17 Reasons to Play the Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO In Depth)

I share 17 in depth reasons to play the Lord of the Rings Online, one of my favorite games! This aims to help with "is LOTRO worth playing?" or "should I play LOTRO?", while covering gameplay, lore, LOTR, immersion, the world, LOTRO's features and systems, content, and more!
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Website: www.lotrobasics.com/
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:36 - Open World Classic Sandbox MMORPG (1)
01:32 - Immersion (2-5)
07:11 - The Community (6)
10:29 - Gameplay (7-9)
17:01 - Cosmetics & Housing (10-11)
19:46 - Deeds (12)
22:10 - Roleplaying & Music (13-14)
23:57 - PvMP (15)
26:25 - F2P (16)
30:51 - The Future of LOTRO (17)
33:10 - Summary and Conclusions
Additional Footage:
Mulatic Reaver PVMP - • LOTRO PvMP | Arkenston...
TraViaTum Round Robin on Landroval - • Round Robin on Landrov...
TraViaTum Weatherstock 2020 - • Weatherstock 2020 - Po...
TraViaTum New Year 2021 - • Happy New Year 2021
TraViaTum Winsterstock 2021 - • Winterstock 2021 - Mus...
Thanks to Mulatic and TraViaTum for letting me use those!
End screen music is in-game music from the Mists of Wilderland zone.
#LOTRO #LordoftheRingsOnline #ReasonstoPlay

[@nulltheworm]

I just logged into LOTRO for the first time this weekend. I've never played the game before. I've been looking for a game that I can just sort of relax and get lost in, and what better than Middle Earth, right? Well -- I've just experienced one of the most simple and yet magical MMO game experiences ever, and came back to this video to share. I was wandering around the Shire doing some quests, helping out the hobbits, when I heard a loud explosion like a cannon. I snapped back around looking for the source, and looked up the hill to see the firework dragon from Bilbo's party soaring through the sky. It was just one of those moments where I had to take a pause to just watch and feel the experience. It was so darn cool...

[@branhun]

LotRO is one of those games where I genuienly feel like I have been transported to some magical land, far away from my own. Where one can freely explore all the wonders and secrets the land has to offer - and I don't mean just the quests or the map, I mean the whole game from the soundtrack to the gameplay, to the models and equipment, etc. Besides my very first experiences with WoW, I never got this feeling from any other MMO, and only from a few games in general.

[@SW-qo5yv]

exactly!! I just got into lotro and its nuts!!! Running everything maxxed with reshade (3 filters- vibrance, hdr and levels) Takes the graphics from a 5 to an 8 imho

[@pp-fx3be]

Fr i just started playing today and i cant stop!

[@zeezee8558]

Would you say it's close to something like Dragon Age Origins? It really reminds me of that game

[@PWReviews]

Feel exactly the same way. I've never felt the same way as I do with LOTRO when playing other MMOs. Lotro has something special, the world feels lived in and is the only game where I've enjoyed fishing, especially in the Bree or shire area. I hope the game lasts a long time and with the new series and graphics update and maybe a move to console, it's an exciting time for LOTRO :)

[@branhun]

@@zeezee8558 Exactly! One of my favourite RPGs

[@CongestedPike]

I'm a big Tolkien fan and longtime MMO player (Runescape, at least), but I had never heard of this game until a few days ago. After a multi-day nightmare trying to install and update it, I got the game running and I'm so hyped to explore. Your videos were very encouraging, and without them I might have just given up on getting it to work. Thanks for making LotRO sound/look awesome!

[@notix112]

You could just download it on steam

[@CalestoBella]

My thoughts as someone who has played LotRO for two weeks. Anyone who says the graphics suck doesn't have a rig that does them justice which sucks for them. If you read the tooltips properly for your skills you can find so much synergy between them and all the specs are so unique. I have 5 different chars and I still can't decide what is my favourite. On top of all the unique classes, the crafting is so addicting I love how much depth there is to it, yet how rewarding it is if you level it properly. The questing is surprisingly mature and dark. (SPOILERS: I got way too attached to the swath of quest givers and NPCs in the human starting/tutorial quest chain and then soo many died, and then I kept trying to save all the amazing rangers and they KEPT DYING. I was really invested in these characters). I am enjoying the main quest chain so far and the deed system is a really good way for you to learn/use all your spells, explore the world AND get your rep up with all the different factions. Now for the things I don't enjoy. The in-game map is beautiful to look at BUT SO FUCKING FRUSTRATING. Oh hey look a giant cliff outcropping, is it indicated on the map . . nope says it is a field . . . Oh hey look this line of trees I can't cross is clearly indicated on the map (yay!) however, my cursor is clearly on the other side of it, while my character in-game still hasn't crossed them (boo, hiss, grrrr, arrrgghhhh!!!). There are sooo many side quests. and so many systems thrown at you at once you can end up getting overwhelmed. The color coding for quest/mob levels and aggro/non-aggro is confusing, as well as the multi-colored rings for quests, are pointless since only the red rings and white rings show up on the map with any consistency. The arbitrary restrictions on the Free to Play version are not a good way to introduce people to the game, if you are meh about it it's going to be the straw that breaks people from wanting to sub. The online store is a bit weird to navigate, the categories aren't intuitive for people who don't already know exactly what they are looking for. There are sooo many skills, I have already used up all the keybindings I have ever used in any MMO ever, and my highest char is level 24. TL:DR if you are on the fence about this game, shell out the money for one month sub, watch the Middle Earth Mentor series on KZbin and you will be giving yourself the best leg up to really enjoy this game. I am so happy I have this game to tie me over until TBC launches, and even then I am most likely going to stick with it.

