INTRODUCTION
Has your fascination with J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy world expanded beyond the books and the silver screen? Do you find yourself yearning to walk in the Shire’s green fields, scale the peaks of Mount Doom, or fight alongside Aragorn in the Battle of Gondor? If so, welcome to your beginner-friendly guide to ‘The Lord of the Rings Online’! A game that turns your dreams into reality by immersing you in Middle-earth, where you form alliances, explore the world, and fight against the evil forces of Sauron. Whether you are completely new to the game or a returnee, this guide will encapsulate all that you need to know.
WHAT IS LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE?
‘The Lord of the Rings Online’ (LOTRO) is a Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic Middle-earth universe, by developer Standing Stone Games. This game allows players, fondly known as the Free Peoples of Middle-earth, to create and customize their characters, select their vocations and engage in quests within the expansive enthralling Middle-earth scenario.
Unlike other MMORPGs, LOTRO does not only focus on combat but also explores socializing, exploring, crafting, and the rich lore Middle-earth offers. Essentially, it’s almost like living another life, but in the fantasy world of Middle-earth!
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO GET STARTED
To start your journey, you first need to create your character. LOTRO offers numerous races to choose from such as Hobbit, Elf, Dwarf, Men, and Beorning, each with its unique qualities and skills. Post this; you need to choose your class and profession. These choices will determine your role in the game, like whether you’ll be a champion warrior, a healing minstrel or a sneaky burglar.
Once your character is ready, a tutorial session starts, providing the initial backstory and basic controls of the game. After this, you are all set to venture into the enormous world of Middle-earth, complete quests, slay creatures, and interact with people, all of which earn you experience points (XP).
CE QU'IL FAUT POUR JOUER
To play LOTRO, you need a computer with a stable internet connection. The game’s official website or Steam offers it for download. A span of a few hours is ideal for a good gaming session, but generally, there are no time constraints. That’s the beauty of MMORPG’s – you can play at your own pace.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Don’t rush: The beauty of LOTRO lies in its expansive world. Take your time to explore, talk to non-player characters (NPCs), and observe the rich lore.
2. Save Gold: Eccentric as it might sound, managing finance is crucial even in Middle-earth! Try to save your gold for purchasing essential gear or improving your skills.
3. Join a Kinship (Guild): Kinship is a group of players within the LOTRO community. Being part of a kinship can provide you with companionship, help, and the opportunity to embark on an adventure as a team.
4. Read the Quest Text: Often, the texts contain essential lore, clues, and insights on where to go or what to do next.
5. Use Plugins: These are downloadable content that can enhance your gaming experience.
RESSOURCES UTILES
‘LOTRO Wiki’ is an exhaustive resource for all things related to the game. ‘LOTRO Players’, a fan created website, and ‘LOTRO community forums’ can provide interactive insights from other players. Official LOTRO YouTube channel offers guide videos and updates about the game.
GLOSSAIRE : EXPLICATION DES TERMES COURANTS
1. NPC: Non-Player Characters, characters controlled by the game itself.
2. XP: Experience Points earned by completing quests or defeating enemies.
3. Kinship: A group of players banding together in the game.
4. Gold: The game’s currency.
5. Plugins: Add-ons or downloadable content that optimize the game.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you have a basic knowledge of LOTRO, your next step should be to download the game and start exploring the realm of Middle-earth. Don’t fret if things seem complicated initially. That’s perfectly normal. With time, you’ll soon be guiding others on their journey in Middle-earth! Always remember that this is your adventure, so make sure to enjoy every bit of it. Good luck, and may the Valor guide you!
