I beta-tested this game and followed it over to launch, but started on the EU servers at the time (Codemasters lolz). After a few months, I came to the NA servers and played for a while. I quit shortly after the Mines of Moria came out. Once you ground out all the classes to max, play Freeps vs. Creeps, etc. there wasn't much to do. So, just like any game, time to move on.

Now it's 2021 and I stepped back into the game. With all the new content, which I haven't even touched, there is so much to do. This game is amazing simply for capturing Middle-Earth and all the iconic places. One thing I liked was the Warden class because of the gambits. Also, the legendary item system is pretty neat and there are very few games that have such a system. I haven't played mounted combat yet, but I am looking forward to that when I get to Rohan. You can solo much of the game unlike before since the addition of scaled instances and level boosts (you have to purchase these). One thing I should mention is using plugins, which are player-generated programs that help your experience (e.g. annotated map, inventory management, etc.). Don't get me started on the LotRO store, since there are so many items in there just from a quality of life aspect. You can use points that you get in game to buy helpful things, like accelerating slayer deeds.

Hindsight is always 20/20, so should I have stayed on this MMO since the start?...probably. This game is still going and like others (SWTOR), there is new content still coming. I only play VIP, which is my opinion is just more convenient with the perks. Also, you have to unlock content, which I did, so I cannot tell you the F2P experience. I would assume it would be a hinderance, unless you are going to only play a hour a week.

Tl;dr: If you are excited about the series coming out next year and want to dive into Middle-Earth, this is a game worth playing even casually.

I beta-tested this game and followed it over to launch, but started on the EU servers at the time (Codemasters lolz). After a few months, I came to the NA servers and played for a while. I quit shortly after the Mines of Moria came out. Once you ground out all the classes to max, play Freeps vs. Creeps, etc. there wasn't much to do. So, just like any game, time to move on. Now it's 2021 and I stepped back into the game. With all the new content, which I haven't even touched, there is so much to do. This game is amazing simply for capturing Middle-Earth and all the iconic places. One thing I liked was the Warden class because of the gambits. Also, the legendary item system is pretty neat and there are very few games that have such a system. I haven't played mounted combat yet, but I am looking forward to that when I get to Rohan. You can solo much of the game unlike before since the addition of scaled instances and level boosts (you have to purchase these). One thing I should mention is using plugins, which are player-generated programs that help your experience (e.g. annotated map, inventory management, etc.). Don't get me started on the LotRO store, since there are so many items in there just from a quality of life aspect. You can use points that you get in game to buy helpful things, like accelerating slayer deeds. Hindsight is always 20/20, so should I have stayed on this MMO since the start?...probably. This game is still going and like others (SWTOR), there is new content still coming. I only play VIP, which is my opinion is just more convenient with the perks. Also, you have to unlock content, which I did, so I cannot tell you the F2P experience. I would assume it would be a hinderance, unless you are going to only play a hour a week. Tl;dr: If you are excited about the series coming out next year and want to dive into Middle-Earth, this is a game worth playing even casually.