Returning player been gone over 10 years, played back in 2007, excited to return, thanks for this video! It's been a real blast to start a new character and play again.
The Rohan region has some of the best 'side quest' stories in the whole game. Just some wonderful story writing and creative thought went into that area.
Great video! I played f2p in 2010 for a few years, then came back to the game, on again, off again. 4 years ago I started a warden character as a subscriber and I'm literally on the same quest you are, in Osgiliath looking for Faramir. After all these years, still haven't gotten a max level character
As a 12 year LOTRO player I'm so glad to see youtubers that are doing well sharing the content. Just re-rolled a new warden. I will say, the game is still as fun as the first time I played. I will say though, Evendim is definitely my favorite zone. Are you just playing on the legendary servers, whats your main server?
@@Renfail LOL! I remember the days of Everswim (I've been playing since before Evendim first came out). Gawd that was so tiring. But the boats today and improved routing around the city have made the need for swimming pretty much unnecessary now. I love that they have boat routes up and down the river, too.
Hey Renfail! I’m new to the game, just started this week as a VIP in Angmar. I’m from Brazil and I’m totally hooked! I’m hanging out with my burglar hobbit, puffing on some weeds, and playing tunes on my flute. Just cleared the Shire and heading to Bree now. I found you by chance on UA-cam, and you made me give this game a shot. Thanks a ton for showing me this awesome game!
I've been playing for like 15 hours so far as a Hobbit, and I'm still in the West Farthing having an absolute blast. I get easily overwhelmed, so really exploring and taking my time talking to every Hobbit (and Dwarf) I can has been so wonderful. The questline devoted to help the chickens in the coops was so sweet! I love how you're actually a rooster. And the questline where the Took is convinced there's a ghost in the library was a surprise at the end 😂 I actually laughed out loud at that resolution. This is a hand crafted, beautiful game.
Actually finding Golems cave in Gobo town is one of the fondest memories I have of this game. And the little murals on the walls of goblintown are so well done as well.
I played a bit of LOTRO years back but got distracted by EVE Online for a while. Thanks to you for this video that has me reinstalling and looking forward to jumping back in! I rarely play MMOs as im not a real social person, i just like to roll around doing quests on my own where i can and this game lets me do it! Thank you!
It's these kinds of UA-cam videos that made me decide to get into the game. I just took out a subscription to take advantage of the legendary servers (Mordor for me). The game is well populated, we meet people from everywhere, all the time, it's great. Thank you for your video, we see the love you have for this universe and this game. The more I advance, the more I tell myself that this game is crazy! I currently have a level 36 (red) guardian.
renfail just a hunter tip. you can animation cancel Swift bow ability using the interupt instant shot (blindside) u have on ctrl+2, making them instant. it works with all casted bow attacks too. just use the instant bow shot just before or at end of cast. having it on an easier hotkey is essential coz u use blindside every fight
I actually love Forochel, it's very unique area with completely different feel. Here is my hope sometime we'll get even northern from Cape of Forochel and venture into ancient part of Forodwaith where Utumno used to be. Also, there are still living dragons in Northern Waste.
New player here as well started one char on a normal server and got to 17. The 2nd char started on Angmar. Having fun trying to finish everything in one area before moving on.
I first tried LotRO about five years ago and quit after about two weeks because everyone I encountered didn't want anything to do with a new player because "new players never stick around so it's a waste of time." Now, with the legendary servers, I finally got the chance to find a community that has been welcoming, and I am absolutely loving the game.
Stumbled upon your channel yesterday, watched a few vids since. Been a lifetime sub for 16 years now and your description of the game is on point. LOTRO is HUGE and I don't think anyone that is not willing to give it a shot, whether you're a big LOTR fan or not, will ever understand how much you're missing out if you're not trying this. (And I've been also playing WoW since 2005, SWTOR and ESO since release, and more). Thanks mate, you convinced me back after my last 7 months hyatus
I think the Lotro world is massive and the scenery on top of bluffs and hills are breathtaking. Hot arid areas and freezing cold elements. Watch the stars and they very slowly move in orbit. Dawn is amazing over the swamp. Just too cool!!
All in all, a great video about a game I truly love and have been playing since 2009. I don't play it as much anymore but I think I'll either start a new character or take my current one and go to things I passed over. I love this game so much but especially the original release along with Moria. I also just subscribed to you Renfail... thanks!
I'm a founder (played from beta), and lifetimer. I take short breaks now and then but always come back. They say the journey is what counts and I'm a perfect example of that: I have 17 alts and only 1 at end game 😅 The best run ever was the first to 50, endless evenings trying to get through the Rift back when it was incredibly hard, with my old kin that is no more. I just started another char on the new European 64bit server and it's still great fun!
Been playing LOTRO since they first opened the servers. Took some breaks, but I try to log in every month over the 17 years I've been playing. I still haven't seen it all - even with a few characters at, or close to, the level cap. A truly massive game.
Best open world rpg on the market today imo. I loved when I went from Rivendell back to Bree and as I was approaching the river I was like "that is the ford!" and it was, I don't know why I was so excited, but I think because that is what I imagined it to look like and it was recognizable, right where it should be, without any text indicators on screen. That's well done imo, having a lot of fun. Sure the graphics are dated (not the water, that is fantastic), but for exploration and questing it's just perfect.
