In this series, I talk about various aspects of The Lord of the Rings Online. This series is meant for newcomers, but may also help veteran players find more to love about the game.
Back in the very first entry of this series (#1: What Is It?), I gave brief descriptions about each of the 7 expansions available at that time. Now that you know a lot more about the game, this entry is going to outline those Expansions in greater detail as well as the Quest Packs that are in between or included.
Before we get into it, please note that the benefit of purchasing Expansions as Expansions it that they come with more than just quest content -- sometimes with raids, improvements to skirmish ranks, and classes that released with the content. But if you already bought some of that separately, you can save some money by purchasing the quest packs you want instead. If the item is listed as an Expansion below, know that you can either buy the entire Expansion or the listed Quest Packs individually. Be sure to read the Store description carefully and compare it to what your Account lists as owned before spending your precious points!
Shadows of Angmar (Original Release)
When LOTRO first launched, it included areas that allowed you to reach level 50. This included 5 areas which you can now purchase as quest packs:
- North Downs (18-40): Formerly the once-great northern kingdom of Arthedain, assist the Rangers of Esteldin in fighting the forces of orcs, Dourhands and trolls, and bring a full fellowship with you as you venture into the fallen city of kings, Fornost.
- Lone-lands (22-32): Home to the renowned Weather-top, this land was once part of the kingdom of Rhudaur but is now little more than savage wilderness in which The Eglain work hard to live as they fight against hordes in the service of Angmar and the White Hand.
- Trollshaws (35-50): A wilderness overrun with trolls and other wild creatures, this land was once populated by Hillmen who have since faded away with the sundered kingdom of Rhudaur. Hidden beyond the River Bruinen, however, is the elven refuge of Rivendell where Lord Elrond Half-elven leads the White Council. From here, the Fellowship departs on its fateful journey.
- Misty Mountains (39-50): Heading into the mountains to the source of the River Bruinen, there are fierce men, wild creatures, wargs, giants, and the dark depths of Goblin-town. Darkness stirs in the fallen dwarven fortress of Helegrod where ancient evil is plotting against the Free People.
- Angmar (40-52): A veritable bastion of darkness, the land of the Witch King himself is rife with dangerous foes and timeless evils. Venture into Carn Dum, Urugarth and Barad Gularan if you're brave enough, and muster a large group of allies to face the ancient evil deep within The Rift.
Evendim (32-40): The first additional area to the base game, the massive Lake has overtaken much of the old city of kings, Annuminas. The forces of Angmar are hard at work delving for things they ought not to have, amid growing forces of brigands, goblins, wargs, giants and more. The evil must be kept in check to prevent it from spilling into the Shire to the south.
Forochel (39-52): North of Evendim lies the great frozen expanse that is home to the Lossoth. Explore along the icy bay and discover the history of the line of kings while thwarting the evil Dourhands, wraiths, wyrms, beasts, and Angmarim. Just don't try swimming anywhere.
Mines of Moria Expansion
The first big expansion to the game remains a very popular one! Ranging from the variety of areas to quest through to a myriad of dungeon instances, gear, legendary items, the Rune-keeper and Warden classes, and music by our favorite composer, Chance Thomas, there are countless things for players to love about this expansion. The expansion includes 3 areas which can be purchased as quest packs:
- Eregion (45-55): The elves once inhabited Eregion before tragedy and betrayal forced them to flee to the safety of Rivendell. The ruins of the elves are now being scoured for relics by all manner of evils. Long undisturbed also is the Hollin Gate, the outskirts of Moria.
- Moria (51-60): The long lost home of the Longbeards, the enormous region under the mountains has been overrun with orcs, goblins, wargs, trolls, and nameless evils. The Iron Garrison works to reclaim it for the dwarves.
- Lothlorien (55-60): The elves of Lorien are invested in making sure evils within Moria are subdued since the western door opens up to their golden wood. You will assist them under their talans in the trees, as well as fighting in the depths of the toughest dungeons in Moria.
Siege of Mirkwood Expansion
Join the elves in taking on the evils of Dol Guldur and the many foul things that have tainted the once green wood! The expansion includes just the one area which can be purchased as a quest pack:
- Mirkwood (60-65): Celeborn has sent the Malledhrim to harry the armies of Dol Goldur to mask the passage of the Fellowship. Help lay siege to the many corners of Dol Goldur and the surrounding landscape dangers.
Enedwaith (60+): The Rangers of the Grey Company begin to journey to Gondor to meet Aragorn. Their path takes them through dangerous lands where the power of the White Wizard has sown dark and troubling seeds.
