LOTRO Volume III Tells Its Tale Today

Turbine today launched the next chapter in the Lord of the Rings Online saga, Volume III: Allies of the King, with the first book in the second digital expansion for the MMO, Book I: Oath of the Rangers. This latest content expansion for LOTRO includes new quests and areas to explore as well as new 2-and 12-player Skirmish modes. Did I mention it’s free for subscribers too?

In a statement, Live Producer Aaron Campbell said “2009 was another outstanding year for LOTRO with Siege of Mirkwood™ earning us another game of the year award while driving solid growth in the population of Middle-earth. Today we continue our journey with the introduction of the third volume of our award-winning story and the addition of new epic battles as we expand our popular Skirmish system.”

This digital release falls in line with Turbine’s strategy of releasing episodic content for the MMO. As someone who latches onto a good story much more than grinding or PvP, it’s a strategy that strikes me as interesting. For me, new quests and environments always trump new loot or level caps. It’s a fitting strategy too – as one of the most story-driven MMOs around, LOTRO’s distribution method seems like the perfect match for the content being put out.

But enough of this strategy mumbo-jumbo. You want to know what this release brings to you, the LOTRO-playing public. We’ll let Turbine elaborate a bit more on what Oath of the Rangers includes:

Introducing Volume III: Allies of the King – The epic story continues with Volume III which will introduce players to new lands, new threats, and new adventures, as the tide of destiny pushes them ever onwards into danger.  Book 1: Oath of the Rangers begins in Rivendell, where Elrond and his sons try to decipher the meaning of Galadriel’s mysterious message. One thing is clear: if Aragorn has need of the Dúnedain, they will have to be found throughout the wilderness of Eriador and summoned forth with as much haste as can be managed. Players who have experience with the wide lands west of the Misty Mountains are called upon to bring word to the Rangers of the mission that awaits them.

More Skirmishes! – The critically acclaimed Skirmish system introduced with Siege of Mirkwood™ has been a huge hit for LOTRO players.  With over ten million Skirmishes completed, Book 1 will introduce a brand new Skirmish that will take players back to the Rift of Angmar as well as several new additions to the system.  Until today, players could only experience Skirmishes in Solo, 3-player and Small Fellowship modes, Book 1 introduces the new Duo Mode which will now let 2 players and their soldiers team up for epic battles throughout Middle-earth.  Additionally, players will now be able to experience four new 12-player Skirmishes.

Celebrate the Spring Festival! – The Spring Festival returns to Middle-earth from March 22^nd through April 19^th.  The world will come together in celebration as the free people of Middle-earth enjoy the season with special decorations, festive costumes and special quests including the return of the Hedge Maze and the introduction of the new arena in Duillond.

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