I've been playing on and off since the very beginning. I bought a lifetime sub back when they were available, and it was the most worthwhile gaming dollars I've ever spent. I also suffer from altitis, and I love it. :) If I feel like I have the time, I'm going to create a new character, and play it by completing each zone (all quests and deeds, but probably not fellowship content I can't solo) before moving to the next zone. I will not be doing any travel via stable masters, except where absolutely necessary to complete all quests in a zone.
I 100% agree on finishing an area. Yes you will outlevel it, however if you're really set on doing that get the stone of the tortoise from the store, it's a pocket item that will stop you from leveling.
I'm not much of a gamer, but LOTRO has always been MY game. Got up to level 80 or so at one point, but that was a few years ago. I'm back again and got my current character up to level 29. Really enjoying playing right now. I like how, for beginners, the game leads you through the areas and lets you level up at your own pace. Trying to be more "aggressive" in killing NPCs and crafting so I can level up a bit faster. Glad to know this game is appreciated!!
@@Renfail Sorry to bug you, but I'm finding it impossible to get to the Even-Rills (Lvl 36/37) (quests: Roiling the Rills, Tears of Purity). Is there some trick that you know? I keep veering off into the Guaradan camps. Or do you know where I might find some help? Thank you!
I have been playing on and off since launch and have returned after a 3 year break. This time around I grabbed a Stone of the Tortoise for the two characters I am leveling, as it allows me to enjoy the quests more or less on-level and not enter the next region above level. Unlike a lot of MMOs I've played, I actually enjoy the side quests given in the hubs of each region and don't feel the need to rush on to the next area despite being able to do the content. LotRO is one of the few MMOs where it is totally worth it to take your time and enjoy the story and scenery.
Downloded the game yesterday. As an wow classic veteran i will give the legendary servers a try. I am totally noob at lotro, but i think it will be fun.
I played lastnight and didn't log off until 3 am. What I did? Spent all of my time at the Farm Faire fishing. It's weird to play an MMO without the "Grind to level!" mentality.
Can't wait to get back into LotRO a bit, been a couple of years, I had just finished Lothlorien up iirc. Amazing how well the game holds up, very immersive, still looks pretty good and plenty to do. That moment when you descend into Rivendell for the first time is a real treat, very special. Keep em coming 👍
I use to play lotro was in kok on gladden use to help out the black bunny's there as well with Garry. Only reason stop playing is anything after tier 3 raids I started getting a major delay and after talking with devs seems was host issue idk if any of this improved but great community there.
I understand this is limited run, but it seems a lot of people are enjoying this stuff, I hope you keep it up, it's lovely to see LOTRO activity again!
Ive only really just started playing as a minstrel. Usually these MMo's i have music playing in the back, It took a high af me 6 hours before he realized he was vibing to the sounds of the game XD, turned out my audio reset to full blast
I bought a lifetime subscription the day the game was launched, and it was the best investment I ever made TBH. I have left and returned many times over the years, but I always buy me some points and some mithril coins and do fun things. At the beginning I was a hard core raider (will never forget my kin's first Rift/Balrog clear), now I just keep playing through new alts and relax in ME, riding and taking in all the vistas. I miss my end game character perks, and my bags of gold on Gladden, BUT I am loving Angmar server and all the new people playing. It feels good.
Downloading the game now, not sure what I will play but since I am new, planning on going to the Legendary servers. Hope to meet some other new people, too!
The game is wonderful.... the community.... well it's crazily absolutely the best... so enjoyable the chat. Everyone is up for helping… Love it.... not going anywhere else that's how good it is, and they are starting to upgrade the servers to 64 bit... yay, and it's free to play... win-win for all... all the characters are feisty and believable, play solo or join a kin if you want ...or make your own... anyway it's the place to be RN
I used to love this game and played it devotedly up until 11 years ago when life circumstances changed significantly. Would love to return to my elf hunter character, but have no idea whether that’s even possible. Heard many servers closed down years ago, so presume my character is lost.😔
I played wow since 2014 om retail and sticked to wotlk expansion on prívate servers. I played swotr with the subscription (i'm from Argentina, it's expensive kinda). Ive played lots of mmos but i just started lotro two weeks ago and i'm feeling like i'm 15 again (i'm 33) , enjoying a new world, not worrying about any meta or etc. Your videos are amazing!!! Thanks
I played back when it went free to play. Used to hang out at the Prancing Pony in Bree just to hang out with the huge crowds of players. Many of which would be playing music and chatting. Tried going back to this about a year ago and it made me sad to see how dead this game is 😢
Never read or seen anything about lord of the rings before but i am looking for a good F2P game cause i dont like the idea of paying 15 bucks a month for a game. Didnt understand a thing you were talking about, but you made it seem fun. May have to give this a try.
Thanks for the video! Do you have any suggestions or recommendations on how to make the character windows and dialogue boxes and the quest log bigger? On high resolutions they are very hard to read and the UI scaling doesn’t make those things bigger. Not having tons of luck on the web.
Crickhollow All the way. Over 3k hrs played on my main Everdim - (EverSwim) was the most painful part of the whole game I think. But at the same time one of the best parts because Everdim is where you learn about Pipeweed 😈😈😈💯💯💯
I feel like there are more painful parts of the game, but I'm not a completionist, so if something gets really annoying, I'll avoid it. Sometimes I'll even avoid it by just hearing others complain (like Rohan, I heard the mounted combat was really wonky, so I didn't try it until years later just for kicks). And, I think they fixed Evendim's tedious swimming, right, with a couple fast-travel boats? So I wonder now, what the most tedious part of the game is. For me, the worst part was collecting flowers for repeatable quests every day for weeks. Collecting lots of different types of flowers, I believe it took me a half hour or more per day, so I could get the best jewelry. Very boring and tedious. I'd rather kill things for example, but just clicking around in a forest for 30+ hours or whatever was ridiculous. I only did that for my main. So, I think this generalizes to any repeatables that require collecting something for end-game-- that's always been the most tedious and terrible part of a game for me.
