The Lord of the Rings Online is the ultimate interactive adventure, join the world’s greatest fellowship of players in the faithful online re-creation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendary Middle-earth.

This 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 beloved fantasy of all time.

From the crumbling, shadowed ruins of Weathertop to the ageless, golden wood of Lothlórien, or the picturesque surroundings of the Shire to Moria, the most fearsome underground realm ever imagined, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before.

Visit the peaceful, verdant fields of the Shire, brave the dark depths of the Mines of Moria, and raise a pint at the Prancing Pony in Bree!

Today at Devcom, Standing Stone Games announced Before the Shadow, the next mini-expansion for The Lord of the Rings Online during the studio’s panel titled The Joys & Challenges of Bringing Middle-earth to Life in a Persistent World.

The panel included Chris Pierson (Lead Worldbuilder), Marcy Brown (Senior Localization Coordinator), Ryan Penk (Game Designer), Sarah Beth Libby (Office Manager) and Jerry Snook (Community Manager), as they discussed their learnings of developing and maintaining the fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien in the highly competitive MMO space. 

Before the Shadow focuses on early levels of the game. The new mini-expansion will send players into two new regions, Swanfleet and Cardolan, as Boromir makes his way north to Rivendell ahead of the meeting of what will eventually become the Fellowship of the Ring while the Nazgûl search for “Baggins” in the peaceful land of the Shire. Players will discover the threat rising from Mordor and Saruman's Uruks as they explore the far history of Middle-earth.

Before the Shadow features questing from levels 1 to 32, in addition to four new Books for new characters. Higher level characters will see a new six-person Instance, a new Skirmish, and a Delving difficulty system that will offer new rewards and challenges.

There is plenty more to say about Before the Shadow, so players can expect more information about new content and special incentives for VIPs as we get closer to its planned pre-purchase availability in late September.

Key Features:

• Explore the Massive World of Middle-earth: Immerse yourself in the award-winning recreation of the beloved fantasy world of J.R.R. Tolkien through renowned locations including the Shire, the Mines of Moria, and Lothlórien.
• Create & Advance Your Hero: Advance to level 140 with thousands of character customization possibilities. 7 races, 11 classes, 10 professions, 7 vocations, plus over 1,000 titles, skills and traits
• Solo & Co-op Skirmishes: Dive into instant adventure alongside friends or customizable AI soldiers in exciting, scalable battles!
• Legendary Items: Design and customize your own legendary weapons of immense power like Bilbo’s Sting or Gandalf’s Glamdring!
• Play as a Monster: Fight as a servant of Sauron against other players in intense PvMP Combat!
• Craft Your Own Gear: Farm crops in the fertile fields of the Shire or let your hammer ring in the Dwarven halls Ered Luin.
• Free Online Play: No monthly fees required.

The Lord of the Rings Online is available for PC (Steam).