[@TheMidWMan]

Say your poor without saying your poor

[@mikakovalainen4389]

@@TheMidWMan Saying you are uneducated by spelling your instead of you're.

[@user-bu7nv9gn4o]

The game graphics arent bad for a 2007 mmo, what is bad is the combat, one of if not the worst since runescape XD, the game itself is fine but it's nothing special it's a free mmo which is fine but there are much better free mmos out there, still worth a try for anyone interested in the lore though

[@ivybennett2274]

@@user-bu7nv9gn4o i dont really think the combat is bad its just a bit basic with not alot of impact. it works perfectly fine but its also not doing the game any favors

[@MirracleCat]

I used to play Lotro for 4 years about 10 years ago... Was the best mmorpg Ive ever played. Highly recommend it :3

[@jisboncasckett5191]

Great video today! I haven't had a chance to play in a while, so it's good to still see the new updates and stuff

[@GamingWithGeo]

I've had this installed since first getting into it over a decade ago. Still great to play and arguably the most immersive of the current MMO's on the market. Star Wars Galaxies is my favorite MMO of all time, but Lotro is right up there with it.

[@7dayspking]

Most immersive? That's an interesting one.

[@SandboxJ]

Very nice list and presentation Louey. I am coming back to the game bc of this video. Thank you.

[@arekpetrosian4965]

Good video, Louey, that echoes my own reasons for loving this game!

[@ffxiv9346]

great video dude I'm just about to log into the game for the first time. I'm going to as slow as I want and smell the roses along the way. Take in all the sights and sounds and explore the world

[@hannahl5683]

I Love LOTRO! The immersion and gameplay are the main reasons I play. Dark and creepy Angmar or bright and calming Dunland, both are very nice. Lore Master is my favorite class, I love the magic and pets, so it goes together perfectly and not something other games offer!

[@lotrommo845]

Me too, but I hate Angmar and Mirkwood and Moria and all those places :P

[@arekpetrosian4965]

@@lotrommo845 I don't mind Mirkwood, I dislike Angmar, but I absolutely DETEST Moria.

[@rockotarsoldaccount]

I love Moria it's the best area in the game in my opinion, it's so good that I almost always forget I'm playing a lord of the rings game because it's so immersive

[@random2829]

Great summary! LOTRO can be incredibly in-depth with so many fun ways to play. I hope you have time to create a summary of the Ill Omens Skirmish event! I have never played that event so it should be interesting. :)

[@Louey7]

If I do make something on that, it unfortunately won't be until next week

[@ivansalamon7028]

Proud to say this is the only mmo that has captivated me and was worthy of being "the one" besides vanilla wow back in the day. Just about to hop on my hunter and rejoin slowtro in their conquest of on-level raid content. Then enjoy the rest of the quests and World exploration when I'm not doing that. Really missing the Bingo Boffin epic quest line too.

[@Mounthuapleb5890]

You like games with bad animations?

[@ivansalamon7028]

@@Mounthuapleb5890 they're decent. Animations matter least of all with games like this

[@7dayspking]

I would say there's plenty of room for interpretation of what an 'MMO' should be. For many people WOW (and therefore this) is not that gold standard. Depends what players what from their MMOs. As someone who's primarily played singleplayer RPGs, I can say the quest design, gameplay, progression through the story and way these WOW type games tell their stories don't make for a comfortable transition.

[@happy_camper]

@@7dayspking I’m curious to know your ideal MMO. Is there an MMO you currently enjoy, or is your disappointment aimed at the industry as a whole? I can understand your frustration, but games marketed to the masses (and by that, we’re talking MILLIONS of people) are much less likely to be as brave or innovative as a quality single player RPG. My favorite game experiences have all been single player RPGs. And the quality of an MMO experience is mostly derived from one’s tolerance of the content style you’ve mentioned.. and, well, WoW had the most success, so naturally it became the industry standard..And rival developers desperately tried to emulate that success by emulating the format of the game. And in the soulless void that is the current MMO market, LOTRO shines through for a handful of people.

[@7dayspking]

@@happy_camper I don't have an absolute ideal for an MMO and I think different MMOs do different things and have different strengths and weaknesses. I don't like when games deliberately ask players to waste their time though rather than relying on genuinely interesting and engaging content, strong characters, intriguing stories, memorable experiences or exciting gameplay and fun and addictive gameplay loops or in the case of MMOs social activities to keep them invested. Players shouldn't have to 'earn' their right to fun inside a piece of entertainment they've paid for. Worse when developers deliberately dangle fun in front of players to coerce them into spending more or create a game around coercing spending, preying on vulnerable people. The masses out there genuinely enjoy, enjoyable gameplay. Aggressive monetization and tedium aren't required to draw them in.

[@moondog548]

Very informative and well said!