@@Harry-hyl I agree with any of the gathering skills can be very tedious. After I locked one of the up gathering. I got over it really quick then with all my alts and other crafting skills I just bought the materials in the Auction House And now my main can craft tier 3 legendary (been a while since I logged on not sure if there is higher than that now)
@@Renfail Everswim was awesome. Not only is it stunning all around but it also, in my experience might be the most methodically designed questing region.
One thing that bothers me and bothered me back when Lotro was released is that there’s no possibility to sort items by the alphabet or filter certain types when selling stuff to vendors. Why they never changed that I have no idea. It’s really frustrating and will make you throw away time more than necessary. Instead you have to filter them by rarity and common stuff and the like and I have never understood it. Also regarding leveling if you do the areas thoroughly you will often be overleveled in the next area and it’s removes the fun and the challenge somewhat.
@@Renfail I don't like those kind of games. LOTRO for me is the game I want to play. Since I made my post I found out some things. You can use ALT+F to search for items in your inventory and when selling or buying. And when leveling there's a item called the Stone of the Tortoise which disables experience from monsters and quests. It's better now but I would like still want to sort different types of items and by the alphabet. It would make it so much better! Also if you're VIP you can play on legendary servers which are like WoW Classic. It's LOTRO with a wayback machine with only a few expansions and max lvl cap at 50 or 60 and they have old quests which they removed in the newer expansions and patches. Appreciate your videos! And I agree it's an experience which I don't feel any other MMO does right.
Being a completionist with OCD, I can NEVER leave an area WITHOUT completing EVERY. SINGLE. QUEST. AVAILABLE. IF I do, I just have this nagging feeling that eventually makes me go back to that area to complete them later.
I'm not a MMO or a LOTRO veteran. I am SO confused by all the quests inside of the fair in Hobbiton. It's so overwhelming and I can never find anything and then I have 323 quests that i haven't done.
Id say the only thing i dont care for with this game is the having to pay lotro points for more inventory space thats like 1 bag upgrade a month maybe two is you complete enough deeds and get them.
You can earn them through in-game play, so get out there, explore Middle Earth, and you'll be able to join the rest of the ranks of veterans with maxed out inventory space :)
That's some good advice, now for my #1 advice to new players - DO NOT buy those bundles that level up your character to high level. Those are for old time players who have taken multiple characters to max level and know the in-and-outs to mostly everything. If you do this, you are wasting a lot of LOTRO points and you will abandon that character because you get thrust into areas you aren't familiar with, your starting gear is ok but not great, your crafting levels are at zero, you have zero rep with everything, and you know nothing about your character. I've used them twice I think and even playing this game for 17 years with all crafting tiers in everything across multiple characters, these characters aren't as strong had I level them from 1st level. For example, Drezen is 140th level. He's dwarven champion and he's been adventuring for over 17 years. He was well into the game when the reputation system was introduced so his rep with Thorin's Hall is neutral while he's kindred with most of the elves. In fact, he's kindred with about 40 different factions. The game is down for updates so I can't get an exact count, but you will miss out on quite a bit of content using an instant level 140 or so character. Keep those points for more important things like expansions, inventory expansion, increasing daily tasks, buying the occasional mithril coins, etc. If you love to craft, yes buy the universal toolkit and pass it around to all of your characters.
I'm honestly thinkin about leaving WoW for this... I played SWTOR for a while and i loved it but wow... man is like a drug. Please, advice: should I like pay right out of the bat? I wanna be able to play progressively and I heard only VIP members can do that
Every time I watch one of Renfail's videos, I get about 10 minutes in before I get pumped to go back and play. Someday I may get through an entire one if he would stop psyching me up.
I couldn't agree more with the "They need to be paid" comment, people complain if it's F2P with purchases, they complain if they need to pay a monthly sub, and then you look at studios like Amazon who really are 'nickle & diming' people. You can't win, these games cost millions to make and maintain. Personally I'd rather pay a monthly sub, but I think those days are long passed for most MMOs unfortunately. There's a reason why so many studios now go down the 'F2P' route, they make more money from you than £10 a month! If you've decided to play a game long term, name something else you can do for hundreds of hours a month for £10 or $10 or whatever your currency is? Lol
My issue remains about the cost and the way they go about it. It doesnt make sense, its confusing and isn't easy for any newer player to understand. An all in one package or even a expansion upgrade path like WoW. It would remove all of this confusion of what content packs to buy quest packs to buy etc.. Charge what you want but make it accessible.. I'm also tired of the complete all the content before buying new content excuse, we get it there's lots of content free and available but its the fact that there's chunks here and there throughout the game that magic walls and quest barriers block you from going in, so even if you wanted to complete all the free content first youd have a hard time finding it all without research.
I'm a full-time variety streamer and content creator. Games change on a regular basis. Some are short (15-20 hours), others are longer (150-300 hours), but everything cycles through. Right now we're maining No Man's Sky until Friday, then it's War Within for a few days, then Star Wars Outlaws, then Space Marine 2, then Shattered Space DLC, then Dragon Age: The Veilguard, STALKER 2, and Indiana Jones & The Great Circle (plus whatever crops up in between). Daily streams here and on Twitch at 11 a.m. central.
