right in the thick of it. We’re in the middle of it and it’s just driving, there’s a force for a lot of the episodes. There’s a battle over three episodes, it’s just expansive, it’s energetic, and there’s just anxiety, and it pulls you on this journey.”

The Rings of Power Season 2 has received positive reviews from critics, deeming it a step-up from the slower, clunkier Season 1. The first three episodes are not exactly heart-pounding, but they lay the groundwork for the epic final sequence. Fan-favorite characters are finally making their way into this season, as well as some much-appreciated character development for the main baddie, Sauron.

New episodes of
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
stream weekly on Prime Video, with the season finale premiering on October 3.