[@plaguerson]

Not gonna lie been thinking about trying the game again. I downloaded and played it a few years ago. Didnt get very far. Then I randomly stumbled on the video. Now I'm like ... hmmmm guess I'll redownload it. Lol

[@RogueStatusFishing]

Never played the game but really appreciate the video huge fan of The hobbit and lord of the rings might give it a try !

[@caldooo]

From a new player here, it is very expensive or time consuming game for a 20 years game without graphical or playability updates. Thank you for the video they helped me a lot since I started.

[@TheCooderix]

It's expensive. Too expensive unless you're one of the aforementioned solo-driven players who focus on questing, because at least then you can gain enough lotro points to buy every expansion. But if you just wanna rush to endgame and do that stuff, then it'll cost a lot.

[@glencairn99]

@@TheCooderix most games cost £50 anyway. Why not pay a little extra for a great game, based off the best films/books to ever exist

[@TheCooderix]

@@glencairn99 Maybe because first of all, I don't think it's worth more than £50 period, let alone more. Nor do I think it's the best films/books ever made by a longshot.

[@glencairn99]

@@TheCooderix Don't tell me you're a Harry Potter fan...

[@TheCooderix]

@@glencairn99 Why would it matter if I was? Don't see the relevancy. But no, I have not seen anything past maybe the first Harry Potter film 15-20 years ago. But if you're asking whether I would pay potentially hundreds of dollars for a 14 year old harry potter game, then no. No I wouldn't.

[@ryanbeev]

this game with every expansion and starter pack for horse cost me around 200 canadian dollars thats a rough barrier for entry tbh not gunna lie im enjoying this game tho

[@Babyboomer_59]

I started playing MMO back in the mid 90s starting with what grandfathered what we have today, that is Ultima Online, it's been many years since I played Lotro on it's first introduction and loved it, what was lost in MMO's between UO and Lotro was the ability to place living quarters in which UO had, Lotro brought that back. I was just reminiscing past games and came across your video, watching it I may dust the cobwebs off of the game and get back in.

[@jayshawn7514]

I found this enjoyable as a new player who's recently become invested in the game. Bought it at launch, and fell off quickly. I've spent most of my mmo experience in GW2 , wow, and ffxiv. I've been doing my rounds on old mmos and I hope I've found a home here =-). Bought the quad pack to get rune keeper and vip.

[@theteedees]

FINALLY.... a lotro review that actually covers the music system :) thank you for addressing one of the most unique and best qualities of any MMO

[@TheMidWMan]

The musics dog shit geek

[@ape8572]

@@TheMidWMan name checks out

[@TheMidWMan]

@@ape8572 pipe down peon

[@mercster]

The #1 problem with LOTRO's free-to-play is that THEY MAKE IT SO COMPLICATED. But the Trove you talked about is a good start. They need to streamline the way people can buy stuff for their accounts even more.

[@moretech]

I played for a couple years back in 2007-08, and absolutely loved it, but couldn't play anymore as my P.C crapped out. Now over a decade later I finally have enough money to get a decent PC, and I am really looking forward to being able to play this game again! :)

[@eliotanders3488]

Interesting video. I'll have to check this out.

[@lotrommo845]

Could've been 18 reasons if floating Gandalf still existed >:(

[@tarkhan15]

he still floats in our hearts

[@galavorxik1733]

LOTRO 1/10 but 10/10 with floating Gandalf

[@aboomination897]

i remember floating galadriel. what a sight.

[@JavisoGaming]

Great video! Thanks!

[@stephenmcpherson2888]

Excellent well rounded video. I’m a founder lifetime player, and love it. I’m probably a deed player, and cannot move on in game with deeds not completed.

[@galavorxik1733]

Notice lack of: - Standing Stone Games - Dev communication - Endgame specifically - LI Grind (and virtue and trait point and limited time event grinds)

[@frozenice2402]

Dev communication is better lately, plus I think that was covered a little in the last reason. But I AGREE on endgame and grind LOL

[@TheCooderix]

@@frozenice2402 Endgame bad?

[@frozenice2402]

@@TheCooderix Bad grind but fun content, *shrug*

[@Soei23]

Waiting for Beorning class to go on sale and get back in to the game, played in Beta and at one point I stopped playing but want to go back in again. Forochel is my fav area with jaw dropping visuals in landscape and the stunning night sky.

[@Gutlard]

RP'ing is a great reason to enjoy this game, and can tie in titles, outfits/gear, etc also. I know players that do it solo, and build up this huge back story for their characters and have actually written out their own story in fan fiction that I've read and enjoyed. I guess a person can do it in any game, but this rich lore gives a lot of seeds to grow your own stories.

[@acetown2263]

This was my first "real" mmo as a kid, but never got passed level 20 lol. 2021 I'm committed to getting my dream character (captain) to 130. Ideally see some endgame raids too haha.

[@lbpowell2004]

Your videos are making me want to come back and try this game again. Good to know the game is alive and still expanding.

[@Wesley-xo9jn]

Great game. Lots of performance problems. I have an above average gaming PC and I get alot of stuttering/fps drops even on the 64bit client. 😕 Unfortunately it's enough to make me not want to play. It's been like that for years.

[@mikebattista1523]

I've been playing LOTRO since the start and i believe it has only gotten more fun as i went along. I agree with your points in why to play. LOTRO is a beautiful and fun game to play.