Hey Ren. I'm new to LOTRO and your channel. I started playing on the GLADDEN server about 3 months ago. I have a level 73 Champion and I'm about half way through exploring and completing missions in Moria. I became a VIP subscriber and have already spent probably a little over a thousand bucks unlocking the games various mechanics and on some sweet cosmetic items. Honestly, at first I thought the price of everything was extremely predatory, but it is exactly like you said, they've crafted this love letter to the books over 17 years... It's a unique situation in gaming. While I feel the strain on my wallet big time, I'm honestly in love with this game and consider everything I'm spending to be investments since I plan on playing indefinitely. I just wanted to say this little overview was extremely helpful in letting me know I'm playing the game okay. I'm definitely rushing to an extent, but I'm also deliberately spending time going back to clear out areas in over leveled in just to experience the game. I love spending time in a zone I'm equal to in order to get gear for my current level, then I go to areas I'm over leveled for and clear out enemies like I'm a god just to experience the story. I wanted to thank you for your posts. I know you've been at this a long time, but having a chill dude explain the history of the game like you did in this video was extremely helpful and insightful. All the stuff you mentioned about the history of area releases and what you were doing at the time was really cool info for some like me who wasn't there. It really helps give me context now looking at the map.
I have tried to play once but I’m a social 36 dad. I miss having a group to play with. I tried to play this and gw and I just can’t seem to find people to play with. Gonna give this another download tonight and hopefully this time I can find some people to play with and help keep my attention there. A.d.d so the people is what keep me coming back and less the game to be honest.
@@Renfail true, i guess i should have explained it a little bit further.. i'm a new player too, sort of, i'm about to come back to the game from a break, but i was new when i stopped. since goats are the only mounts that work in the mines and you can get one from a Vendor in one of the starting zones (i forgot which one), it could be a nice thing to sort of keep an eye one, as you play along and enjoy the game
I think I did moria 10 times without a goat, only got a goat for the last couple times. It's actually not as bad as you think because of all the travel points. But if I do it now, yeah, I'd get the mount. Back in the day it was harder to get, had to get high reputation
As a 7 days old LOTRO thank you for this kind of content and please keep it coming
Cheers
Seconded! These guides have been super for me as well, just started last weekend.
Wow they really do start young with video games these days
Just started playing after seeing this video, love this content. Been looking for a new MMO home. Found it in this world.
Enjoy the journey!
Im playing right now, first timer. I knew the map was huge, but with your explanation i am in awe
Glad to hear it!
Returning player been gone over 10 years, played back in 2007, excited to return, thanks for this video! It's been a real blast to start a new character and play again.
Welcome back!
The Rohan region has some of the best 'side quest' stories in the whole game. Just some wonderful story writing and creative thought went into that area.
I'm glad you enjoyed Rohan!
Great video! I played f2p in 2010 for a few years, then came back to the game, on again, off again. 4 years ago I started a warden character as a subscriber and I'm literally on the same quest you are, in Osgiliath looking for Faramir. After all these years, still haven't gotten a max level character
It's a big game
Thanks so much for this video. I just started the game three days ago. You are the GOAT 😊 Greetings from Argentina
Glad I could help!
As a 12 year LOTRO player I'm so glad to see youtubers that are doing well sharing the content. Just re-rolled a new warden. I will say, the game is still as fun as the first time I played. I will say though, Evendim is definitely my favorite zone. Are you just playing on the legendary servers, whats your main server?
Everswim is beautiful but that lake lol thank the gods for boats =P Only on legendary this time around; I'm doing a very limited run on Monday nights.
You have a great beard for a 12 year old well done
@@cynicalpenguin Some people are just gifted with massive amounts of testosterone.
@@Lettrcrafter My sister is not one of those poeple.
@@Renfail LOL! I remember the days of Everswim (I've been playing since before Evendim first came out). Gawd that was so tiring. But the boats today and improved routing around the city have made the need for swimming pretty much unnecessary now. I love that they have boat routes up and down the river, too.
Hey Renfail! I’m new to the game, just started this week as a VIP in Angmar.
I’m from Brazil and I’m totally hooked! I’m hanging out with my burglar hobbit, puffing on some weeds, and playing tunes on my flute.
Just cleared the Shire and heading to Bree now.
I found you by chance on UA-cam, and you made me give this game a shot.
Thanks a ton for showing me this awesome game!
Happy sneaking
Have fun :)
Welcome Home 😁
I've been playing for like 15 hours so far as a Hobbit, and I'm still in the West Farthing having an absolute blast. I get easily overwhelmed, so really exploring and taking my time talking to every Hobbit (and Dwarf) I can has been so wonderful. The questline devoted to help the chickens in the coops was so sweet! I love how you're actually a rooster. And the questline where the Took is convinced there's a ghost in the library was a surprise at the end 😂 I actually laughed out loud at that resolution. This is a hand crafted, beautiful game.
A VERY amazing experience in the Shire for sure :) My favorite starting zone of all time
Actually finding Golems cave in Gobo town is one of the fondest memories I have of this game. And the little murals on the walls of goblintown are so well done as well.
SUCH a treasure of a find
I played a bit of LOTRO years back but got distracted by EVE Online for a while.
Thanks to you for this video that has me reinstalling and looking forward to jumping back in! I rarely play MMOs as im not a real social person, i just like to roll around doing quests on my own where i can and this game lets me do it! Thank you!
