Lord of the Rings Online
News, coverage and analysis tracking Lord of the Rings Online across the outlets.
Latest coverage
LOTRO Legendarium: Ranking LOTRO’s 18 weapon types according to their cool factor
This article ranks the 18 weapon types available in The Lord of the Rings Online based on their perceived 'cool factor'. The ranking considers visual appeal and in-game representation, with Halberds being deemed the most stylish and Rune-stones the least.
Lord of the Rings Online tests its Angmarim Sorceress class and Garden of Corpses dungeon
Lord of the Rings Online is testing Update 48.4 on its Bullroarer server, featuring the new Angmarim Sorceress class for evil players in PvP zones and a six-player dungeon called Pagru-kirít, the Garden of Corpses. Standing Stone Games has made changes to simplify the Sorceress's gameplay.
EG7 reveals Ravenwake, a new Canadian studio to support Daybreak’s MMORPGs
Enad Global 7 has announced the formation of Ravenwake Games, a new Vancouver-based studio that will support Daybreak Game Company's MMORPG titles. The studio aims to leverage Canada's talent pool, with open positions supporting games like EverQuest, DC Universe Online, and Magic: The Gathering Online. This move follows Daybreak's recent acquisitions and funding efforts.
Lord of the Rings Online unlocks the last chunk of Update 48’s Glorious Hunt storyline today
The final part of Lord of the Rings Online's Update 48 has been released, concluding the 'A Glorious Hunt' storyline. This update also includes backend adjustments to reduce lag in raids and large instances by improving server instance load balancing.
Lord of the Rings Online takes action to reduce lag in raids
Standing Stone Games is implementing changes to Lord of the Rings Online's load balancer to address severe lag issues experienced in raids. These adjustments aim to reduce performance impacts caused by multiple groups sharing server instances. The studio plans to release these changes this week and gather player feedback.
10 Games like World of Warcraft that'll take over your time next
This article lists 10 MMORPGs and RPGs that capture the essence of World of Warcraft, offering similar exploration, character customization, and progression. The list includes titles like The Lord of the Rings Online, Path of Exile, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Final Fantasy 14, and Guild Wars 2, catering to various player preferences from story-driven experiences to more relaxed, sandbox gameplay.
Amazon Cancels Lord of the Rings MMORPG - GameHaunt
Amazon Games has cancelled its Lord of the Rings MMORPG, ending a partnership with Embracer Group due to high technical costs and a strategic pivot away from massive online worlds. This marks Amazon's second failed attempt at a Tolkien-based MMO. The company is still working on a smaller, single-player Middle-earth game, potentially developed by Warhorse Studios, while its other MMO, New World, is scheduled to shut down on October 31, 2027.
Amazon hurled its Lord of the Rings MMO back into the fires of Mount Doom
Amazon has reportedly halted development on its new Lord of the Rings MMO. While the specific game is canceled, Amazon is still working on other games set in the Middle-earth universe.
It seems Amazon canned the Lord of the Rings MMO while somehow simultaneously working on a different LOTR game
Amazon has reportedly canceled its in-development The Lord of the Rings MMO, with layoffs impacting the project. Despite this, Amazon Games is still collaborating with Embracer's Middle-earth Enterprises on a different Lord of the Rings game, with head of games Jeff Grattis expressing excitement for the IP.
The Lord of the Rings MMO might reportedly be dead, but Amazon is still "working closely" with Middle-earth on…
Amazon Game Studios has reportedly canceled its second attempt at a The Lord of the Rings MMO, with sources citing an investigation into the publisher's use of generative AI. Despite this, Amazon stated they are still working closely with Middle-earth Enterprises on other games set in the universe.
Amazon pressured one of its teams to develop an AI game, they scrambled to make it work - then got laid off anyway
Developers at Amazon Game Studios were laid off in October 2025, following a company-wide push to integrate generative AI into game development. Project Trident, an AI-powered third-person action game, was cancelled despite internal promise and adherence to the AI mandate. The layoffs affected multiple teams, including those working on New World and The Lord of the Rings MMO, as Amazon shifted its strategy away from big-budget internal development.
