LOTRO: Free-to-Play

I believe I was on Landroval as well..i think i got my minstral to like level 44 or so? maybe? I can not remember its been so long.

I signed up for the beta. I played a while back and loved it, but didn't have the will to drop $15 a month for it. This will be a way for me to get my Lotro fix when I can, for no cost. Now if only they would put me in the beta and open it up already

SocialChameleon wrote:

So when's the goodjer new character revival happening?

In in the day it comes out. Going to be a Warden, I think. Do we have room for Wardens?

No, Wardens are gimped... LOL J/K

My main character that I started just over a year ago is a Warden. And he is a whopping level 25. He is a lot of fun to play though. I do have another character, a lore master. He is level 5 or so

I don't think I will have to start a new character to play with you guys, you will all have caught up to me in a week or 2!

The game is very playable solo for those that will be starting when it goes FTP. I started playing last summer when their was a revival but then I ended up being the only new guy that stayed on! I played a champion which is solo friendly. I needed groups when you get to the higher books (main storyline) but I think those may be easier now as well. The elf area with all the giant orcs can be tough! I was like lvl 45 and managed to level to 60 during the break between summer and fall semester.

Overall, the game is very beautiful, the story and quests are well done, the seasonal stuff is hellacool (pie eating contest betting ftw) and I think you guys will enjoy it.

Senkrad wrote:

My main character that I started just over a year ago is a Warden. And he is a whopping level 25. He is a lot of fun to play though.

I never tried a Warden until a few months ago because I was already busy with my first main and two crafting alts. Wardens are indeed a lot of fun to play! They get a shield bash and a kick to the chest attack very early on. Makes the class for me.

If I decide to drop my sub once the FTP starts, the very first use of the Turbine points that I would have accumulated would be to unlock the 4th Character slot that my Warden takes up.

fangblackbone wrote:

No, Wardens are gimped... LOL J/K

First, I'm totally OK with being weaker than optimal. Second, I wouldn't know the difference.

Besides, couldn't possibly be worse than a Loremaster or Minstrel. Let's see here, I could defeat my enemies with a torrent of trivia, play for them a nice little song, or stab them with this spear. Tough call.

LobsterMobster wrote:

I could defeat my enemies with a torrent of trivia

Brings a whole new meaning to "Bore you to death".

karmajay wrote:

The game is very playable solo for those that will be starting when it goes FTP. I started playing last summer when their was a revival but then I ended up being the only new guy that stayed on! I played a champion which is solo friendly. I needed groups when you get to the higher books (main storyline) but I think those may be easier now as well. The elf area with all the giant orcs can be tough! I was like lvl 45 and managed to level to 60 during the break between summer and fall semester.

Overall, the game is very beautiful, the story and quests are well done, the seasonal stuff is hellacool (pie eating contest betting ftw) and I think you guys will enjoy it.

One of the greatest changes they made in the last year: all book quests in the first volume are now soloable. These are the epic quests that bring you to Angmar and fight the witch king. When you do an instance that is meant to be for a group, you get a massive buff that allows you to win solo. Tons of fun.

Also, I don't know if people are already back in the game and looking, but Eldain is the kin with the most goodjers in it. We're fairly active, and are always happy to have more goodjers in the ranks. Admittedly, most of us are at level cap, but we have alts scattered all over. If you'd like an invite, send Akunin (Badferret on GWJ) or Thinsul (Psych on GWJ) a message.

One of the greatest changes they made in the last year: all book quests in the first volume are now soloable. These are the epic quests that bring you to Angmar and fight the witch king. When you do an instance that is meant to be for a group, you get a massive buff that allows you to win solo. Tons of fun.

That's excellent to hear. When I was playing last summer, I got up to the early thirties and (I think?) the middle of book 2, and then it started getting hard to find good groups for epic quests and there was a new patch for WoW so I went back to that. I did love the game for the time that I played it, and I did buy a lifetime sub, so I'll be back some time soon (it is summer again, and there is a lull in WoW content right now ), so I'm glad to hear that it will be easier to solo when I come back. That said, though...

