Beta Testing Begins for Update 36 on LOTRO Test Server

Update 36 for The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) has entered its beta testing phase on the Bullroarer test server. This update brings forth a plethora of new content, including the introduction of King’s Gondor, a level 140 region set after the Battle of Pelennor Fields and the Great Wedding of Aragorn and Arwen.

King’s Gondor, known for its bright and sunny fields and hills, offers players a fresh experience in an old region. While retaining the familiar navigation elements of the original Central and Eastern Gondor regions, King’s Gondor introduces new areas with previously impassable regions opened up for exploration.

To reach King’s Gondor, players need to travel south from Minas Tirith (After Battle) through the Pelennor Fields. Questing commences in this area of the Pelennor Fields and an under-construction version of The Harlond. However, it’s important to note that the Epic Book is currently unavailable during this beta testing phase.

During the beta testing of Update 36, players will have the opportunity to experience the reworked Landscape Difficulty setting system introduced in the Treebeard update. The Paths of Valour, a new Faction and reward structure, can be advanced by playing on higher difficulty settings. By speaking with the Hardened Traveller, players can activate their preferred difficulty setting and embark on challenging quests to increase their challenges on the roads of Middle-earth.

Completing quests on higher difficulties may reward players with Tokens of Valour, which can be used to complete weekly tasks from the Hardened Traveller, increasing reputation with the Paths of Valour faction. Additionally, titles are available for players who activate a difficulty of 3 or higher and maintain it throughout specific level ranges.

Delvings, a new feature in Update 36, have been added to several instances, including Glinghant, Haudh Valandil, Ost Elendil, Sambrog, Thadûr, and The Maze. Delving Barter Vendors and Mission Givers can now be found in all Skirmish Camps, making it easier for players to turn in delving quests.

In the Ettenmoors, the PvP region of LOTRO, a new siege mechanic has been introduced. Towers such as Lugazag and Tirith Rhaw can now have gates established at their entrances and on the top of the stairs. With the addition of siege weaponry, players can utilize schematics to build ballistae, catapults, and battering rams to tear down gates and defend the towers’ walls. Commendations can be used to purchase these schematics.

Furthermore, adjustments have been made to the commendation and renown/infamy gains in fellowships and raids. Raids of 24 players now yield fewer rewards, and the value of defeating higher rank players has been increased, while lower-ranked players are worth fewer points.

The beta testing phase for Update 36 on the LOTRO test server began on May 10 and is scheduled to conclude on May 12 at approximately 5:00 PM EDT. Players are encouraged to provide feedback and report any issues encountered during their testing.