Enjoy
My god have I found the youtube page ive been looking for. I am JUST diving into this game. And i cant wait to spend time in Middle-Earth
Enjoy!
It's these kinds of UA-cam videos that made me decide to get into the game. I just took out a subscription to take advantage of the legendary servers (Mordor for me). The game is well populated, we meet people from everywhere, all the time, it's great. Thank you for your video, we see the love you have for this universe and this game. The more I advance, the more I tell myself that this game is crazy! I currently have a level 36 (red) guardian.
Have fun!
renfail just a hunter tip. you can animation cancel Swift bow ability using the interupt instant shot (blindside) u have on ctrl+2, making them instant. it works with all casted bow attacks too. just use the instant bow shot just before or at end of cast. having it on an easier hotkey is essential coz u use blindside every fight
Thank you bro for the tip
yeah I have no desire to do this
I actually love Forochel, it's very unique area with completely different feel. Here is my hope sometime we'll get even northern from Cape of Forochel and venture into ancient part of Forodwaith where Utumno used to be. Also, there are still living dragons in Northern Waste.
have fun!
6:47 actually is my favorite one and the best in game :D having northen lights and super hard winter it is amazing :D
It's beautiful but a pain to get to and explore in =P
New player here as well started one char on a normal server and got to 17. The 2nd char started on Angmar. Having fun trying to finish everything in one area before moving on.
awesome!
I first tried LotRO about five years ago and quit after about two weeks because everyone I encountered didn't want anything to do with a new player because "new players never stick around so it's a waste of time."
Now, with the legendary servers, I finally got the chance to find a community that has been welcoming, and I am absolutely loving the game.
Which server?
@@michaelblackwell7408 When I had originally played, Brandywine.
Stumbled upon your channel yesterday, watched a few vids since. Been a lifetime sub for 16 years now and your description of the game is on point. LOTRO is HUGE and I don't think anyone that is not willing to give it a shot, whether you're a big LOTR fan or not, will ever understand how much you're missing out if you're not trying this. (And I've been also playing WoW since 2005, SWTOR and ESO since release, and more).
Thanks mate, you convinced me back after my last 7 months hyatus
Never a bad thing to sink back into Middle Earth :) Thanks!
17 years lifetime here. I join every legendary server purely to be able to enjoy the areas that are so well crafted.
awesome!
I think the Lotro world is massive and the scenery on top of bluffs and hills are breathtaking. Hot arid areas and freezing cold elements. Watch the stars and they very slowly move in orbit. Dawn is amazing over the swamp. Just too cool!!
It's well crafted even with an older engine
Greetings from Brazil, started my journey a few days ago, I feel like I'm gonna watch you a lot 😂
Welcome aboard!
All in all, a great video about a game I truly love and have been playing since 2009. I don't play it as much anymore but I think I'll either start a new character or take my current one and go to things I passed over. I love this game so much but especially the original release along with Moria. I also just subscribed to you Renfail... thanks!
Cheers :)
I'm a founder (played from beta), and lifetimer. I take short breaks now and then but always come back. They say the journey is what counts and I'm a perfect example of that: I have 17 alts and only 1 at end game 😅 The best run ever was the first to 50, endless evenings trying to get through the Rift back when it was incredibly hard, with my old kin that is no more. I just started another char on the new European 64bit server and it's still great fun!
it is indeed still great fun :)
This game is like a fine wine! Take your time and enjoy the story content and the beauty of a truly wonderful game!
It really is!
Been playing LOTRO since they first opened the servers. Took some breaks, but I try to log in every month over the 17 years I've been playing. I still haven't seen it all - even with a few characters at, or close to, the level cap. A truly massive game.
indeed
Best open world rpg on the market today imo. I loved when I went from Rivendell back to Bree and as I was approaching the river I was like "that is the ford!" and it was, I don't know why I was so excited, but I think because that is what I imagined it to look like and it was recognizable, right where it should be, without any text indicators on screen. That's well done imo, having a lot of fun. Sure the graphics are dated (not the water, that is fantastic), but for exploration and questing it's just perfect.
Exactly!!!!
I started following you when I picked up lotro (I think in 2020?). I love all of your content, but it's cool seeing you back in lotro.
Cheers :) I always circle back around
Thank you for this video, I'm thinking about trying this game out and I learned a lot.
Glad I could help!
I've been playing on and off since the very beginning. I bought a lifetime sub back when they were available, and it was the most worthwhile gaming dollars I've ever spent. I also suffer from altitis, and I love it. :) If I feel like I have the time, I'm going to create a new character, and play it by completing each zone (all quests and deeds, but probably not fellowship content I can't solo) before moving to the next zone. I will not be doing any travel via stable masters, except where absolutely necessary to complete all quests in a zone.
have fun :)
N Downs is also one of my faves. So much area variety
It's so good!
Your excitement is reinvigorating me. Wife and I been playing since July 07. iirc main is 130. Yet to do Gundabad
Best advice ever! Thank you!! Chill and quest really helps me out a lot.
Glad to help!
This is also VERY GOOD mmo for listening to podcast and doing daily quests in Shire.
I 100% agree on finishing an area. Yes you will outlevel it, however if you're really set on doing that get the stone of the tortoise from the store, it's a pocket item that will stop you from leveling.