[@arekpetrosian4965]

Same here; I've been playing since beta (grabbed one of those Lifetime memberships way back when), and even though I've taken time off, wandering through other games, I keep coming back.

[@happy_camper]

@@arekpetrosian4965 ahh lucky! I missed out on the lifetime memberships. I think they offered them again a few years ago, but I missed that opportunity too lol.

[@mikebattista1523]

@@arekpetrosian4965 for me it's been interesting watching the game change as the devs added new stuff into the game. I can still remember watching Bree change as buildings were added/improved and being amazed and impressed as they got better and better looking. And though the actual graphics have slightly improved over the years I love the way the environments look. Very immersive.

[@arekpetrosian4965]

@@happy_camper Aww, sorry to hear that. I do enjoy having that membership, and I've noticed that some people get a bit annoyed about it not being available, so I don't even mention in chat in the game. I almost feel guilty sometimes, LOL

[@arekpetrosian4965]

@@mikebattista1523 Same here. I love their use of shades and the varying palettes for different zones, and the music in the game is just awesome, really giving you a good feel for where you are. It's probably the most immersive game I've played, but I could be biased by my love for Middle Earth.

[@Neo3191]

Agreed, i am revisiting this game and it is the most immersive mmo imo. Lots of people playing on ark server too.

[@Gutlard]

I do wish more things were Cross-Server/Account-Bound though. Grinding for grinding's sake on 15+ toons is a major turn off. Heck, I wish you could change servers without having to log all the way out and back in again! ha Unless I've missed it all these years, which is totally possible.

[@SzTArtur]

LOTRO lost me for good when they introduced the imbued LI grind and gear essence grind. Its a shame as it was a very enjoyable MMO before.

[@Louey7]

I have seen a lot of people say similar things lately - you may notice I did not list any of the LI or other grinds as reasons to play.

[@matijasimeunovic8145]

It's getting revamped for a less grindy experience, finally. Hope you get back to the game m8!

[@SzTArtur]

@@matijasimeunovic8145 Sounds good I really liked the mood and both PvP and PvE

[@techiefit]

I started to play in Jan 2021 and it’s been fun so far. I like the crafting

[@Louey7]

I forgot crafting! But that's probably because I enjoy it most before level 50. I know some people that have had periods of only logging in to farm and cook :)

[@techiefit]

@@Louey7 that’s what I been doing mostly. I created 2 toons one farms and the other cooks.

[@richardbrooks9603]

The game is great but it isn't new player friendly at all. Sure you can "Play for free" but the grind to progress is only for the devoted. You have to invest a lot of time, money, and patience with the Devs. Great game for people who have money to throw into it.

[@mdchiesi]

It's definitely free to play but worth adding some money here and there. It takes a bit of patience but the Quad Pack and other expansions are actually on sale pretty often. A month or 3 of VIP is not terribly expensive. Compared to a lot of games that cost $60+, plus an online monthly fee, and a console like XBox, it's not a terrible deal. With some effort one could obtain most of the game for under $100 within a year, or less with more creativity. But the grind is the worst part. They make the grind fun, with the content, but the grind is the thing that rubs most.

[@FatherComstock11]

The race of men that live in Breeland also have a focus on food, festivals, and partying

[@Sableagle]

Tarlang's Crown, and not yet lvl 100? You're brave. Also: yellow Hunter

[@rayqon8055]

The lovd for warden

[@RogdushTheMystic]

if u like lotr lore and want a game in which you can play longer, this is your place. You can literally play for a year to experience all the content which is here now. The best thing is that it is still valid to go through all the landscapes and quests. Its not outdated or that you need to rush to end game because there is nothing else to do other than end game. People still doing lower instances and there are so many nice stories and things to discover on the way that its just felony to rush to end game without doing all the content first at least once. Stil the best game after al those years. Still going back, there is no replacement.

[@kashiyt]

this game is the best game ever

[@ziusthefirst5387]

I love LOTRO been playing for years, no matter where I go I always come back home to Middle Earth.

[@helooksad6408]

I never tried the game also not a big lord of the rings fan but this video made me kinda curious I will definitely give it a try

[@darklord123210]

I hope this comes to console one day, I absolutely love the lotr universe but I don’t have a pc :(

[@ashwinnmyburgh9364]

My problem is that I am interested in playing ALL the MMORPGs! EQ, LOTRO, SWG, ESO...AAH! I think I need to pick one and stick on it, though I am not sure, maybe I can play them all?

[@Wesley-xo9jn]

ESO is awesome but combat is a bit different. And nearly any cool cosmetics you have to buy in the store 🙄 swtor is awesome if you like star wars. Swtor and lotro still have optimization issues. You could have the best gaming PC on earth and you'll still have lag/fps/popping problems. I get 100+fps on ESO max settings...lotro will drop from 100 down to 15/20fps CONSTANTLY, for me at least. Unplayable. 😞

[@nowayjosedaniel]

@@Wesley-xo9jn Try the 64 bit client if you havent. You def shouldnt be dropping that low if you use it.

[@pcgamingforevah]

Oh man I would love to see DirectX 12 support and also AMD FidelityFX!

