The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to LOTRO In 2023

[@VilkatisJanis]

Right on time... I introduced my gf with computer games by buying her Hogwarts Legacy, since she love Harry Potter. She finished it. And wanted some other game, with open world in some other fantasy IP.. So now we are playing LOTRO, cause she loves Tolkiens universe even more than Harry Potter. :D

[@Renfail]

It's a GREAT game to journey through with a loved one. My wife isn't really into gaming, and even she enjoys LOTRO from time to time because she loves Middle Earth.

[@VilkatisJanis]

@@Renfail we are in the same situation. This like second game she plays, and she is not used to games and find many things confusing. Especially in combat. So i suggested her to take hunter class, and took defender myslef. So when combat gets dangerous, i stay in front and tank, and she can attack from distance. :D

[@Renfail]

@@VilkatisJanis works great!

[@moozel4757]

is there an ultimate guide on how to get gf/fiancé interested in middle earth lore?

[@VilkatisJanis]

@@moozel4757 dont know, i found her like that. :D

[@sushi9335]

As a new player I really appreciate the amount of content you have focused towards us newbies

[@Renfail]

Cheers!

[@barukkazhad8998]

If you ever need help in the game its always worth asking other players even if they are way higher...most players will be happy to help if they have time.

[@pjcarmen]

I have played LoTRO off and on since launch. I keep coming back, it always feels like home.

[@Renfail]

It's a great game

[@c.b.4916]

Good to know!

[@morganleslie]

Same! My dad tried it for a bit and basically passed it straight off to me when I was 12, and I (who was seriously missing when he was subbed to WoW) took to it like a duck to water. I picked it back up for a bit during covid when they provided a lot of cheap/promotional content (got to Moria), and am reaping the benefits of that playing again now

[@TomasSilva-fn2jp]

Starting LOTRO a few years later after postponing it for awhile..will slowly digest and learn with this video over the next few days. Thank you

[@Renfail]

Have fun!

[@briancurtis6022]

This guide is fantastic! It doesn't overlook any common question that might occur to a new player, from interface and control issues to questing and combat functions. And it anticipates exactly when and where those questions are likely to pop up during the new player's first experience in the game, even pointing to side references for "important, but later" stuff. And yet it doesn't overwhelm people either, while still throwing in handy short tips (like quick UI adjustments). Really, this is the perfect approach to a beginner's guide. I loved it!

[@Renfail]

Thanks! I'd like to think it's because my wife is a complete and total MMORPG newb, so I've had to explain a lot of these things to her as she's tried various games, and to my seven year old nephew as well =P

[@carlosmedina5786]

For my experience with the classes in LoTRO I can say this, Best starter class for (in the current game meta): Melee: 1st Guardian (Red trait line): it covers all single target damage, aoe damage and endurace (specially if you go onehanded and heavy shield, you can go twohanded to do more damage "fair to mention that you will not make as much damage as a Champion but you will do enough damage"), and since you only have 2 base trait lines (red and blue) you can have both builds with out the need of mithril (Tanks are in demand in the game so if you are able to use both trait lines (Guardian Blue line is the BEST TANK in the game), you probably will have a better luck finding fellowships which if you are a new player won´t be that easy at the begining). Another good thing in the newest game meta with Guardian is that the responsive skills are no longer that necesary, now you can get those skills by using a skill that allows you to use them, and specially the yellow line is for full support of the Red and Blue line. 2nd Champion: This video explains well how to use the champ, still Guardian became better with the new changes that happened last year. Another issue with champ is that is perhaps the most used melee class, so for fellowships between a Champion and a Blue Guardian the Blue Guardian might probably be prefered (not necesarily wil be the case, but can happen). 3rd Brawler: its only inconvinient is that it cost 1000 lotro points to get the class (unless you find it at discount and you can get for less lotro points), but if you have the lotro points (or the money to buy them) the Brawler is THE STRONGEST MELEE CLASS in the game iseasy to use as a Champion and you only have two Trait lines like the Guardian. Ranged Physical: 1st Hunter: Theres is no doubt Hunter is the easiest ranged class to use in the game and since you can use either Blue or Red Trait line for almost all the connect, with the exception of raids that for those you need Red Trait line because is better at doing damage yet you can´t move while attacking. Blue Trait line is better for exploration you can easily get plus 30% speed bonus (this skills affects nearby fellowship members too)and attack while moving. Both lines have easy acces to the travel skills called "Guide to" (some just need acquaintance reputation) which teleport you to certain areas plus you can bind some fire places as teleporting places this will save you HOURS of GAME PLAY whether you are a subscriber or a free to play, the teleportations of the hunter can be used on fellowship members too. 2nd Warden: Good luck learning the gambits... although anyone who has played both classes (Hunter and Warden) long enough can tell you: Warden is Sronger, WAY STRONGER than Hunter, you can Damge in Single target and AoE, you can tank, you can heal, you have the highest permanent speed bonus skill 38% (but you can´t share it with your fellowship) and you can switch between melee and ranged combat, plus you can put damage over time that can get really high. And you have the "Musters to" that are like the "Guide to" of the Hunter with the exception that your fellowship members can´t teleport with you. Tactical (Magic users) 1st Lore Master: Pets and high tactical damage and damage overtime plus good healing skills, you can use either Red or Blue Trait lines for soloing and Yellow Trait line for fellowdships and raids (Red Trait line is useful too for group content). 2nd Ministrel: Blue Trait line is good for healing (always on demmand in fellowships and raids even when not having good gear) and Red Trait line is good for solo gamplay for its high tactical damage. 3rd Rune Keeper: the strongest tactical class at the time but you will have to open a thidr trait configuration meaning you need 100 mithril coins whether you like it or not because you need to master Yellow Trait line (for solo gampley mostly), Red Trait line (best AoE tactical damage dealer in the game specially good for fellowships and raids yet you can solo with it fairly easy) and Blue Trait line (mostly healing in fellowships and raids). And lets not speak once yu get your legendary items you will need three sets to be well geared.