Yep I've got a whole another video about the stone
I'm not much of a gamer, but LOTRO has always been MY game. Got up to level 80 or so at one point, but that was a few years ago. I'm back again and got my current character up to level 29. Really enjoying playing right now. I like how, for beginners, the game leads you through the areas and lets you level up at your own pace. Trying to be more "aggressive" in killing NPCs and crafting so I can level up a bit faster. Glad to know this game is appreciated!!
Have fun
@@Renfail Sorry to bug you, but I'm finding it impossible to get to the Even-Rills (Lvl 36/37) (quests: Roiling the Rills, Tears of Purity). Is there some trick that you know? I keep veering off into the Guaradan camps. Or do you know where I might find some help? Thank you!
I have been playing on and off since launch and have returned after a 3 year break. This time around I grabbed a Stone of the Tortoise for the two characters I am leveling, as it allows me to enjoy the quests more or less on-level and not enter the next region above level. Unlike a lot of MMOs I've played, I actually enjoy the side quests given in the hubs of each region and don't feel the need to rush on to the next area despite being able to do the content.
LotRO is one of the few MMOs where it is totally worth it to take your time and enjoy the story and scenery.
Downloded the game yesterday. As an wow classic veteran i will give the legendary servers a try. I am totally noob at lotro, but i think it will be fun.
Enjoy the ride :)
I played lastnight and didn't log off until 3 am. What I did?
Spent all of my time at the Farm Faire fishing.
It's weird to play an MMO without the "Grind to level!" mentality.
Bit also so refreshing to break that cycle ;)
@@Renfail It really is
coming from BDO and other korean MMOs this sounds like therapy
Can't wait to get back into LotRO a bit, been a couple of years, I had just finished Lothlorien up iirc. Amazing how well the game holds up, very immersive, still looks pretty good and plenty to do. That moment when you descend into Rivendell for the first time is a real treat, very special. Keep em coming 👍
Have fun!
I use to play lotro was in kok on gladden use to help out the black bunny's there as well with Garry. Only reason stop playing is anything after tier 3 raids I started getting a major delay and after talking with devs seems was host issue idk if any of this improved but great community there.
I understand this is limited run, but it seems a lot of people are enjoying this stuff, I hope you keep it up, it's lovely to see LOTRO activity again!
it's a momentary wave, yep!
Ive only really just started playing as a minstrel. Usually these MMo's i have music playing in the back, It took a high af me 6 hours before he realized he was vibing to the sounds of the game XD, turned out my audio reset to full blast
Started playing this today on Mordor EU server, need something to play before SoD phase 5 and this looks very interesting, never played Lotro before.
have fun!
I bought a lifetime subscription the day the game was launched, and it was the best investment I ever made TBH. I have left and returned many times over the years, but I always buy me some points and some mithril coins and do fun things. At the beginning I was a hard core raider (will never forget my kin's first Rift/Balrog clear), now I just keep playing through new alts and relax in ME, riding and taking in all the vistas. I miss my end game character perks, and my bags of gold on Gladden, BUT I am loving Angmar server and all the new people playing. It feels good.
have fun :) That's the most important key!
How much did the lifetime sub cost back then?
@ChrisKormac iirc it was $299. I've definitely got my money's worth!
great video mate
Thanks 👍
Forochel is literally my favorite zone in the game. Trollshaws is my second favorite
I will forgive your love of the snowy wastelands given that you appreciate the lovliness of the Trollshaws and its forested glades =P
Nooooo those swine keep deflecting my arrows. Bad piggies!!
Downloading the game now, not sure what I will play but since I am new, planning on going to the Legendary servers. Hope to meet some other new people, too!
have fun :)
That’s how I feel too. I have been playing a couple days now.
enjoy!
New player here looking to get into LOTRO here soon
have fun!
+1 for north downs. simple but kind of diverse and well-done area
love it
ok
Great stuff is that you get a mount almost immodiately on new servers!
indeed lol
The game is wonderful.... the community.... well it's crazily absolutely the best... so enjoyable the chat. Everyone is up for helping… Love it.... not going anywhere else that's how good it is, and they are starting to upgrade the servers to 64 bit... yay, and it's free to play... win-win for all... all the characters are feisty and believable, play solo or join a kin if you want ...or make your own... anyway it's the place to be RN
have fun = the win
I loved this vid so much. Do you think you will main LOTRO again someday?
Nope
I used to love this game and played it devotedly up until 11 years ago when life circumstances changed significantly. Would love to return to my elf hunter character, but have no idea whether that’s even possible. Heard many servers closed down years ago, so presume my character is lost.😔
Log on and see
I played wow since 2014 om retail and sticked to wotlk expansion on prívate servers. I played swotr with the subscription (i'm from Argentina, it's expensive kinda). Ive played lots of mmos but i just started lotro two weeks ago and i'm feeling like i'm 15 again (i'm 33) , enjoying a new world, not worrying about any meta or etc. Your videos are amazing!!! Thanks
that's the best part :)
i literally JUST downloaded this game...its the only one in the genre that i have tried.
have fun!
Sad i didnt get to experience it years ago, its so fun. Would want ai to remaster this game exactly the same.
I played back when it went free to play. Used to hang out at the Prancing Pony in Bree just to hang out with the huge crowds of players. Many of which would be playing music and chatting. Tried going back to this about a year ago and it made me sad to see how dead this game is 😢
Never read or seen anything about lord of the rings before but i am looking for a good F2P game cause i dont like the idea of paying 15 bucks a month for a game. Didnt understand a thing you were talking about, but you made it seem fun. May have to give this a try.
