Players can now download LOTRO and join with millions of other adventurers as they explore the most complete and authentic recreation of Middle-earth ever created and participate in LOTRO’s award-winning story up to level 50 for free. Players can also choose to visit the new LOTRO Store to purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services à la carte, or join the VIP program that provides unlimited access to the game for one low monthly price.

This major update will also extend the game’s epic story and expand the world of Middle-earth with the new region of Enedwaith while continuing to deliver state-of-the-art graphics and gameplay, as well as a rich set of features that until now could only be found in premium subscription-based online games.

“We are thrilled to finally be able to launch LOTRO as a free-to-play game and introduce the new store and updated content in Europe today. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our players for their patience. It is very much appreciated.” said David Solari, Vice President and General Manager of Codemasters Online. “We anticipate the LOTRO’s new free-to-play model will significantly increase our customer base and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Middle-earth.”

The Lord of the Rings Online is the ultimate adventure. This award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most famous fantasy of all time. From the picturesque surroundings of the Shire to Moria, the most fearsome underground realm ever imagined, players will experience the world of Middle-earth for free!

Highlights of the latest update to LOTRO include:

• Volume III, Book 2: The Ride of the Grey Company -- Having sworn to protect the heirs of Isildur, the Dúnedain responded with all haste to the urgent message from Elrond.  Players will join the newly-formed Grey Company in Rivendell as they depart on their journey far from the relative safety of that hidden valley into the new region of Enedwaith.  Book 2 consists of fifteen solo-able chapters full of exploration, exciting combat and a healthy dose of mystery.
• The LOTRO Store is Now Open for Business! -- The LOTRO Store is loaded with thousands of convenience items as well as expansion packs, premium content, additional character slots, potions, character customization and more. The LOTRO Store is seamlessly integrated into the game and lets the player identify new and exciting ways to enhance and customize their experience, using Turbine Points which can be purchased in the Store or earned through gameplay.
• The Return of the Harvest Festival -- When the days shorten and the nights begin to cool, it’s time to celebrate the bounty of the harvest. All the races of Middle-earth celebrate this time and gather at the Bree festival grounds for the Harvestmath events that include bobbing for apples, pumpkin picking and much more.  This year’s festival features a brand new event located in the new Haunted Burrow, a haunted hobbit Fun-house!
• And Much More! – This latest update also introduces the Wardrobe,  a new storage system for cosmetic items that’s available for free to VIP players or can be purchased a la carte from the LOTRO Store, an updated character creation system, a revamped new player experience, the update and addition of “classic” instances featuring repeatable, scalable content, and much more!