Rise of Isengard Expansion
Saruman is up to no good, so of course you need to make your way to the lands surrounding the fortress of Nan Curunir. From Rangers to Rohirrim, you'll have plenty to do -- even in the very depths of Isengard! The expansion includes three areas, which are what you get if you purchase Isengard quest pack: Dunland, Gap of Rohan, Nan Curunir (66-75).
Great River (72-75): Following the Anduin from Lothlorien towards Rohan, the area of the Great River comprises of Easterlings, brigands and ancient evils, as well as allies of Isengard and Barad Dur. It'll be up to you to help thwart plans to attack Rohan, as well as address troubling forces at work in Limlight Gorge with the help of friends.
Riders of Rohan Expansion
This was the first expansion to the game that I encountered, and I was so glad that it was! We find ourselves entering the sprawling lands of the horse-lords, and acquire our very own war-steeds for Mounted Combat. We also reach the point where the Fellowship breaks apart and splits off into different branches of the story. This expansion includes all of Eastern Rohan (75-85).
Wildermore (83-85): A remote area of Eastern Rohan hit with an unnatural and fierce winter as a result of the White Wizard's control of a stone giant in the area. If the people of Wildermore are to survive, you must help the refugees, defeat the evil forces ravaging the villages in the wake of the giant, and find out how to defeat the deadly winter.
Helm's Deep Expansion
Moving westward, we reach the troubled throne of the King, the struggle of his niece to aid the people, and the many necessary preparations for war at the great fortress of Helm's Deep. This expansion introduced us to Big Battles, putting us in charge of directing soldiers, ensuring supplies are on hand, the building of siege weapons, and ensuring success against all enemies! This expansion includes all of Western Rohan (85-95).
Western Gondor (95-100): Spanning from the Paths of the Dead all the way to beautiful seaside city of Dol Amroth, learn the history of the oath made by the Oathbreakers at the Stone of Erech, and face off against dangerous Corsairs.
Central Gondor (100): Haradrim and Corsairs have fallen upon the city of Pelargir, and the land is crawling with orcs and other foul things. Fight against those who pillage and burn!
Eastern Gondor (100): Plans are in motion for Aragorn to thwart the enemy from the ships overtaken at Pelargir, and you must do your part in the besieged city of Osgiliath -- all while preparing for the assault against Minas Tirith.
Old Anorien (100): This quest pack includes Talath Anor, Pelennor, Minas Tirith. Enemies have overrun Osgiliath and enemies swarm Minas Tirith from all sides.
Far Anorien (100-105): This quest pack includes The Beacon Hills, Taur Druadan. The Rohirrim are coming to the aid of Minas Tirith, and their success hinges upon the help of the Woses.
March of the King (105): This quest pack includes Anorien (After Battle), Ithilien. Minas Tirith has been saved, and now Aragorn is taking the fight toward Mordor.
Battle of the Black Gate (105): This quest pack includes The Wastes, the lands just outside the Morannon where Sauron is readying to take on the newly-returned King, unaware of the Ring-bearer's movements.
Mordor Expansion
Those brave enough to contend with the lingering evil beyond the Black Gate will travel onto the land of Mordor and learn that there are many dark powers now in a power struggle in the wake of Sauron's defeat -- and those powers need to be stopped! This expansion includes all of the Plateau of Gorgoroth (105-115).
Legacy of the Necromancer (115): This quest pack takes place in the Strongholds of the North (Eryn Lasgalen and the Dale-lands), where stands Erebor, Dale, Lake-town and the elven settlement of Felegoth.
Where Dragons Dwell (115-120): This quest pack takes place in the Iron Hills, Ered Mithrin and Withered Heath.
Minas Morgul Expansion
There are things in the past that must be experienced and dealt with to understand how to manage the problems of the present, and this expansion takes you all the way back to the Second Age in Mordor and the Morgul Vale (120-130)
The Vales of Anduin (120): The Vales are an area in between the Misty Mountains, Northern Mirkwood, Lothlorien, and Wells of Langflood. It is the land of the Beornings, the Great Eagles, the rustic Woodmen, and even Radagast the Brown.
Mists of Wilderland (130): This quest pack takes place in the Wells of Langflood. Beornings, dwarves and Great Eagles all have an interest in keeping this area safe from the likes of Gundabad to the north.
The War of Three Peaks Expansion
The most recent expansion is more of a miniature one, giving us the Elderslade region which leads to Gundabad. The expansion focuses on Missions, setting us up for the next big expansion where the dwarves undertake the monumental effort of reclaiming Gundabad. The benefit of the Missions is that lower levels can participate in them as well, making the content more widely accessible -- while questing will be limited to level-cap characters in Elderslade (130).
The Wildwood of Bree-land is the next area to be added to the game very soon, and will be mid-40's in level.
What's your favorite quest area in LOTRO? Let me know in the comments or tag me @spottedsnark on Twitter!
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