[@Gutlard]

I wish PvMP would get some love, and not just a new map that never gets used. Some of the best gaming experiences of my 4 decades of gaming took place in the 'Moors with raids/small groups/solo. I've always wanted a leveling process from the Creep standpoint, each race gets its own starter area, and quests and deeds and traits/virtues/skill trees taking you from lvl 1 to 130 as well. That would never happen, and would be damn near impossible from a dev standpoint to basically double the size/work on a game, but a guy can dream! ha

[@racoon251]

Downloaded it today! Thinking I’ll make an elf hunter on arkenstone? I really don’t know, I’m torn. I like human minstral but I don’t want to heal, but I doubt I’ll even ever join a group..

[@Louey7]

Minstrel can be good for solo and leveling if you don't want to group/heal! Hunter isn't a bad choice, either, though.

[@expat8460]

Downloading it now, hopefully it sticks.

[@baphometic8767]

i've been playing the free to play stuff and i really love the world (i'm a big tolkien fan) but i have to admit, as someone who loves mmos (i play wow and swtor) there's an intimidating barrier to entry for lotro. getting all the expansions would cost around $135, on top of a subscription, and even buying all of those things, it seems certain things would be unavailable until you farmed enough lotro points to get them. i really want to get into the game but sometimes that feels kind of daunting

[@nevillelongbottom1628]

My biggest recommendation: go VIP for one month (it permanently unlocks a bunch of benefits), save buying expansions until sales, and honestly give it until level 30 or so before you make a decision. You can get up to level 25 to 30 f2p easy, and if you like that, try vip for one month, then think about if you want to continue. For me being able to explore the lotr map alone is worth it, but also there are so many side quests and other features, it's definitely worth the time...!

[@Sacrilege83]

I hear that is recommended not to buy everything in one shot. You buy a single expansion once you're ready to progress.

[@a1eszencia664]

I love this game but I'm at the point where I want a raid group... unable to find one during Australian times. Currently just pugging in evernight with the friendly farm discord. Want to do t2 and higher but they're exclusive to established kins with times that is out of my scope :(

[@JCRger]

The devs should try to copy good things out of other MMOs like the crew system out of SWTOR or that enemys are always in groups.

[@ScratchyScroll7]

I just re installed the game yesterday but I cant open my lotro store anyone know how to fix this ?

[@Trygvar13]

I just came back to the game after almost 6 years and I really like it. The only problem is that I was not able to retrieve my old Turbine account and to start from scratch.

[@quothalas]

You may recover the account. You are going to loose your character, guild, etc but you may retriev the content, turbine points, etc. At least I was able to do that writing to the current developers.

[@Roy01031982]

I started playing when the game came out 14 yrs ago if i'm correct. Played it till the mirkwood expansion. Now i came back on playing my minstrel again. It feels like i'm getting a hard time to find out all the changes like going into instances and stuff. I'm not that wel geared so dont really know where to start nog as a lvl120. ( Yes i bought the lvl skip to 120.) I had 60k lotro coins as a vip you get 500 coins a month. Bought al the expansions with it.

[@juanzulu1318]

30:00 Could u elaborate on "Legendary Servers" a bit? I have never heard about such a thing even though playing lotro since 15 years.

[@gamingon9956]

I wonder if they could change some things for F2P accounts, like removing the gold cap or adding more bags, etc

[@nathanielsmith1658]

Pay for VIP once and it upgrades to a premium account and you keep some of the perks like removing the gold cap, it was what I did when I first started playing and wanted some of the perks,

[@geora_crafts]

Isn't the gold cap there to make sure people don't farm as easily?

[@7dayspking]

@@geora_crafts To make sure free players don't farm as easily yes. I always see this laughable excuse for aggressive monetization, as if developers deliberately implementing frustrating elements or barriers to entry and then offering solutions to them for a price is really 'for the good of the players'. Don't be so gullible.

[@lesley10ful]

i would love to play lotro again, but it wont let me login ive tried so many times i cant remember my password and it wont let me change it either any suggestions??

[@pcgamingforevah]

I've spent over £1500 in LOTRO... I also have about 1500 hours in it :D. Not complaining, I just like supporting my favourite game!

[@highlightning6693]

Haven't played in about 10 years. I was on the Nimrodel server. Tough question, but do you know if characters were saved after they closed 21 servers? Such as were we transferred to a default server?

[@Louey7]

They are saved but are currently stuck. SSG has been working for a couple years at getting transfers working so you can transfer them to an open world. But as of this comment, the characters on closed servers are inaccessible.

[@highlightning6693]

@@Louey7 Thanks for the reply! Alas, that's _a lot_ of grinding to get back to where I was. ha ha I left off shortly after Rohan came out. They might be able to get quite a number of players back if they would unlock those characters.

[@MrSimeonk]

Worth mentioning your character will not die, only be defeated, which as a game mechanic is far more satisfying replacing traditional health with moral.

[@tauzy5289]

Is anyone having problems with lotro store online,mine keeps showing that my session has expired that u should resubmit,honestly its annoying i quited the game 5 times already and am a new player cause I can't buy and check anything how many lotro points I have,if this continues I will probably just quit the game cause whats the points.