[@Renfail]

cool :)

[@dantepeterson556]

I always appreciate your videos new and old! Thank you for helping us explore and learn the world of Middle Earth!

[@Renfail]

Glad I can help!

[@phuketwhocares]

Great video, grinded quest until lvl 20 and now pausing until I fully understand skills, crafting, etc.

[@Renfail]

The game will open up to you in a very rewarding way once you understand the systems!

[@zedorian6547]

The f2p aspect of this game is what got me into it…outside of my love for Middle Earth of course. The game itself is pretty dang good and i love that someone found a way to emulate the ffxiv controller controls so i can play this in the most comfortable way possible (for me personally). I just need to adventure more so I can get better at the game!

[@Renfail]

Lots to see and do!

[@Rafflewafflez]

45 minutes away from the download being finished and I found this video!

[@Renfail]

Enjoy!

[@scarvestarr]

thanks man I'm mostly sold. Time to play the game. (I was downloading while watchin)

[@Renfail]

Enjoy!

[@FBWL-u1r]

Thank you for this video. I don't have much experience playing MMO's but a friend of mine recommended LOTRO to me saying that it's a really good and immersive game for solo-players and since I do love Tolkien's worlds and stories, I decided to give it a go 👍

[@Renfail]

Glad you enjoyed! And it's TOTALLY worth it if you love Middle Earth.

[@Quawn-G]

Thanks for this video. I just installed lotro yesterday and liking it so far. I also watch your Baulders Gate videos

[@Renfail]

Enjoy!

[@rockyjetproject1345]

Subbed and liked. I’m a new player and this was helpful. I really appreciate your content and help.

[@Renfail]

Cheers

[@Rayvon69]

Thanks I just revisited LOTR Online and I have a warden but with all the new changes since i last played him Im looking forward to running him again, Cheers

[@Renfail]

Have fun!

[@djnorth2020]

Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in. My friends that is. Lotro has been basically the only MMO game I've played, with sidestep to Guild Wars. After 16 years on and off I've never uninstalled it. Sometimes I am on hiatus for a year, then I have few months of total focus st the cost of all other games. It really has aged, for good and bad. A whole new game would be required for full modern experience but on the other hand, this is what MMO's were good at. Graphics are either good or yikes depending on where you are. But story is the biggest thing. This is NOT about the end game, but the whole journey, exploring, finding quests and tales and places from the books. Plenty of grinding for free players but then again for few player there's a ton free content and way to earn currency to buy content.

[@Renfail]

it's a great game :)

[@Ranieri69er]

i really appreciate your roleplay reading xD legend!

[@Renfail]

Enjoy :)

[@Chanelle208]

My comfort MMO

[@Renfail]

Indeed

[@barukkazhad8998]

I bought this game with a lifetime account for £99 back in the day ...still playing it ,now with my son ...i started again with him and we played all the way through to lvl 116 😊

[@Renfail]

nice :)

[@barukkazhad8998]

@@Renfail mate it's the best ...he even wants to role play and we play as brothers..my other Dwarves are the father and uncle 🤣

[@knighthood1227]

@@barukkazhad8998 that sounds awesome! Thinking starting an adventure with my daughter. Did you play one character together or with two instances and or PCs and running alongside? Trying to figure out how to do this best.