Also, I don't know if people are already back in the game and looking, but Eldain is the kin with the most goodjers in it. We're fairly active, and are always happy to have more goodjers in the ranks. Admittedly, most of us are at level cap, but we have alts scattered all over. If you'd like an invite, send Akunin (Badferret on GWJ) or Thinsul (Psych on GWJ) a message.

that's also excellent to know. When I logged on a few months ago to putz around a bit I found Arcane Heroes disbanded and the GWJ chat channel empty, so I was worried that the goodjers had left LotRO. Good to know you guys are still around and in a healthy guild.

zeroKFE wrote:
One of the greatest changes they made in the last year: all book quests in the first volume are now soloable. These are the epic quests that bring you to Angmar and fight the witch king. When you do an instance that is meant to be for a group, you get a massive buff that allows you to win solo. Tons of fun.

That's excellent to hear. When I was playing last summer, I got up to the early thirties and (I think?) the middle of book 2, and then it started getting hard to find good groups for epic quests and there was a new patch for WoW so I went back to that. I did love the game for the time that I played it, and I did buy a lifetime sub, so I'll be back some time soon (it is summer again, and there is a lull in WoW content right now ), so I'm glad to hear that it will be easier to solo when I come back. That said, though...

Also, I don't know if people are already back in the game and looking, but Eldain is the kin with the most goodjers in it. We're fairly active, and are always happy to have more goodjers in the ranks. Admittedly, most of us are at level cap, but we have alts scattered all over. If you'd like an invite, send Akunin (Badferret on GWJ) or Thinsul (Psych on GWJ) a message.

that's also excellent to know. When I logged on a few months ago to putz around a bit I found Arcane Heroes disbanded and the GWJ chat channel empty, so I was worried that the goodjers had left LotRO. Good to know you guys are still around and in a healthy guild.

Zero were we playing that together last summer and I did not know it? That is when I played LOTRO and was in Arcane Heroes. Now we are playing WoW together....weird.

zeroKFE wrote:
Also, I don't know if people are already back in the game and looking, but Eldain is the kin with the most goodjers in it. We're fairly active, and are always happy to have more goodjers in the ranks. Admittedly, most of us are at level cap, but we have alts scattered all over. If you'd like an invite, send Akunin (Badferret on GWJ) or Thinsul (Psych on GWJ) a message.

that's also excellent to know. When I logged on a few months ago to putz around a bit I found Arcane Heroes disbanded and the GWJ chat channel empty, so I was worried that the goodjers had left LotRO. Good to know you guys are still around and in a healthy guild.

Tis true! Many of us still maintain an active connection to the GWJ channel, but I often miss messages in it. A surer way to reach myself or Psych would be to send us a tell. Of course if you do reach anyone in the GWJ channel they should be able to relay any information to us.

Finally, Eldain.com is still quite active, and we always welcome Goodgers to register there. GWJ apps are pretty much always excepted, but filling out the brief questionare does give a chance for our non-Goodgers to measure the cut of your jib.

Zero were we playing that together last summer and I did not know it? That is when I played LOTRO and was in Arcane Heroes. Now we are playing WoW together....weird.

Quite possible, I guess?

I was playing (shockingly!) a hunter, and (also shockingly!) the name of my toon started with Zero. What was your minstrel's name?

Tis true! Many of us still maintain an active connection to the GWJ channel, but I often miss messages in it. A surer way to reach myself or Psych would be to send us a tell. Of course if you do reach anyone in the GWJ channel they should be able to relay any information to us.

Finally, Eldain.com is still quite active, and we always welcome Goodgers to register there. GWJ apps are pretty much always excepted, but filling out the brief questionare does give a chance for our non-Goodgers to measure the cut of your jib.

Sounds good -- I'll do that the next time I log in.

zeroKFE wrote:

I was playing (shockingly!) a hunter, and (also shockingly!) the name of my toon started with Zero. What was your minstrel's name?

Even more shockingly! Openminded!

Heh, well, don't feel bad about not remembering (if our paths did indeed cross) -- I don't recall either.

LotRO: Shadow of Angmar is only $2.90 at gogamer.com.
If you do buy it, download the client from Turbine, as the version on the disc will need a lot of updating. Buying the game will automatically bump you up to a premium player when it does go free-to-play.

Stengah wrote:

LotRO: Shadow of Angmar is only $2.90 at gogamer.com.
If you do buy it, download the client from Turbine, as the version on the disc will need a lot of updating. Buying the game will automatically bump you up to a premium player when it does go free-to-play.

How long does that "premium" last, and what does it entail again?

LotRO Free-to-Play FAQ[/url]]What is a Premium player? How will I become one?