[@cliffogenis]

I play 10 years now.Its very beautiful game but few people playing this game

[@SirPHz]

15:50 lol

[@bobbydylsn2633]

Community in LOTRO is praised by everyone but in reality it's not so beautiful as you may think. Lots of elitism, anon players are common, world chat is a cancer, people play alone and rarely want to group except instances, many Valared or wp noob players, lots of trolls, and most of players has limited if any knowledge of Tolkien books/in-game story. As for the gameplay is outdated, for me is a plus but for most players not really. Deeds are just grind, on same level as asian MMO's. But world and story is a BIG PLUS. If you want to dive in world of the JRR Tolkien, then LOTRO is the best game for you.

[@markschwacofer1802]

Plus if you are not " Woke" you are going to take alot of heat the Hypocrisy is amusing the Community says F..K Trump alot but hey you better not respond. For if you do you will get banned for two days. I wont give these folks a dime think its been a year since Ive logged in. The servers that were private would of been better if they were regular servers for VIP patrons only instead of limited content and limited levels. People that have something to lose troll less. FTP just make another account. One more thing this Community bashes Christians at every turn , but Tolkien was a staunch Christian..

[@SW-qo5yv]

Ive been playing for 2 weeks now and have seen virtually nothing but happiness in world chat lol the few minor things i have seen in total would be equivalent to about 5 mins of wow classic. Wow is just infinitely more toxic. (as are most games) This is the only game i have played in years that isnt just oozing toxic sludge.

[@SW-qo5yv]

@@markschwacofer1802 the entire world and virtually every company is anti Christian... (notice they don't get a well known catch phrase like islamaphobe or antisemite? Nope!! they get anti-Christian) lol sadly this is the state of the world and its not fair to just call out one company.. ALLLLLLL of them are like this. Anyways I hate to even comment here about this I think politics and gaming SHOULD NOT MIX. I'm not sure what server you were on but I havent seen any of this... (that kind of thing was 24/7 in wow tho I just permanently left all public chat on every toon because i dont play a fantasy game to argue with idiots.)

[@ahmki52298]

The one thing rhat has me argh is the character slots

[@dutchdwarfking]

What server would you recommend a new player who seeks to rp aswel?

[@Louey7]

Landroval could be a good option for you

[@missjunie]

I love lotro and have played since launch, but ever since all of the EU servers was moved to Boston NA I have been unable to really enjoy the game anymore :/ The ping is just massive, and makes both character movement and abilities feel floaty and unresponsive :( I would return instantly if EU servers were moved back to the actual EU. But great video ^^

[@SW-qo5yv]

have you tried messing around with vpn's? I would think you should be able to get it playable..

[@missjunie]

@@SW-qo5yv Don't think a vpn would help with distance :/ But it doesn't really matter, I gave up on the game and I don't see myself returning before something is done regarding the servers.

[@karlshaner2453]

No mention of the Hobbits smoking habits ?!? Shocking. ( Hobbit warden back in the day)

[@Bewefau]

What things do you have to buy and which things can you get free?

[@kiljaedyn]

i want to play the legendary servers because thats how i remember it when i played, but it's not free as far as i last checked.

[@Louey7]

Yep, you need VIP/sub to play on them

[@jannikmai46]

Is it worth playing even if you don't pay anything? Like don't get any of the expansions and stuff?

[@mathiasmayer3582]

u can easily farm points for the shop in game to get new zones. i know many players who unlocked all of the expansions just by compleating deeds. (deeds are for example: kill 60 spider mobs)

[@creatorsremose]

Tina, I agree that Forochel is gorgeous, but the 'ch' isn't pronounced as 'sh', but as a Dutch or Middle-eastern 'ch'. In all the epics that happen in Forochel the narration pronounces that correctly.

[@Louey7]

Thanks, that is good to know!

[@TrippettProductions]

I’d love to play, but I can’t get the blasted thing to work. I keep getting DirectX errors after a minute or two of playing...even after fiddling with the resolution. 🤷🏼‍♂️ It says I shouldn’t have a problem playing with its highest settings, but it’s obviously wrong. 😤

[@Louey7]

Have you tried the 64-bit client? It's not obvious, but it's a setting in the launcher

[@TrippettProductions]

I have, it doesn’t help.

[@SW-qo5yv]

you need to install the old dx kit i had the same problem www.microsoft.com/en-ca/download/details.aspx?id=6812

[@timbenner4162]

I saw in your Belfas house a dining room table with plates on it. I've been looking for something like this for a long time. where did you get it and what is it called? I would love to have this in my place. :-)

[@Louey7]

So, that is actually not my house, that is my kin house! I had to ask somebody where it is from, it sounds like from the Trollshaws (sorry that is all the info I have)

[@Yaenu1093]

I really realy want to killing frodo baggling is possible in this game? regards

[@Allen2142]

Spoiler alert!!!**** You get to play as Gollum at a later point in the story and attack the hobbits, so yes, you get to try and kill frodo.

[@sgseightplus8473]

Let's only hope so

[@deltaforceee]

they simply need to fix legendary grind. i got to 130 and simply could not continue as i did not want to spend months grinding scrolls. i just keep going back to my low level toons

[@iwantamtods8702]

exactly same here. I spend all my time in low levels that I don't even care about Gundabad anymore. They need to fix progression for high levels and endgame.

[@arekpetrosian4965]

@@iwantamtods8702 Here's to hoping that they actually listen to their player base, and fix that.

