In a new producer's letter, The Lord of the Rings Online detailed some fo the myriad changes players can expect to see over the next quarter. Looming large on the horizon is the shut down of the original Legendary World, Anor. However, players can also expect to see some welcome changes, including expanding some classes to races previously unable to use them.
In the latest producer's letter, Standing Stone Games' producer Oleg "Raninia" Brodskiy detailed some of the upcoming changes to the long-running MMORPG. Importantly, if you've been enjoying your romp in the original Legendary World of Anor, that will be coming to a close.
Raninia states that the team is "encouraging players there to say their goodbyes" as the studio offers free transfers to the other live worlds. However, players on Shadowfax and Treebeard are safe - for now. The move will happen on August 31st, the same day Shadowfax prances into Far Anorien and the Wastes.
"Around this time, we’ll be bidding farewell to our first Legendary World of Anor, encouraging players there to say their goodbyes, remember their journeys and the friendships they made, and prepare to move to a live world with their memories! We’ll be offering free transfers from Anor onto any of the live worlds."
In the letter, Raninia lifted the veil on a major update coming to the MMO since its inception. Many of the different classes in The Lord of the Rings Online are restricted by what race you play. As such, Elves can't be Burglars, while Humans are unable to shoot Sith Lightning out of their fingertips as Runekeepers.
However, this will be changing, as LotRO is lifting some of these restrictions. As such, Dwarves of all varieties will be able to take on the role of Captains and Wardens, while Elves (both High and Grey) will see a bit of Burglary in their future. Runekeepers are coming to the race of Men as well, while Hobbits can weild spells and dual swords as Lore-masters and Champions, respectively. This change is coming sometime in September.
Update 33.1 is coming in late July, bringing with it a new "Further Adventure" set with the twin Sons of Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir.
"Soon after Frodo's rescue from the Ford of Bruinen, the scouts of Rivendell venture forth, seeking news on the Enemy and his servants. Lord Elrond has given his sons, Elladan and Elrohir, a secret errand. Join the twins on their journey from Rivendell to the distant land of Lothlórien!"
Summer events will soon be in full swing also as the Treasure Bugan event, as well as the Farmer's Faire are set to return later in the season. Additionally, mid-August will see the third season of LotRO's battle pass-esque Legendary Item Reward Track. August will also see the MMO discontinue its macOS client.
You can read the full producer's letter on the official website. The Lord of the Rings Online is celebrating its 15th anniversary, having given away much of LotRO's early content for free, allowing players to play up to level 95 without spending a dime should they choose not to do so. Raninia closes the letter hinting at "big surprises" to still come later this year.
