Standing Stone Games & LOTRO Now & Going Into 2018

The latest producer's letter for Lord of the Rings Online has been published that lays the groundwork for what players can expect going to 2018. The letter begins with a recap of 2017 including the fact that this was year one for Standing Stone Games as well as taking players beyond the Black Gate.

Update 22 will bring Northern Mirkwood into the game as well as other locations including Thranduil's Court, Dale, Laketown and Erebor. The update is planned for deployment sometime after the turn of the year. Update 2.3 gets a bit of a teaser as well with new housing items that will be found in the Abyss of Mordath raid (coming by the end of 2017) as well as other items purchased through the Quartermaster and in Gorgoroth Lootboxes. 

The Yule Festival is getting some new things as well including a woodland crown, a new Winter dress, and a Yule-themed cloak. Players will also be happy to hear that an Elk mount and two new cosmetic pets will be added.

Other items of note either already underway or starting development soon include:

• update of character avatars starting with the Hobbit and Dwarf
• the Fiddle is being added as a new musical instrument
• well-know moments from the Trilogy will be added including the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen, Shelob and a visit to Minas Morgul
• class skills and powers will be tweaked as well as player power from the Legendary Item system
• the Anniversary event will get a facelift as well as other yearly events

You can read the full details on the Lord of the Rings Online forum.