[@shadowheart5623]

Holy shit you sound so geeky, typical LOTR fan. P.S - Still made me try out LOTRO though GJ.

[@SageNemesis]

Keep in mind that a NEW LOTR MMO is in the works. Not that this one is bad, but I'm sure I'm not the only person wanting a NEW MMO, that isn't built on old ass technology. I think we're due lol.

[@nowayjosedaniel]

That was canceled. This will be it, but it is getting a gfx and overall revamp and port to consoles too.

[@agamerandyou9854]

1 reason not to... 99% of stuff is locked behind a paywall lol. i played this from day one and then for years after.. but i recently tried again and even the most simple of things.. you need to fork out your wallet... RIP..

[@dude3278]

NOT ANYMORE BABY LFG

[@VV-sque]

It's full free to play now

[@johnathanross4387]

@@dude3278 I honestly am very impressed with the devs here… they understand less money but a happier, more inviting player base means more money later and increased longevity for the game. I’m an engineer-salesman and I get so frustrated with other people In sales who motto is essentially “if I can screw everyone over once, I’ll be the richest man on the planet” like what if instead your goal is just to genuinely help people when they could use your product/service, and not shove it down the throat of people that don’t. Be so good at your job and so kind to people that the money seems insignificant for what you are offering. In the context of the game, what if you created an good free experience, and then had additionally options for paid promotion. Personally I don’t have a problem with a paywall for a minority of classes/races. Offering a line of quest in access to the original ones to the game costing money is ok as well, if they aren’t necessary. As far as the new expansions costing money, that I have a small issue with, which funnily enough it seems that that’s what other people aren’t bothered by… I don’t hate it but I think you actually might be better off making them free, having a more appeased and welcoming player base that then might be willing to spend money on the extra stuff. Or if they aren’t, they tell others about this game they adore that isn’t crazy restrictive and then they wanna spend money. Just seems better, so I really like this direction (sorry for the absolute novel you didn’t ask for)

[@MrRedcarpet02]

lol, do you have 3 Wardens? Or is tat other's toons footage?

[@SludgeMan90]

so there is still a player base in this game? I am disabled and just looking for something fun to do and good people to interact with

[@Louey7]

Yes!

[@SludgeMan90]

@@Louey7 Ok then I will def download it and check it out. thank you very much!

[@OneGirlGames]

How do people find others to chat to and play with (not just raid)? I've just picked it back up again but no one i used to know is still playing. The kins i have seen are huge and intimidating to a slightly shy person and I've been out so long I'm unsure how to start.

[@Louey7]

That's a tough question that I don't have a great answer for. My only recommendations are through world chat or external sites (such as Reddit, Twitter, or maybe the official forums). Sometimes if you do happen to group up with someone, you could see if they're in a kin and ask about it. Maybe someone else here can give some better advice!

[@OneGirlGames]

@@Louey7 Yeah that's the thing about an older game I guess, everyone is kinda established with their groups, kins and cliques etc. I'll have a look at the forums and twitter ; thankyou!

[@nathanielsmith1658]

I’ve had the same problem, it’s been a struggle to try and get friends to leave their mmos to come play in middle earth

[@erikschmidt-bergemann8434]

I'd say it depends on where you play. If you're in Europe the servers are definitely more intimidating and feel less "friendly" in a sense than some American servers. I recently played on one of the big EU servers and it didn't have a very welcoming atmosphere compared to the German servers for example. I'd just look into several servers and have a look at the world chat. Hope that helped. :)

[@galavorxik1733]

The LOTRO Subreddit is full of new players looking for kins and even kins recruiting, seems way more frequent lately, may try there

[@chromedome4643]

What server should I play on?

[@cmac8093]

The number of servers was reduced a couple of years ago. As a result, they are all well populated. I play on Arkenstone but I think you would be fine playing anywhere.

[@onelunglee1312]

Can you play through all of the MSQ solo ??

[@Louey7]

Yes, all the book quests in LOTRO are soloable

[@onelunglee1312]

@@Louey7 Excellent thanks. Great channel BTW just subscribed. The last time i played LOTRO was a long time ago. Don't know if you remember is when the new Radiant armour was a thing.Going to roll another toon the weekend i think ;-)

[@lotrommo845]

LOTRO Best Game 2021 early nomination

[@markshepherd4791]

id love to be able to get in to lotro as i love the world and the lore but the combat for me is awful.

[@Shagrath06]

Which is that place @7:03?

[@Louey7]

Iron Hills (far northeast Rhovanion )

[@peterlopez2388]

I really wish I could get into this game. I’ve tried it many times over the years but I just can’t. The game feels dead, the graphics really show its age, and the combat feels so outdated. Like, once every year I download it and get let down and that bugs me.

[@GrumpyRook]

I just tried it a couple of weeks ago. I understand it's more faithful to the books, but it really disappointed me that the characters looked nothing like the movie versions at all, the graphics are terrible, the skills and action bars are bad. It is just not a good game.

[@thepaceyturtle7182]

@@GrumpyRook I used to play this game a lot back in 2015. It was one of my favourite games ever, the whole exploration aspect and just the community in general was amazing. It had it's time as a MMORPG but compared to games now it's pretty bad ahahaha. I hope they remake this game in the future with a new combat system, updated graphics and updated lore.

