INTRODUCTION
Welcome, fellow adventurers! If your heart’s been stirred by the tales of Middle Earth, if you’ve ever longed to explore the paths less traveled by hobbits, humans, elves or dwarves, you’re at the right place. We’re going to delve into Tolkien’s magical universe through the game called ‘Lord of the Rings Online’. This beginner-friendly guide will help you embark on your journey. From being a simple farmhand in the Shire to taking on orcs in Mordor, this game’s got it all.
WHAT IS LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE?
Lord of the Rings Online or LOTRO is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, following closely the timeline and events in the famed Lord of the Rings books. It began in April 2007, and since then it has seen numerous updates and expansions, keeping the adventure fresh and exciting. As an MMORPG, LOTRO offers players the chance to create a character, choose a race and class, and set off to explore Middle Earth along with thousands of other players around the globe. It’s somewhat similar to other MMORPGs like World of Warcraft or Elder Scrolls Online, but retains a unique charm owing to its fidelity to Tolkien’s lore.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
Just like any other MMORPG, the first step of LOTRO involves creating an account and downloading the game client to your PC. Once you’ve done these, you launch the game and dive into creating your character. You can choose from four races (Humans, Hobbits, Elves, and Dwarves) and multiple classes like Guardian, Champion, Hunter, etc., each with their unique strengths, skills, and weaknesses. Make sure to review each class’s capabilities and role-play potential before you make your choice.
When you’ve crafted your character, it’s time to explore Middle-Earth! The game begins in your character’s respective racial starting area where you start doing quests (tasks given by Non-playing characters that reward progress and items), gradually learning about the gameplay mechanics and progressing the story.
LOTRO works with W-A-S-D keys for movement and number keys for different abilities by default.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To play LOTRO, you need a computer that meets the game’s system requirements, a stable internet connection, and ideally, a decent pair of headphones to enjoy the game’s excellent music and sound design. You might also want to have a mouse for ease of navigation. The game itself is free to play, but there is also a VIP subscription option that offers various perks and additional content. There exists also an in-game shop where you could buy additional items and expansions if you wish.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Don’t rush: Middle Earth is vast and beautiful. Take your time to explore meticulously.
2. Follow the main story quests: They provide generous rewards and take you through iconic locations.
3. Communicate: LOTRO harbors an exceptionally friendly community. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
4. Experiment with classes: Each class delivers a unique gameplay experience. Experiment to find the one that fits your preferred playstyle.
5. Don’t fret about in-game shop: Most of its items are convenience-based. The entirety of the game can be enjoyed without spending a buck.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
You can find all sorts of guides and discussions on LOTRO’s official forums. Websites like LOTRO-Wiki provide a comprehensive database of game mechanics, items, quests, and more. For gameplay tips and strategies, YouTube channels like The Bearded Minstrel and Andang are worth following.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. MMORPG: Stands for Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. It’s a genre where a large number of players interact in a virtual game world.
2. Quest: A task given by a non-playing character (NPC) that rewards experience or items.
3. NPC: Non-Playing Characters, controlled by the game’s AI to provide quests or sell items.
4. Instance: A separate game area where a group of players can interact without interference from others.
5. Tank: A player role focused on absorbing damage and protecting allies.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you have a basic understanding of LOTRO, it’s time to mark your first step in Middle Earth. Try a demo game, visit the LOTRO forums, join a friendly kinship (Lord of the Rings version of a guild). Remember, the journey gets easier and more fun as you explore. Middle Earth awaits, fellow adventurer, and in the immortal words of Gandalf, “You have a long journey ahead!”
