Lord of the Rings Online
News, coverage and analysis tracking Lord of the Rings Online across the outlets.
Latest coverage
LOTRO’s Latest Expansion Is Out Now, Nearly 20 Years After The Game Launched
The Lord of the Rings Online has launched its latest expansion, The Wolves of Mordor, nearly 20 years after the game's initial release in 2007. The expansion introduces three new regions, new skills, and companions with unique personality traits. It is available in multiple editions ranging from $40 to $130.
Lord of the Rings Online previews the enemies players will fight in today’s Wolves of Mordor expansion
Lord of the Rings Online has released a preview of the enemies players will encounter in the upcoming Wolves of Mordor expansion. The article details various new foes, including Were-wolves of Mordor, Gaurhoth, Draugrim, bird-serpents called Orming, and Mire-maggots, highlighting their unique characteristics and roles within the game's lore.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 585: BioWare dies, SWTOR lives on
The Massively OP Podcast episode 585 discusses the closure of BioWare by EA, alongside updates on MapleStory Classic World, Dragon Nest Classic, WoW Forever, Elder Scrolls Online Season 2, and EverQuest Legends. The hosts also explore the concept of offline MMOs and spotlight Tower Unite.
MMO Week in Review: Lament for BioWare
Electronic Arts has officially shut down the legendary studio BioWare, laying off 400 employees in the process. This move has been met with significant criticism, highlighting concerns about venture capital and corporate practices in the gaming industry. Several other MMOs and studios also saw news this week, including updates on MapleStory Classic World, Chronicles of Elyria, and the closure of Zenith.
LOTRO Legendarium: Looking back at the Mordor expansion
This retrospective review of the Lord of the Rings Online Mordor expansion, released in 2017, highlights its divisive reception. While the expansion aimed to continue the narrative after the destruction of the One Ring, players found its gameplay mechanics, including the 'shadow' debuff and dense mob encounters, to be a grindy chore. Despite some visual interest and later tuning, the expansion is ranked low among LOTRO's content.
The Daily Grind: What are some of your favorite MMO Halloween memories?
This article asks players to share their favorite Halloween memories from various MMORPGs, highlighting specific events like the Haunted Burrow in Lord of the Rings Online, the Headless Horseman's mount in World of Warcraft, and Dr. Kane's House of Terror in City of Heroes. It encourages reminiscing about past seasonal in-game activities.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 584: Old men with old phrases
The Massively OP Podcast episode 584 covers recent MMO news including Funcom layoffs, RuneScape's development changes, and Enshrouded's launch. Hosts also discuss Dungeons and Dragons Online's promotional code, irresistible MMO hooks, and feature Dark Age of Camelot as the MMO Spotlight of the Week.
Lord of the Rings Online goes on a media blitz for its upcoming Wolves of Mordor expansion
Standing Stone Games is preparing for the upcoming release of The Lord of the Rings Online: The Wolves of Mordor on October 28th. Recent developer livestreams have detailed progress on the Bullroarer test, adjustments to the survival instincts system, and teased future content for 2027, including legendary servers and 20th-anniversary celebrations. Previews of new zones like Nan Ogel and solo instances have also been released.
MMO Week in Review: Funcom’s folly
Funcom has confirmed significant layoffs and the stepping down of its CEO as part of a restructuring effort. The company will now focus on its existing titles, Dune: Awakening and Conan Exiles. This news comes amidst a broader week of MMO updates, including RuneScape halting its Reignited plans and Enshrouded launching its 1.0 release.
One Shots: Charting the best course forward
This week's "One Shots" feature highlights community screenshots from various MMORPGs, including Final Fantasy XIV, Diablo 3, Guild Wars 2, and Lord of the Rings Online. Players shared moments ranging from chaotic battles to scenic vistas and humorous in-game events.
LOTRO Legendarium: Looking back at Gondor’s phantom expansion
This article examines the history of Gondor's content in Lord of the Rings Online, which was released in stages between 2014 and 2017 rather than as a single expansion. This period was marked by financial struggles and a leadership shakeup at developer Turbine, leading to rumors of the game entering maintenance mode. Despite these challenges, the content eventually formed a cohesive, albeit 'phantom,' expansion, which is considered a positive outcome compared to the game's potential shutdown.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 583: I’ve got my Aion 2 of you
The Massively OP Podcast episode 583 covers various MMO topics including Halloween events, the launch of Aion 2, World of Warcraft Forever's promotional efforts and level cap, and the return of Throne and Liberty to NCSoft. The episode also features an MMO Spotlight on The Secret World.
MMO Week in Review: RuneScape 4, Aion 2
This week's MMO news includes Jagex announcing RuneScape 4, which will operate alongside existing titles. Aion 2 officially launched globally, while Lord of the Rings Online delayed its fall expansion. New World's fate was lamented, and Throne and Liberty confirmed its transition back to NCsoft in November.
LOTRO Legendarium: Looking back at Helm’s Deep
This retrospective examines the Helm's Deep expansion for Lord of the Rings Online, released in 2013. While the expansion introduced significant changes like trait trees and the controversial epic battle system, its landscape and story elements are praised for their connection to the source material and overall quality, despite the mixed reception of its core mechanics.
WRUP: Rejected ideas I have put forth for making our site feel appropriately Halloween-ish edition
The Massively OP community and staff share their weekend gaming plans, with participants discussing titles like Pokemon Go, Lord of the Rings Online, Aion 2, and Diablo IV. The discussion also includes a bonus question about ideal Halloween decorations, ranging from giant skeletons to themed yard displays.
Lord of the Rings Online welcomes back the Halloweeny Harvestmath festival
The Halloween-themed Harvestmath festival has returned to Lord of the Rings Online and will run until November 2nd. Update 49.7 also includes 160 level-up packages for Wolves of Mordor pre-orders and adjustments to the new neighbor system.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 582: The year of MMO sequels is upon us
The Massively OP Podcast episode 582 covers the announcement of RuneScape 4 and RuneScape Reignited, alongside recent MMO launches like Aion 2 and Dune Awakening. Discussions also include The Lord of the Rings Online's new expansion and neighbor system, EverQuest expansions, and WoW Forever's beta developments.
Lord of the Rings Online delays Wolves of Mordor, sweetens pre-order packages
Standing Stone Games has delayed the release of the Lord of the Rings Online expansion, Wolves of Mordor, by one week to October 28th. The studio is also enhancing pre-order packages, including the Ultimate Fan Bundle, by adding a level 160 Valar boost and other in-game items in response to player feedback.
Former Lord of the Rings Online community manager hit by cancer, launches fundraiser to pay medical bills
Rick Heaton, former community manager for Lord of the Rings Online, is battling an aggressive cancer and has launched a GoFundMe to cover extensive medical bills. His friend is seeking $45,000 to assist with hospital costs, travel, and ongoing treatment needs.
MMO Week in Review: Welcome back to Atreia
This week's MMO news roundup covers the official launch of Aion 2 in the West, the early access release of Monsters & Memories, and upcoming expansions for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Lord of the Rings Online's Wolves of Mordor expansion is set for an October 21st release, while World of Warcraft Forever teases new classes. The article also touches on layoffs at Elder Scrolls Online developer ZeniMax and discusses the current state of the MMORPG genre.