Kewl
Thanks for the video! Do you have any suggestions or recommendations on how to make the character windows and dialogue boxes and the quest log bigger? On high resolutions they are very hard to read and the UI scaling doesn’t make those things bigger. Not having tons of luck on the web.
As far as I know, there are no ways to upscale the UI to higher resolutions. They are working on a solution.
Crickhollow All the way. Over 3k hrs played on my main Everdim - (EverSwim) was the most painful part of the whole game I think. But at the same time one of the best parts because Everdim is where you learn about Pipeweed 😈😈😈💯💯💯
I feel like there are more painful parts of the game, but I'm not a completionist, so if something gets really annoying, I'll avoid it. Sometimes I'll even avoid it by just hearing others complain (like Rohan, I heard the mounted combat was really wonky, so I didn't try it until years later just for kicks). And, I think they fixed Evendim's tedious swimming, right, with a couple fast-travel boats? So I wonder now, what the most tedious part of the game is.
For me, the worst part was collecting flowers for repeatable quests every day for weeks. Collecting lots of different types of flowers, I believe it took me a half hour or more per day, so I could get the best jewelry. Very boring and tedious. I'd rather kill things for example, but just clicking around in a forest for 30+ hours or whatever was ridiculous. I only did that for my main. So, I think this generalizes to any repeatables that require collecting something for end-game-- that's always been the most tedious and terrible part of a game for me.
@@Harry-hyl I agree with any of the gathering skills can be very tedious. After I locked one of the up gathering. I got over it really quick then with all my alts and other crafting skills I just bought the materials in the Auction House And now my main can craft tier 3 legendary (been a while since I logged on not sure if there is higher than that now)
everswim FTW
@@Renfail Everswim was awesome. Not only is it stunning all around but it also, in my experience might be the most methodically designed questing region.
You can't go to Ost-in-edhil in Eregion where the rings were forged. Unless I missed it somehow.
Destroyed.
My favorite MMO bar none!
awesome!
One thing that bothers me and bothered me back when Lotro was released is that there’s no possibility to sort items by the alphabet or filter certain types when selling stuff to vendors. Why they never changed that I have no idea.
It’s really frustrating and will make you throw away time more than necessary. Instead you have to filter them by rarity and common stuff and the like and I have never understood it.
Also regarding leveling if you do the areas thoroughly you will often be overleveled in the next area and it’s removes the fun and the challenge somewhat.
If I wanted challenge I'd play Soulslike, personally.
@@Renfail I don't like those kind of games. LOTRO for me is the game I want to play. Since I made my post I found out some things. You can use ALT+F to search for items in your inventory and when selling or buying. And when leveling there's a item called the Stone of the Tortoise which disables experience from monsters and quests. It's better now but I would like still want to sort different types of items and by the alphabet. It would make it so much better!
Also if you're VIP you can play on legendary servers which are like WoW Classic. It's LOTRO with a wayback machine with only a few expansions and max lvl cap at 50 or 60 and they have old quests which they removed in the newer expansions and patches. Appreciate your videos! And I agree it's an experience which I don't feel any other MMO does right.
Being a completionist with OCD, I can NEVER leave an area WITHOUT completing EVERY. SINGLE. QUEST. AVAILABLE. IF I do, I just have this nagging feeling that eventually makes me go back to that area to complete them later.
Yay!
i got as far as moria when it was the codemaster days. god it was full of players :(
Buckland is in the Bree land map zone
yep
I'm not a MMO or a LOTRO veteran. I am SO confused by all the quests inside of the fair in Hobbiton. It's so overwhelming and I can never find anything and then I have 323 quests that i haven't done.
so lose yourself and have fun :)
I really appreciate these videos.
I just recently became a VIP, and I am so lost!
Your vids help a ton!
have fun!
Keep it up man
for a bit
Id say the only thing i dont care for with this game is the having to pay lotro points for more inventory space thats like 1 bag upgrade a month maybe two is you complete enough deeds and get them.
You can earn them through in-game play, so get out there, explore Middle Earth, and you'll be able to join the rest of the ranks of veterans with maxed out inventory space :)
That's some good advice, now for my #1 advice to new players - DO NOT buy those bundles that level up your character to high level. Those are for old time players who have taken multiple characters to max level and know the in-and-outs to mostly everything. If you do this, you are wasting a lot of LOTRO points and you will abandon that character because you get thrust into areas you aren't familiar with, your starting gear is ok but not great, your crafting levels are at zero, you have zero rep with everything, and you know nothing about your character. I've used them twice I think and even playing this game for 17 years with all crafting tiers in everything across multiple characters, these characters aren't as strong had I level them from 1st level.
For example, Drezen is 140th level. He's dwarven champion and he's been adventuring for over 17 years. He was well into the game when the reputation system was introduced so his rep with Thorin's Hall is neutral while he's kindred with most of the elves. In fact, he's kindred with about 40 different factions. The game is down for updates so I can't get an exact count, but you will miss out on quite a bit of content using an instant level 140 or so character. Keep those points for more important things like expansions, inventory expansion, increasing daily tasks, buying the occasional mithril coins, etc. If you love to craft, yes buy the universal toolkit and pass it around to all of your characters.
Yep, we talk about that in another video :)
I'm honestly thinkin about leaving WoW for this... I played SWTOR for a while and i loved it but wow... man is like a drug. Please, advice: should I like pay right out of the bat? I wanna be able to play progressively and I heard only VIP members can do that
progression servers are VIP only. Try free to play first. Decide later.