[@barukkazhad8998]

@@knighthood1227 two accounts alongside each other 😊

[@riffmagos]

Damn it, Renfail, you're making me want to play LOTRO again. 😊

[@Renfail]

Mwuahahaha

[@Vegan_Kebab_In_My_Hand]

Been craving to jump into the game again after a long time and give it good go, don't think I ever made it beyond lvl30

[@Renfail]

now is the perfect time :)

[@ericwilfong7263]

I loved this game, havent played in prob 8+ years and would love to get back into it. Had all the characters at the time lvl 60 which was the level cap when I stopped the first time, then came back when the level cap was 80, got my cap and champ to it then stopped playing it again. How difficult would it be to get back into playing? What all has changed to make it more enjoyable?

[@Renfail]

For starters, the ENTIRETY of the game up to Helm's Deep and level 90 (or is it 95?) is now free to play, with ALL of the races and all but one of the classes available. No time like the present to jump in.

[@Aquatj999]

I’m pretty unfamiliar with LOTR lore, but I love games and learning lore through gameplay. Would LOTRO be a good intro to LOTR for me? Or do you kind of have to know the lore already to understand what’s going on? :O

[@Renfail]

You do not need to know the existing book lore to get into this game. It's like icing on the cake if you do, but it's not 100% necessary.

[@Aquatj999]

I hope I can learn about Middle Earth by playing this gams, I think it’d be a cool and unique experience, so when I watch the movies I can be like “I remember that place!”

[@derand57]

I was wondering if you could add an addendum (or if you have another video on it) that covers the new changes that came in before the shadow, like the new starter zones and especially the difficulty system.

[@Renfail]

I've already recorded videos around the difficulty system and other things so feel free to check them out

[@derand57]

Thank you!@@Renfail

[@brianhunley5302]

Great video! I miss playing this game!

[@Renfail]

It's so good! Also, great to see you, Brian! Hope all is well in your neck of the woods and in the new year with the business/family/etc.

[@brianhunley5302]

@Renfail good man. Barely keeping the business afloat, but it'll work out.

[@Renfail]

@@brianhunley5302 yeah it's rough out there across the board

[@shannonmeskis452]

Love your character voices lol😂

[@Renfail]

Cheers :)

[@gandalfsbeard]

You rock man!

[@Renfail]

thx

[@AEGISDEFENSE]

Heard about the new difficulty levels...think ill jump back in.

[@kentak5748]

I play FF 14 right now, but from what I see I give it a try soon

[@Renfail]

It's worth it!

[@slothbro2740]

I'm level 15 and playing through some of the Elf prologue and Ered Luin quests to level I am at the end of the prologue quest line where they are telling me to go to Bree and talk to Strider and Butterbeer but the enemies are levl 21 and im scared

[@Renfail]

Grow stronger!

[@LostHorizons0]

Is this point and click or real combat like eso ?

[@jun-rose]

Brand new on Gladden, just started playing a LM. Is there a plug in or way to assign keybinds to the pet bar or do only drag them onto my other bars? Also do you know if there's any party restrictions for f2p players? I wanna duo with my boyfriend.

[@Renfail]

no party restrictions, nope

[@dantepeterson556]

How did you combine bags?

[@casst1161]

Ugh trying to play but looks like I'm bugged and or hacked. Launcher going to malware and says no subscription so can't get past launcher. Also had a scan a few months ago that noted LOTR was hacked and my information was taken. Is this Daybreak? It's taking me to Standing Stone login and when I do get in there I see no options for subscriptions. Anyone have any luck getting help for this game?

[@garycarter2069]

Hi, I am asking a question seems you have played lots of games, I am 80, with some age issues, my Dr says playing an online game may help. It will take me longer to learn stuff. What is a good starter game. When my mind was better, I played EVE. However I cant really do PVP anymore. I played DAOC but dont remember much. I need a slow game . Thanks

[@Renfail]

this is a slow game. enjoy

[@TomasSilva-fn2jp]

Gary, your coment is so precious. Any setting you are more keen into? I've played many online games over the years so I might be able to help you find just the one! Meanwhile maybe give lord of the rings a try?

[@garycarter2069]

@@TomasSilva-fn2jpI tried it and got lost in the quest to make 10 Bucks and buy something , I spent 2 hours on 1 quest and they wouldnt let me out of the area without it so I said F**k it and had a drink.

