A Deeper Look Into LoTRO Going F2P
After Turbine succesfully moved Dungeons and Dragons to a Free to Play model they have now announced the same for Lord of the Rings Online!
Let’s have a deeper look at how they intent to set this up:
Is this the same model you used with DDO?
It’s very similar in a large number of ways. The basic structure is the same with some changes made to support LOTRO’s different game world and wide-open environment. Customer levels, the LOTRO Store, and other aspects of LOTRO Free-to-Play are all very similar to those of Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited.
For people that already subscribe to LOTRO. Is there any benefit to staying a subscriber?
Of course! Once the game goes live you’ll keep all your current privileges, and also accrue 500 free Turbine Points per month to spend as you wish. We also have a set of Loyalty Reward Special Offers just for our veteran players – as long as you maintain your subscription in good standing you may be eligible for up to 3,000 points. If you stay active over the summer you will also earn an additional bonus of 500 Turbine Points per month until launch!
What will Free-to-Play mean for people who have a I have a lifetime subscription to LOTRO?
As a lifetime subscriber to LOTRO, you will keep all of your membership privileges and are automatically upgraded to VIP status. You will receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, but you do not have to pay a monthly fee since you are a lifetime member. All you have to do is keep playing the game and visit the LOTRO Store to spend your free Turbine Points. Lifetime members may also qualify for a special one-time Loyalty Reward of 1,000 Turbine Points.
And what about the LOTRO Founders?
As a LOTRO Founder, you automatically become a VIP and will keep all of your membership privileges as long as you pay your monthly fee. You will automatically receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month and you can spend them at your leisure in the LOTRO Store. Founding members may also qualify for a special one-time Loyalty Reward of 500 Turbine Points.
Will there be a Free-to-Play Beta and when will it start?
Yes! The Beta will start in the very near future. We’ll begin accepting signups immediately at www.lotro.com/betasignup!
When does LOTRO F2P go live?
Free-to-Play will go live when Volume 3, Book 2 releases this fall.
Is Free-to-Play the only thing to look forward to for Volume 3, Book2?
No! Volume 3, Book 2 will continue the Volume 3 Epic Story as the Rangers head south. An all new area, Enedwaith, will be available as well as some exciting new features and many updates to the game including DX11 support! We’ll have more information about Volume 3, Book 2 as we approach launch.
