About The Lord of the Rings Online
The Lord of the Rings Online (commonly known as LOTRO or LotRO) is a free-to-play MMORPG set in the legendary world of Middle-earth, inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. First released for Windows on , the game is developed by Standing Stone Games and published by Daybreak Game Company. With over a decade of updates and expansions, LOTRO continues to offer new adventures, regions, and stories for players of all levels.
Step into the epic timeline of The Lord of the Rings and join the fight against the Shadow while forging your own heroic path. Whether you’re aiding Frodo Baggins on his perilous journey or defending the borders of Bree-land, your legend unfolds alongside the Fellowship. Choose from eight races and eleven classes, each echoing the spirit of beloved characters like Bilbo, Gimli, and Elrond. Elves begin in the serene forests of Ered Luin, while Hobbits start among the rolling hills of the Shire. Classes range from stealthy Burglars and healing Minstrels to powerful Lore-masters and stalwart Guardians—offering a playstyle for every adventurer.
Learn more about LOTRO races and classes to choose your ideal character.
Choosing a Server
LOTRO offers six servers, split between the USA and Europe:
| Region | Server Name | Type |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Sting | Standard |
| USA | Glamdring | Standard |
| USA | Peregrin | RP |
| Europe | Grond | Standard |
| Europe | Orcrist | Standard |
| Europe | Meriadoc | RP |
RP servers (Role-Play) like Peregrin and Meriadoc are ideal for players seeking immersive storytelling and community-driven events. With fewer servers overall, it’s easier to find active players across all levels.
Tip: Press O in-game to open the Social window, where you can find fellow adventurers open to grouping—filtered by level or class.
Starting Out
New to LOTRO? Begin with the Tutorial, which equips your character with basic gear and introduces your chosen class. After completing the Introduction, you’ll enter your race’s starter zone, where quests guide you to around level 15. Use the quest tracker to stay organized, and check your mailbox for gifts. Around level 10, you’ll unlock crafting professions—tailoring, cooking, and more—which add depth to your journey and economy.
Early Leveling Guide (Levels 1 - 21)
| Region | Level Range | Quests | Deeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 1–5 | — | — |
| Ered Luin | 5–15 | 80+ | 26 |
| The Shire | 5–15 | 100+ | 30 |
| Bree-land | 5–25 | 200+ | 72 |
| Swanfleet | 5–15 | 100+ | 18 |
Each region offers a rich blend of quests, lore, and exploration. Ered Luin is peaceful and coastal, while Bree-land introduces bustling towns and darker threats. The Shire is whimsical and ideal for lore lovers, and Swanfleet offers a newer experience with striking visuals. Use stable-masters to fast-travel between hubs, and don’t forget to set your milestone skill to a favorite location for quick returns.
Community and Roleplay
LOTRO’s community is one of its greatest strengths. Players can join kinships—akin to guilds—for camaraderie, shared quests, and crafting support. Role-players thrive on RP servers, where in-character events and player-run markets bring Middle-earth to life. Seasonal festivals like the Spring Festival or Yule Festival offer mini-games, cosmetics, and social fun beyond combat.
Latest Expansion
Social