[@TomasSilva-fn2jp]

@@garycarter2069 I've played since replying to your comment, and had a similiar experience. I believe you are given the 10 coins to spend, however the game doesn't register it until you relog, seems to be a bug. I believe next time you login, you should have the 10 coins to spend on the riding skill it asks you to purchase. Goodluck!

[@Karlel25]

How did you make the graphic look so good? My game on steam looks outdated. Is it because I have the free version? I have all settings maxed out and a good graphic card.

[@Renfail]

No idea

[@GameLinerSaikou]

Correct me if I am wrong, and advanced apologies. So, when trying to open the game launcher for the first time installing. The game asked me if I wanted to download additional High-Res texture. I clicked yes. and the game looks "precious" 😊 Hope this helps or gives you a clue. Arkenstone newbit here.

[@andrejcagalj4089]

Nice guide

[@Renfail]

Thanks!

[@pawelmoskwa6842]

make sure u do the quest in fisher hut for free 10 lotro coins and a horse at lvl 4

[@Renfail]

Lots of freebies these days

[@pawelmoskwa6842]

@Renfail helps alot :)

[@pawelmoskwa6842]

@@Renfail and well for the 10 lotro you buy thst horse quest heh

[@trevorbakerNUGGA]

I just want to be able to get into the game. From steam never working for the game to the launcher crashing at 44 percent install without fail to trying it from their website and it working once, but then launching and hitting play on a server opens a window that immediately crashes. Fml LEMME IN LET ME IN

[@Renfail]

Never had any bugs

[@trevorbakerNUGGA]

@@RenfailI figured it out after posting this actually! So for some reason my c++ installs were updated/not being found anymore so after reinstalling all of them it works fine. Idk if it’ll happen again but it’s an easy fix anyhow

[@PiaseckiAdam22]

No lie seriously can someone make a tutorial on how to get passed the 55% installer? I would like to play but i cant install game.

[@Renfail]

Tech issues need to be passed off to their team, not KZbinrs making content

[@paddyk3748]

Just downloading the game as I txt this

[@Renfail]

Go go go !

[@pr3nine]

Im lost because this is not how my stuff started and idk where to go or what to do

[@proz909]

How do I get this to launch?? It won’t launch on my pc??

[@Renfail]

I dunno? Talk to tech support

[@TehParismio]

If you can open the launcher, try going to the settings in the top right and try repairing. It'll re-download all the data but also fix what problems you had.

[@morphing77]

ohhh ty for the X button :D

[@c.b.4916]

I'm pumped to start! Only subbed to this and star wars tor now. Fuck WoW

[@Renfail]

Have fun

[@fabrb26]

I just wait until we get a new Lotro MMO with at least UE5 capable like graphics. See you all in 2079

[@Renfail]

I'll enjoy this one until then.

[@greekzeus9818]

anyone else coming here from Kevduit?

[@Renfail]

no as far as I know

[@Brutestone]

Is this still relevant for 2024?

[@Renfail]

Yep!

[@esmolol4091]

Don't forget, the lag in this game is beyond imagination. it's hidden everywhere and can make your experience terrible at any time.

[@Renfail]

Their server infrastructure does need work, but that's not the focus of this guide.

[@xaronzero2946]

this is not a guide, this is a watch me play and start a new character and play.

[@Renfail]

Here's a tissue to wipe your tears, baby troll. Thanks for stopping by to pay my bills.

[@johnmarks227]

Nobody plays this anymore.

[@Renfail]

Incorrect, troll

[@johnmarks227]

No, it's not. Warner Bros sold the game and Standing stone games has been shutting down servers since they bought it. You don't do that if people are still playing. You will rarely even see another person other than at the main hubs.

[@johnmarks227]

They also tried getting people to come back with new races. A sure sign that there is a people problem. Blizzard did the same thing.

[@Renfail]

Depends on the server; some are top-end heavy. Legendary servers have FAR more low-level peeps. The game still has more than 100k playing, so you can't claim that "nobody" plays this. It's a niche title these days to be sure, but don't claim to spit facts when all you've got is fiction =) @@johnmarks227

[@johnmarks227]

Nowhere near 100k players there anymore, that's real fantasy right there.

[@tokyopp]

level 20 on Arkentstone, having a blast with the game. too me the quest writing is one of the most important aspects of any game and lotro does it wonderful, plus the amount of detail in the world and game systems, only downside i have experience is some toxic players on the chat, nothing major or gamebreaker.

[@Renfail]

I've never seen any toxicity in this game, ever, but I also don't interact with the world chat that often, just people I know.