Amazon has cancelled The Lord of the Rings MMO, but promises it "continues to explore a compelling new game experience" set in Middle-earth
Amazon has cancelled its previously announced Lord of the Rings MMO, though the company states it is still exploring a new game experience set in Middle-earth. The MMO, a partnership between Amazon Game Studios and Embracer Group, had been in early development and faced numerous setbacks including layoffs and a shift in company focus. While the MMO is officially shelved, Amazon remains committed to the intellectual property.
Lord of the Rings Online makes huge changes to the upcoming Angmarim Sorceress PvP class
The Lord of the Rings Online is implementing significant changes to its upcoming Angmarim Sorceress Player versus Player class, which will be exclusive to the PvP zone for players aligned with Sauron. Lead designer Orion detailed adjustments made over the past year, emphasizing the class's role as a flexible support character with four distinct stances. The Angmarim Sorceress is expected to return to the test server soon, and the game's 19th-anniversary festival has been extended.
Perfect Ten: 10 amazing MMO starter zones
This article ranks ten of the best starting zones in MMORPGs, highlighting areas that offer polish, unique themes, and engaging introductions to their respective worlds. Featured games include World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, Fallout 76, and Final Fantasy XIV, among others.
LOTRO Legendarium: Touring LOTRO’s new Rivendell Steadings housing
Standing Stone Games has released Rivendell Steadings, the first Elven premium housing neighborhood in Lord of the Rings Online, with Update 48. This preview explores the new Elf-themed housing, noting its smaller size compared to previous neighborhoods but praising its scenic terrain and new customization options like ceiling surfaces. While the interiors are described as slightly underwhelming, the exterior design and ample yard decoration hooks are highlighted.
Lord of the Rings Online sells an Elf-themed pack and talks about the Anduin river
Standing Stone Games has released new Elf-themed patron packs for Lord of the Rings Online, featuring cosmetics, mounts, and pets. Additionally, the studio published a new video in their 'Rivers of Middle-earth' series, focusing on the history and scope of the Anduin river.
EG7 Q1 2026: Daybreak is acquiring Cold Iron Studios (again) as Palia and Far Far West soar
Enad Global 7 reported a 13.1% drop in Q1 2026 revenues compared to the previous year, though its subsidiary Daybreak Game Company saw a 16.8% increase driven by Palia, EverQuest, and DC Universe Online. Daybreak is once again in talks to acquire Cold Iron Studios, with the intention of bringing the development of Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 in-house. The company also noted strong sales for Far Far West, which recently launched into early access.
LOTRO unlocks more Update 48 quests, Kingdoms of Harad is now buyable for LOTRO Points
Lord of the Rings Online has released the second set of quests for Update 48, with more to come in a future update. Additionally, the latest expansion, Kingdoms of Harad, is now available for purchase in the in-game store using LOTRO Points, allowing players to potentially earn it for free through in-game currency.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 564: Evercold or everwarmer?
The MassivelyOP Podcast episode 564 covers recent MMORPG news, including Final Fantasy XIV's 'Evercold' expansion announcement for 2027, Guild Wars Reforged receiving a mobile port, and Aion 2's westward release window. Other topics include new MMOs from Nexon, Palia's upcoming mount expansion, SWTOR's future updates, LOTRO's housing, Conan Exiles Enhanced edition, and the sale of EVE Online back to CCP Games.
MMO Week in Review: Guild Wars in your pocket
ArenaNet announced a mobile port of Guild Wars Reforged with cross-progression, coinciding with the game's 21st anniversary. This week also saw Final Fantasy XIV patch 7.5, Pearl Abyss selling EVE Online studio CCP Games to its management, and Star Wars The Old Republic revealing the planet Ryloth for its 8.0 update.