You are automatically upgraded from Free player to Premium player status with your first purchase of Turbine Points in the LOTRO Store. LOTRO grants all Premium players 2 extra character slots, extends the maximum amount of gold you can carry from 2 gold to 5 gold, and provides you with a higher login priority, more mail and chat options, full access to all of LOTRO's Community features, and 30 days of full customer service from the time of your last purchase.

Are you a former subscriber to LOTRO? Did you purchase and play the game in the past but never subscribed? In either case, you are automatically upgraded to Premium status when you come back to play.

To learn more about the Premium player benefits click here

This thread has answers to a lot of questions.

Zero were we playing that together last summer and I did not know it? That is when I played LOTRO and was in Arcane Heroes. Now we are playing WoW together....weird.

I played last summer in Arcane Heroes as Kirwin.

You'd be better off finding a deal on "mines of moria" since you want to be able to play a warden. The warden and runekeeper are unlocked by purchasing Moria, and since it includes the original game you also become a premium member. Note that just like Global Agenda they are distinguishing people who've bought the boxed copy, the subscribers and those who've done neither.

Yeah it was worth buying a cheapo copy of D&D for that premium (non-subscribed) status.

Wait, so, you get all these nice perks... but only 30 days of customer support per order? Isn't that the part that should be free?

Mines of Moria Collector's Edition is $9.99 at Amazon.com.

Normal edition is the same price too, if you don't go for special editions.

What does the gold limit mean?

LotRO Free-to-Play FAQ[/url]]If I am a Free player, what will happen to my gold if I earn more than the 2 gold limit in game? If I am a Premium player, what will happen to my gold if I earn more than the 5 gold limit in game?

Free and Premium players have a limit of 2 gold and 5 gold, respectively, that they can earn in game. Once the limit is reached you can still earn gold but it will be placed in escrow and you will not be able to access it unless you purchase a higher gold limit at any time in the LOTRO Store.

For more details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs, just click here.
click here

nihilo wrote:

Also, I don't know if people are already back in the game and looking, but Eldain is the kin with the most goodjers in it. We're fairly active, and are always happy to have more goodjers in the ranks. Admittedly, most of us are at level cap, but we have alts scattered all over. If you'd like an invite, send Akunin (Badferret on GWJ) or Thinsul (Psych on GWJ) a message.

Excellent to hear. I'm thinking that I'll jump back in with some buddies. Half of us did a lot of the pre-Moria content, but we'll probably all start fresh characters, since it's been a while, so it'd be good to find a friendly home.

Can someone give me a sense of what common items cost? Just trying to get a sense on how limiting the gold cap is.

Tamren wrote:

Can someone give me a sense of what common items cost? Just trying to get a sense on how limiting the gold cap is.

I only played up to level 30 something but the only thing I encountered with a price over 1G were mounts and player housing. I'm sure as you approach the level cap it changes, but that cap probably wouldn't be a hindrance at all as you level.

zeroKFE wrote:
Tamren wrote:

Can someone give me a sense of what common items cost? Just trying to get a sense on how limiting the gold cap is.

I only played up to level 30 something but the only thing I encountered with a price over 1G were mounts and player housing. I'm sure as you approach the level cap it changes, but that cap probably wouldn't be a hindrance at all as you level.

Yeah you won't reach 2 gold until somewhere around 30 or 40. Most things don't cost that much, but as you get closer to cap you'll be unable to buy anything good on the AH. You wouldn't be locked out entirely, but I could see myself being annoyed by a 2 gold limit.

As a reference, my lvl 47 currently has ~8 gold on him. Just earned through normal play, nothing done specifically for gold rewards.

I don't think its too much of them to ask that you pay $5-10 for a boxed copy and have your limit raised to 5g.

Plus I would think that since you can earn turbine points through playing the game, I'd imagine it won't be that hard to accumulate enough points to raise the gold cap by the time you get to level cap.

I wonder how much they are selling Mirkwood for now? That is an all in one expansion too IIRC. It would probably be worth it to pony up the cash for the extra character slots, runekeeper and warden, the extra skirmishes and questing areas and the max level cap of 65.

I think you also get turbine points for each expansion you've bought too right?

I think this is really going to go well for LotRO. They will benefit just as much if not more from episodic content sold piecemeal.

I'm really surprised WoW doesn't go episodic with end game content rather than the artificial grind elongation for those at cap.