INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the wonderful world of Middle Earth, beautifully rendered and recreated in an immersive Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) called The Lord of the Rings Online. If you’ve always been intrigued by the tales of Frodo, Gandalf, and Aragorn and wanted to step into their shoes, this game gives you the opportunity. This beginner-friendly article will be your guide through your first steps in this magical world. Let’s embark on an exciting adventure!
WHAT IS LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE?
Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) is an MMORPG based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy series. Developed and published by Standing Stone Games, this online game takes you on an epic journey through Middle Earth. Following closely to the original storyline, LOTRO offers players a unique experience of exploring iconic locations, battling infamous villains, and teaming up with memorable characters from the books. It’s like World of Warcraft, but set in the beloved Lord of the Rings universe.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO GET STARTED
Playing LOTRO is as adventurous as reading the books, but lucky for you, no Ringwraiths will be chasing you in real life.
1. First, create an account on Standing Stone Games website or via the Steam platform and download the game.
2. After installation, you’ll be guided to create your character. Pay attention to races and classes, as each comes with its own strengths and weaknesses.
3. Now you are ready to start your journey. The tutorial will teach you the basics.
4. Complete quests to gain experience and level up your character.
5. Explore different regions of Middle Earth, each offering unique environments and quests.
6. Along the journey, team up with friends or other players to tackle harder quests.
Remember, the main goal is immersing yourself in this rich world and enjoying every step of your adventure.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To embark on your journey through Middle Earth, you need only a few basic things. You require a computer with at least Windows Vista and a broadband internet connection. Game downloads and updates can be sizable, so ensure that you have plenty of data available. A gaming mouse and keyboard might enhance your gaming experience but are not essential.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Take your time: There is no rush to finish the game. Dedicate your time to explore the fascinating world of Middle Earth.
2. Learn your class: Understand the strengths and weakness of your chosen class to maximize your combat efficiency.
3. Join a kinship: A kinship is LOTRO’s version of a guild. Besides companionship, joining a kinship can also offer resources and help.
4. Save your gold: Save up for a mount which will speed up your travel across the vast landscapes of the game.
5. HUD Understanding: Familiarize yourself with the Heads Up Display (HUD) for better gameplay.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
The official LOTRO website and LOTRO-Wiki are full of useful information and guides for new players. The LOTRO subreddit and the LOTRO Players community are full of friendly veterans who can answer your questions and give advice. YouTube channels such as The Bearded Minstrel and Andang offer gameplay videos and guides that can be incredibly helpful.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. MMORPG: Stands for Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. This refers to games where numerous players interact in a virtual world.
2. Quest: A task given by a non-player character (NPC) in the game, which when completed, offers rewards.
3. Leveling: The process of gaining experience through quests or battles to increase your character’s power.
4. Guild: A group of players who form an alliance for mutual benefit.
5. Loot: Rewards obtained from completing quests or defeating enemies.
6. NPC: Non-Player Characters. These are characters in the game which are controlled by artificial intelligence.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
With this overview, you’re ready to begin your journey in Middle Earth. Download the game, create your character, and step into the fantastic world of Lord of the Rings. Remember, it’s not the destination, but the journey that matters. See you online, fellow adventurer!