[@peterlopez2388]

@@GrumpyRook im hoping the new LOTR mmo is good. because if im being honest, this game is long past its prime. i honestly want to play a great LOTR mmo so you know, fingers crossed.

[@SW-qo5yv]

join brandywine there's been people everywhere i go! The game kinda looked like shit at first. After alot of tweaking and running every setting maxed it looks insane!! Way way way better than the shitass shadowlands i just bought for uhhhh reasons.. lol what a waste.... All i really did was figure out how to install reshade. Out of all the filters in it I only had to use 3. They are HDR, LEVELS, and VIBRANCE Give it a shot its worth a try...

[@peterlopez2388]

@@SW-qo5yv I basically make it to like lvl 15 and I call it quits. Maybe there’s some people near endgame areas or something because I never see anyone. It ends up feeling like a single player game instead of an mmo. I play FF14 so I’m sorta use to great graphics and great animations. The looks aren’t everything but that mixed with a game that (every time I jump back in) feels dead makes for a bad experience. And RIP to the new LOTR mmo :(

[@Sleepy.Time.]

the business model for this game is cancer

[@SW-qo5yv]

The cost of the entire game is delusional!!! Especially considering how old it is.

[@VhortexMorpheus]

Problem wit Lotro, you can no longer create an account if you are playing DDO

[@storytimegaming7875]

Sure you can ;) I play both.

[@R1zzyW1zzy]

I'll stick with ESO. Nice vid though.

[@MegaRawx]

I only wish the base game was truly free and not pay by zone

[@vhgiv]

You could Play the Game for free. I Played for Points which Got me to Play different ways and Farm the Points

[@michaelb5299]

I'm playing, and loving it. Only thing is you have to re buy expansions and quest packs for alts on the same VIP account.

[@Louey7]

To confirm, you should *not* need to rebuy anything for your alts on the same account. All characters on all servers should have access to quest packs and expansions if they are on the same account.

[@karelhemala5699]

@@michaelb5299 Thats not possible... Its somehow bugged for you. Everything you buy counts for every character on your accout, buying expansions on any other characters is just bullshit.

[@vaithwhy]

One Reason to dont play the Cash Shop killed the Game entirly i was Veteran what they maked out of the Game with the Shop is a truly joke! Also the Quest and Pickup System. It was one of my favorit MMORPGS was even doing RP, but they did to many Stuff that left the Playerbase speechless no matter how good the World over all was looking like. And the Water still looks thick! But now days there are truly better Games out there even in Gameplay Aspect, als a little going back to LOTRO i can understand that but it was time to move one for most of the players. And the Player counts is just way to low nowdays too.

[@mszalans4817]

I am kind of a LOTR geek, and after 30 hours of play I can tell one thing: this game is NOT lore-compatible with either books nor movies. However, most of lore absurds are for various gameplay reasons and therefore easy to forgive, Overall the game is enjoyable even for a lore geek like me.

[@quothalas]

Man, I don't know if I'm really a LOTR geek, but I certanly have read almost all the books from Tolkien. And I respectfully disagree with you in the sense that the game Is not respecting the lore. It is probably one of the best depiction of Middle Earth I know. Including a lot of references to the Silmarillion, the Tales,etc. There are also a lot of eastereggs in the game for the Tolkien' scholars. You may talk with Tolkien itself ingame, by the way and find references to his other works, like Roverandom. You may talk with a Valar too, learn about the past reigns, etc. Really, there are a ton of background material coming directly from Tolkien's works. Surely there are some strange things (like hobbits-players using shoes) but as you mention these are more related to gameplay reasons.

[@MalFunktion2024]

i swear you intentionally avoided mentioning world of Warcraft in this vid for some reason.

[@SDieter81]

But you'll only need one to cancel whatever sub you had and never look back; SSG and their despicable monetization of the game. Oh, and their technical 'prowess'. And their 'communication'. Actually, the game is really only any good up to lvl 75. Be honest.

[@galavorxik1733]

That sounds like three XD

[@arekpetrosian4965]

I have a ton of characters above 75; nearly every one of them, actually. And I am having a real blast at the higher levels. To each his own, I guess.

[@galavorxik1733]

@@arekpetrosian4965 To me the content is fun but the SSG BS-ery can drag you down if you don't ignore it.

[@arekpetrosian4965]

@@galavorxik1733 it's entirely possible that my viewpoint is slightly different from most. I have a Lifetime membership, and it generates 500 TP every month, which I've used to purchase a LOT of the expansions and perks. Without the free TP's, I might have had to spend some cash that I really don't want to spend. As to the rest of the "SSG Bs-ery" (good term, by the way), I actually do tend to ignore a lot of it, and just enjoy the game. I've played most of the major MMO's out there (Black Desert, WOW, Rift, etc.), and not one of them is perfect, and I don't expect any game to ever be perfect. All I ask for in a game is a good world, and the tools to enjoyably immerse myself in that world. And to me, LOTRO delivers that. I've always loved Middle Earth, so that gives the game a few points over the competition right out of the gate. The community, the gameplay and other features just seal the deal for me. Again..."for me." I do appreciate that you might - and likely do - have a different opinion, and I'm perfectly okay with that. 😉