Every time I watch one of Renfail's videos, I get about 10 minutes in before I get pumped to go back and play. Someday I may get through an entire one if he would stop psyching me up.
lol cheers!
I couldn't agree more with the "They need to be paid" comment, people complain if it's F2P with purchases, they complain if they need to pay a monthly sub, and then you look at studios like Amazon who really are 'nickle & diming' people. You can't win, these games cost millions to make and maintain. Personally I'd rather pay a monthly sub, but I think those days are long passed for most MMOs unfortunately. There's a reason why so many studios now go down the 'F2P' route, they make more money from you than £10 a month! If you've decided to play a game long term, name something else you can do for hundreds of hours a month for £10 or $10 or whatever your currency is? Lol
Exactly this :)
being a new player should i start on the legendary servers or base ones?
Got your answer here ua-cam.com/video/DAUO2hTgcGw/v-deo.html
I cant even get passed the sign in screen, it says my information is wrong, and its brand new log in info😂
Sounds like a tech support issue. I'm just a content creator. I can't possibly help
I had that issue so I made a new email just for the game alone. Voila! In...
Do you know if the old servers will get the 64bit upgrade in the future or will it remain exclusive to the VIP only servers?
Rolled out in the future on a population-based basis.
My issue remains about the cost and the way they go about it. It doesnt make sense, its confusing and isn't easy for any newer player to understand. An all in one package or even a expansion upgrade path like WoW. It would remove all of this confusion of what content packs to buy quest packs to buy etc.. Charge what you want but make it accessible.. I'm also tired of the complete all the content before buying new content excuse, we get it there's lots of content free and available but its the fact that there's chunks here and there throughout the game that magic walls and quest barriers block you from going in, so even if you wanted to complete all the free content first youd have a hard time finding it all without research.
Have you tried not being poor?
Who else came to these videos because rings of power isn't scratching the LoTR itch
Scratching mine just fine
Wait, how did you move your quest tracker on the map, mine doesn't move (time 04:18)
just mouse click and drag it when the map is open.
Should i go legendary server as new player in europe?
legendary if you've got 15 EU/USD to spare
Love for the forochel hate 😂
hahahahaha :)
Do you get the armor as quest rewards or from vendors?
here ua-cam.com/video/AVf1Sbj8TeE/v-deo.html
@@Renfail thank you!!
You mentioned that you do not "main" LotRO - is there a game that you "main"?
I'm a full-time variety streamer and content creator. Games change on a regular basis. Some are short (15-20 hours), others are longer (150-300 hours), but everything cycles through. Right now we're maining No Man's Sky until Friday, then it's War Within for a few days, then Star Wars Outlaws, then Space Marine 2, then Shattered Space DLC, then Dragon Age: The Veilguard, STALKER 2, and Indiana Jones & The Great Circle (plus whatever crops up in between). Daily streams here and on Twitch at 11 a.m. central.
As a LOTRO player for 107 years (I'm 180 years old, so I started a bit late in life, but I age slowly), thank you for this content.
groovy
Hey Ren. I'm new to LOTRO and your channel. I started playing on the GLADDEN server about 3 months ago. I have a level 73 Champion and I'm about half way through exploring and completing missions in Moria. I became a VIP subscriber and have already spent probably a little over a thousand bucks unlocking the games various mechanics and on some sweet cosmetic items. Honestly, at first I thought the price of everything was extremely predatory, but it is exactly like you said, they've crafted this love letter to the books over 17 years... It's a unique situation in gaming. While I feel the strain on my wallet big time, I'm honestly in love with this game and consider everything I'm spending to be investments since I plan on playing indefinitely. I just wanted to say this little overview was extremely helpful in letting me know I'm playing the game okay. I'm definitely rushing to an extent, but I'm also deliberately spending time going back to clear out areas in over leveled in just to experience the game. I love spending time in a zone I'm equal to in order to get gear for my current level, then I go to areas I'm over leveled for and clear out enemies like I'm a god just to experience the story.
I wanted to thank you for your posts. I know you've been at this a long time, but having a chill dude explain the history of the game like you did in this video was extremely helpful and insightful. All the stuff you mentioned about the history of area releases and what you were doing at the time was really cool info for some like me who wasn't there. It really helps give me context now looking at the map.
enjoy your time in Middle Earth!
I have tried to play once but I’m a social 36 dad. I miss having a group to play with. I tried to play this and gw and I just can’t seem to find people to play with. Gonna give this another download tonight and hopefully this time I can find some people to play with and help keep my attention there. A.d.d so the people is what keep me coming back and less the game to be honest.
What server are you playing?
Mordor server popin off with 1500+ players at 8pm anyone knows how is angmar
fulllll, a lot of players. New like me and veterans as well
chock full, and no one has player numbers :)
@@Renfail but what is number when u press "O" and there is entities or something like that
you had me at craft beer :3
and pipeweed!
For a second I was like: "The Twitch CEO is playing lotr ? "
A tip for new players: Get a goat mount for Moria
Long way away
@@Renfail true, i guess i should have explained it a little bit further.. i'm a new player too, sort of, i'm about to come back to the game from a break, but i was new when i stopped.
since goats are the only mounts that work in the mines and you can get one from a Vendor in one of the starting zones (i forgot which one), it could be a nice thing to sort of keep an eye one, as you play along and enjoy the game
I think I did moria 10 times without a goat, only got a goat for the last couple times. It's actually not as bad as you think because of all the travel points. But if I do it now, yeah, I'd get the mount. Back in the day it was harder to get, had to get high reputation