LoTRO Weekend UpdateFollow

After level 35, money seems to flow into your character a lot easier than before, so definately sink what you got into a horse (which does help in money making). I can turn about 1 gold a day with my level 42 character if I push certain farming methods.

I am an LoTR fan - the first novel I struggled through at about age 10 was The Hobbit - followed shortly after by the Trilogy. But that's not why I started playing. I was momentarily bored with EQ.

This is what concerns me; I've been playing 3 weeks and am up to level 35. I've not skipped content, but followed the story and quest lines. So, I just wonder how long the game can hold my attention. I know another expansion with cap increase is coming, so perhaps I've timed it well.

There are things I definately don't like; defeat is painless, for a new game the targetting system is awkward, the characters are odd looking (doesn't really impact gameplay but still...)

There are definately things I do like too. I'm surprised how much I find myself reliving the stories - not the story I saw on the movie, but the stories when I first read them as a young teen - that's kinda cool.

I like that there seems to be NO grind. All the xp I've gained has come from quests or killing stuff trying to get to or from and/or attempt quests - occasionally finishing off a deed. I like the rented horse travel system. I like the casualness - you can join a group for a brief encounter and leave.

..anyway, I can't justify two premium games, so need to make a decision.

Trolls/Valour definately is a long and boring grind...especially since you cant even attempt to do it solo.

Welcome to ME Elinda.

I came from EQ too. I was getting bored of soloing a mmorpg!!

I've been at 50 for months now, and I'm still finding loads to do, tho I do only play fro maybe 2, perhaps 3, 3hour sessions a week.

Personaly i like the casualness off the game, and the ability to do 'something' productive, even while keeping an eye out in kinchat for something to get involved in.

At higher lvls you will find that you can work on Reputation (tho some people say its a waste of time, i think it will develope as the game gets older). Some of the higher dungeons are a blast, especially Carn Dum and the Rift(Killing a Balrog isn't going to get old for me for some time to come yet). And believe me, when you wipe a few times at higher levels in somewhere like the Rift you wont be saying that theres no penalty. It definately stings your pocket quite heavily. Its NOT EQ tho...Nekkid corpse runs got a bit old for me after a while...

Get a horse for sure. I still use the rental horses from time to time, but having your own is essential.

Be in a good active Kin. I play regularly with people who are up for all sorts of madness, wether it directly benefits their toon or not. Its part of the experience imo.

There is a fair amount of grinding involved-for traits mainly. Its good to do them as much as possible as you go. Finding you need to kill 200 odd snow beast at 50 is a bit dull for sure. But you sure can kill them quick at 50!


Trade skilling is expensive, and I didn't really get into it till I was at 50, tho my Alt is a GM jeweller at 30, he just sits around getting stuff sent to him.

Don't forget theres regular free updates, and why would you not want to hang around for a bit to see Moria and Rohan and Mordor.

I know what you mean tho, its not a game I like to play for 5 hours at a time, like you can easily do with EQ, but thats why I personally enjoy it more than EQ.

Well that and the fact that if you are playing it in DX10 with all the settings turned up to max, it just looks totally LUSH!

Welcome to ME!

Ps. don't forget PVMP, wich can be a lot of fun, if you dont take it too seriously (esp. as a is-there-a-target-on-my-forehead-minstrel)

Pps. Sorry Dyadem, not sure what class you are, but as a newly dinged 50 champ in quested only gear, i had NO problems soloing misty Mountain Trolls for Valour and pots of cash.