INTRODUCTION
Are you a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth saga? The captivating universe Azog, Bilbo, Frodo, and the gang inhabited is not just lore: it’s an online game world you can explore! Welcome to “The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO)”, an intense Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) where you can tread the path of the Fellowship, engage with mythical creatures, and immerse yourself in this epic fantasy. If you’re a newbie or a barkened soul returning after a few hiatus years, we’ve got you covered. This beginner-friendly guide will illuminate Middle-earth for you and give you a proper head start.
WHAT IS LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE?
LOTRO is a delightful MMORPG that offers you a real-time walkthrough of Middle Earth, giving you the chance to participate in the epic tales from the Lord of the Rings saga directly. Standing Stone Games developed and published the game in 2007. It furnishes an enormous game world teeming with iconic locations, characters, and storylines inspired by Tolkien’s works. If you’re familiar with online role-playing games like World of Warcraft, then you’ll see parallels in LOTRO but with the added charm and lore of the LOTR universe.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO GET STARTED
Starting in LOTRO entails creating your avatar or character. You’ll select from four races: Man, Hobbit, Dwarf, or Elf, with each boasting its unique racial traits and advantages. You choose your character class – from Champions, Guardians, Loremasters, and more – each having its unique skills and playstyle.
As your character explores the vast world, you’ll embark on quests that lead you across Middle-earth. During your journey, you’ll come across known characters from the LOTR saga, engage in combat with creatures of the dark, uncover hidden treasures, and perhaps join a Fellowship (groups of players to adventure together e.g., for teamwork in defeating difficult enemies).
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
With LOTRO online, there’s no specific gear required outside of having a computer with internet access. Simultaneously, the computer should meet the game’s minimum system requirements listed in the game’s official website to run it smoothly. LOTRO is free to play with an option for VIP MEMBERSHIP that offers perks and access to additional game content.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Juggle your skills wisely: Each class has a unique set of skills or abilities that can be used in combat situations. Knowing when to use these can make the difference in a fight.
2. Join a Fellowship: Venture not alone but with a band of trusted players. It fosters teamwork, and the camaraderie can enhance the gaming experience.
3. Explore: Middle-earth is vast and teeming with opportunities, consider checking out every corner of the map, you might stumble upon hidden treasures or rare artifacts!
4. Professions: Professions are crafting skills useful for making your gear and items, don’t neglect these.
5. Save Your Money: While you might be tempted to buy something shiny upfront, hold on to your coins for more important things in the future.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
To delve deeper into the game, you can visit websites like LOTRO-wiki.com—a database filled with valuable game information. Join LOTRO’s official forum for discussions, queries, and people interested in the game. Channels on YouTube, such as Andang and Louey7 offer guides, gameplay, and other helpful videos.
GLOSSARY
1. Aggro: Drawing the attention or anger of a non-player character.
2. Mobs: Short for mobile, used in the context of the game to refer to non-playable characters that move about the game world.
3. Instance: A specific area in the game where an adventure or quest takes place, separate from the main game world.
4. DPS: Stands for Damage Per Second, a measure of how much damage a character can deal.
5. Kiting: A strategy where a player draws a mob away from an area or keeps it at a distance while attacking it.
NEXT STEPS
Now equipped, it’s time to take your first step on your Middle-earth journey. Download the game at lotro.com, walk through character creation, and you’re set to explore! Remember, the journey in LOTRO is as important as the destination, so take your time, relish the lot, and the way will become clearer (and more enjoyable) as you move forward. So, gear up, brave adventurer, and we hope to see you in The Prancing Pony!
