The new features of free to play are numerous indeed, I’m going to list a few of the highlights but to get the full experience you really need to download the client, which just happens to come in two different formats, a “standard” version for those people with mediocre gaming systems and a high definition version which radiates a beautiful world indeed showing of many of the DX11 features.
-LOTR Online Store Update -packed with thousands of convenience and cosmetic items, yet nothing that may give a player a real advantage over free 2 play counterparts. You may purchase travel options, which is ideal for players on a time schedule and want to travel across the land faster on a horse for example. There are also housing and social options available, such as items to decorate your house or costumes/wardrobes for your characters. Available as well are expansion/ quest packs, additional character slots, potions and much more.
The LOTRO store is easily accessed from anywhere in game and allows seamless purchasing of items at any time. One of the main features of weapon customizations is the ability to keep the stats of your favorite weapon and transfer those to say a sword or an axe if you like the looks of it with your character better. This is truly a step away from the normal change your attributes with different weapons that most RPG players are so used to, and adds that extra bit of customization that people who love to immerse themselves into the game will thoroughly enjoy!
LOTRO VIP’s get special access to the entire world of Eriador, a monthly allotment of points to spend in the store, receive more character slots and get to play one of probably the most desired aspects of the game, “Monster Play”. This is where you go in and play as one of the villainous races in LOTR, such as an Orc Reaver, Spider Weaver, Uruk BlackArrow, Uruk Warleader, Warg Stalker, or even a LugMuzLuk. As a Monster you get to terrorize the Other races on Middle Earth, bringing forth the Shadow races of the North, while also getting the chance to perform some unique quests, such as collecting hobbit’s bodies parts and ears.
The LOTRO is a three tier system, you can play free2play and experience everything the game has to offer through earning points, or you can decide to purchase some premium content on a need basis, or get the full experience with a VIP monthly subscription. In the spirit of most role playing games you decide your path not only in game, but how you choose to play it as well. I’ve included the chart explaining the difference between the tiers at the end of this article.
