LOTRO launches 12th expansion, exploring huge new lands near Gondor

17 years is a long time for any game to still be pumping out content, yet Lord of the Rings Online is managing it. Launched during the MMO explosion days following the release of World of Warcraft along with other titles like Age of Conan, Dungeons and Dragons Online, and Aion, LOTRO appears to still be fighting fit with tons of content drops over the years. Now its 12th expansion is here, titled Legacy of Morgoth, and it adds a load of new stuff along with continuing the game’s ever evolving storyline.

One of the best things about Lord of the Rings Online is how it treats the source material. As you quest through Middle-earth you’ll weave in and out of the story of the Fellowship of the Ring, sometimes fighting alongside them, sometimes seeing them pass by in the background. The MMORPG’s story picks up before the books begin and with recent updates has been heading to a point after the end of the series, which is something that’ll be explored more in this new expansion.

Legacy of Morgoth picks up after the One Ring has made its final journey into the mouth of Mount Doom. Despite Sauron being finally defeated, evil still exists in Middle-earth so it’s up to you and your fellow adventurers to head to the lands of Near Harad, southeast from Gondor, and put down a new oncoming danger. Players who pick it up can expect to fight through four different zones packed with over 350 quests, continuing the recent The Song of Waves and Wind storyline.

Alongside Legacy of Morgoth, update 42 has landed for the venerable MMO, and it’s also packed with plenty to sink your teeth into. There’s three new factions you can gain reputation with and new cosmetic items called baubles that will reflect your travels and adventures, but for my money the most impactful part of this patch is the overhaul Elves have received. Finally, the ethereal Elven race has been brought up to date with a big cosmetic update, so finally you’ll be able to embrace the full beauty of the Elves. Create a new character or head to a barber to take advantage of your fresh new style.

Legacy of Morgoth and update 42 are both out for Lord of the Rings Online right now. Head over to Steam to check out the full details of what’s new, along with a hefty list of patch notes.

If you’d like something else on your hard drive, our guides to the best free MMOs and the best fantasy games will be sure to help you find exactly what you’ve been saving that space for.

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