Iconic LOTR characters such as Aragorn, Éowyn, and Éomer will feature in the expansion pack.
The Lord of the Rings Online, the official Lord of the Rings themed MMO made a surprise return to profitability when it adopted the free-to-play model several years ago. It looks like the game is still running quite strong, with developer Turbine announcing the game’s fifth major expansion pack: Helm’s Deep. LOTR nerds will know that Helm’s Deep is a very important location in the LOTR universe, and Turbine has announced that yes, you will be able to partake in “The Battle For Helm’s Deep,” fighting alongside iconic LOTR characters such as Aragorn, Éowyn, and Éomer.
The expansion will raise the level cap from 85 to 95, and add some new skills, as well as updating character specializations. Mounted combat, first introduced in Riders of Rohan, will be expanded upon. As well as the titular Helm’s Deep, you’ll also be able to explore the capital of Edoras, mysterious Dunharrow, and the fortress of the Hornburg.
Players can fight to defend Helm’s Deep starting at level 10. Your character can enlist as a soldier in the Battle of the Hornburg, which the developer promises to be “the most massive battle yet in The Lord of the Rings Online.” Players will earn rewards for their contribution to the war effort, despite the outcome of the battle. It looks like the battles will be some kind of world/instanced event kind of deal that players can partake in multiple times.
“With Helm’s Deep, we’re bringing the War of the Ring to players on a monumental scale,” said Kate Paiz, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online, Turbine. “Our team is thrilled to create another iconic moment in Middle-earth, and put players in the center of the action.”‘
The expansion pack is due out in Fall 2013.
