INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the fantastical world of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, only this time, you are not a viewer or reader, you play an active role in the storyline. This is the captivating universe of Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO), an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) that allows you to step inside J.R.R. Tolkien’s magical realm and make your own adventures. If you love the idea of exploring the Shire, meeting characters from The Hobbit or LOTR, and doing battle with Sauron’s minions, this beginner-friendly guide is just for you.
WHAT IS LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE?
Lord of the Rings Online is an online multiplayer video game where you control a character in the world of Middle-Earth. The game was developed by Turbine and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It transports you to a well-realized world filled with vast landscapes, detailed cities, and menacing dungeons. LOTRO is not just a game but also a journey through many of the locations described in Tolkien’s iconic novels. It brilliantly marries role-playing with compelling storytelling, ensnaring its players with its intricate plot and beautifully detailed environments.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Starting is easy. The first thing you do is create a character. You get to choose from several races (Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves or Men) and classes (Guardian, Hunter, Lore-master and others), each with their abilities. Then you customise your character’s appearance and name them. Once set, you enter Middle-Earth and start the game in a respective area depending on your chosen race.
The game then guides you through a series of introductory quests to understand the gameplay mechanics. As you accomplish quests, you gain experience points (XP), level up, and acquire skills, giving you new abilities for combat and crafting.
CE QU'IL FAUT POUR JOUER
All you need is a computer with an internet connection. The game runs both on PCs and Macs. It’s free to play, but there is also a VIP subscription that offers additional benefits like access to all quest packs, a monthly allotment of points to spend in the in-game store, and more. While definitely not essential, having a good-quality headset is also recommended for the best gaming experience.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Take your time: LOTRO offers an intricate storyline and vast landscapes. Don’t rush through the game. Explore every nook and cranny, talk to each Non-Player Characters (NPC), and enjoy the experience of playing in Middle-Earth.
2. Join a Kinship: Kinships are guilds in LOTRO. They can offer many benefits, including companionship, assistance with quests, and a shared bank.
3. Learn to craft: In LOTRO, you can learn various crafting vocations. Crafting often provides you with better weapons, armour, and items than you might find while questing.
4. Save your LOTRO Points: These are points starved for purchases in the LOTRO Store. Save them for quest packs or other essential items.
5. Use the Wiki: When you’re stuck on a quest, or need more information, the LOTRO Wiki is a fantastic resource.
RESSOURCES UTILES
YouTube is a great resource to learn more about LOTRO. Channels like ‘LoTRO Players’ and ‘Andang’ regularly upload game tutorials, walkthroughs, and reviews. The LOTRO subreddit and the LOTRO community on Discord are also great places for beginners to ask questions and get advice.
GLOSSAIRE : EXPLICATION DES TERMES COURANTS
– NPC (Non-Player Characters): These are characters controlled by the game’s artificial intelligence.
– XP (Experience Points): Points earned by completing quests or defeating enemies.
– Quests: These are tasks given by NPCs, completion of which grants rewards and XP.
– HP (Hit Points): This measures the health of a player. If it reaches zero, the player is defeated.
– Kinship: These are guilds in LOTRO, groups of players who form their own alliances.
LES PROCHAINES ÉTAPES : QUE FAIRE À PARTIR DE MAINTENANT ?
After reading this guide, your first step is to download the game and create your character. Spend some time familiarising yourself with the mechanics of the game and the world around you. Don’t rush; immerse yourself in the rich world of Middle-earth. Remember, the journey is more important than the destination, especially when you’re a part of Middle-earth. Your adventure has just begun, the world is full of quests waiting to be completed, dungeons to be explored, and characters to be met. All it takes for you to get started is a little curiosity and a taste for adventure. Welcome to Lord of the Rings Online, and may your adventures be fulfilling!