There was a big Lord of the Rings Online Event in Birmingham this weekend (which i didn’t make it to unfortunately), however, they did announce the first retail expansion for Lord of the Rings Online. The Mines of Moria! Players will enter the the city of Khazad-dûm (to use it’s Dwarven name) just after the Fellowship has made it through… well… some of them did… ;) It’ll be one continuous area designed for high level adventurers, and is the first time players have had the chance to leave the kingdom of Eriador, and explore more of Middle Earth.
The Mines of Moria expansion starts Volume II of The Lord of the Rings Online epic quest lines, with 6 new books to play through introducing more familiar faces from the Lord of the Rings mythology.
The’s also an increase in the level cap from 50 to 60, and the introduction of 2 new classes. The Rune-keeper and the Warden (although no details on those as yet).
Crafters are getting some new toys as well, with the ability to forge legendary items. This lets players build weapons and class-related equipment that levels-up along with the player, and can be named, evole, be customised and modified, and have the potential to become as legendary as Sting or Glamdring.
The expansion also includes new group instances for 3, 5, 12 or 24 players, monster play enhancements, leaderboards, more dynamic lighting effects, improved AI, and a opportunity to join the Fellowship in Lorien.
Lord of the Rings Online Volume II – The Mines of Moria is due for release in Autumn 08.
Click here for the Press Release
Click here for the The Mines of Moria website
