Thread: Confused new LOTRO F2P player

Hello and thanks in advance. I am new to LOTRO and this type of game. I have always wanted to play an MMO but did not want to pay a monthly fee to do it. But now that I have played the F2P for a couple weeks I am hooked. What really sucks are the things that are locked out like the extra trait slots and the shared vault. Here are my questions and they are based on not paying the monthly fee.

1. What do I need to purchase in ways of expansion packs to get all the content that is out there?
2. Buying these expansion packs will they give me more character slots and will they unlock things like the extra trait slots, shared vault, extra character slots, and premium characters?

I tried searching all the forums and web for answers but it seemed like most people were not sure. Also please be specific with your answers if you can and with not to many acronyms.

Thanks a million

Originally Posted by cgean

Here are my questions and they are based on not paying the monthly fee.

1. What do I need to purchase in ways of expansion packs to get all the content that is out there?
- First you'd need to buy every single zone in the game and then the 2 expansion (MoM & SoM) packs. While you can grind for these and never pay a cent, the overriding factor there is GRIND. Look for a thread called playing for Free or something like that. A player has laid it all out on how each zone can give you the points needed for the next zone etc....
2. Buying these expansion packs will they give me more character slots and will they unlock things like the extra trait slots, shared vault, extra character slots, and premium characters?
- Zones no, Expansion packs: Character slots yes (MoM gives 2 more, SoM 2 more), extra trait slots ?, shared vault No, Warden & RK Yes

This is one of those cases where playing totally free is doable but signing up for a monthly sub (the more months the less it costs) might actually be cheaper in the long run.

Originally Posted by cgean

1. What do I need to purchase in ways of expansion packs to get all the content that is out there?

To get all the content without a monthly fee, you would need to purchase:

• all the quest packs from level 20ish-50 (basically all the packs prior to Mines of Moria)
• unlocks for your character bag slots (2 purchases)
• unlocks for your trait slots
• unlock for the gold cap
• the Mines of Moria expansion
• the Mirkwood expansion
• possibly additional skirmish content (not sure on this one)

2. Buying these expansion packs will they give me more character slots and will they unlock things like the extra trait slots, shared vault, extra character slots, and premium characters?

Buying anything with real money will bring your subscription up from Free to Premium. That will give an extra character slot. The Mines of Moria expansion will add 2 more character slots and unlock the Warden and Rune-keeper classes.

Things like Shared Storage and Shared Wardrobe will need to be purchased separately in the store. Up to 50 slots in each, purchased in increments.

Do what this guy said for the fastest and cheapest way to unlock stuff and get VIP status. Basically it's 20$ for SoA and Moria + 2 months VIP, 1000 TP and warden/RK, then you can use the points you got to buy Mirkwood from the shop when you get to lvl 60. After that you pretty much have everything even if you're not paying monthly, 5 character slots, no gold cap, all the classes, all the quest/instance content, nothing more you need. Everything beyond this is basically fluff.

Originally Posted by Fringe

If you purchase MoM via the LOTRO Store it will only giving you access to Moria at 2495 Turbine Points (roughly $24.95). If you want access to the content that came prior to MoM you will need to purchase those Quest Packs separately.

Here's what I recommended to a friend a couple months ago and has been playing very happily since:

1. Purchase the Lord of the Rings Online - Shadows of Angmar Premium CD-Key (US)

This will give you access to all earlier content up to MoM. It will also give you 30-days free VIP and 500 Turbine Points to spend in the store.

2. Purchase the Lord of the Rings Online - Mines of Moria (US)

This will give you access to all MoM content including quests, Rune-Keeper, Warden, etc. It will also give you another 30-days free VIP that stacks with your original 30-days free and another 500 Turbine Points.

3. Purchase the Mirkwood Quest Pack via the LOTRO Store with the free Turbine Points that you just got from the other two purchases.

In the end you will have access to everything with 60-days free VIP access and the opportunity to subscribe at $30 for 3 months ($10 per month paid up front) once those free 60-days have expired. Thereby you will be a VIP subscriber at $30 for your first 5 months and have access to everything without "needing" anything else.

Note: The only exception is the Mirkwood Soldier upgrade that you can get later.

Also note that with each paid month of VIP you get another 500 Turbine Points to spend as you wish. So that $30 investment after the first free 60-days includes 1500 Turbine Points. The best points package available (normally) equates 1 TP to 1 U.S. Dollar so that's equivalent to spending $15 on 3 month VIP & $15 on points. Anyway you look at it it's a win-win situation.

This is the best deal that I've seen to date. Good luck and have fun.

Ok you guys rock...thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I will be buying the packs per the post originally from Fringe. This is definitly a fun game and I am hooked...lol.

Thanks guys for all the advice and help...definitly looking forward to the premium classes...

Careful! Fringe's quoted statement is a bit misleading. Purchasing Shadows of Angmar does NOT get you "access to all earlier content up to MoM" except during the included 30 days of VIP time. When that runs out, you drop to Premium status, and the quest packs after Lone Lands become inaccessible. Of course, if you follow the rest of Fringe's advice to obtain a few months of VIP time plus Moria and Mirkwood, it may not matter.

Originally Posted by emerac

Careful! Fringe's quoted statement is a bit misleading. Purchasing Shadows of Angmar does NOT get you "access to all earlier content up to MoM" except during the included 30 days of VIP time. When that runs out, you drop to Premium status, and the quest packs after Lone Lands become inaccessible. Of course, if you follow the rest of Fringe's advice to obtain a few months of VIP time plus Moria and Mirkwood, it may not matter.

This is a good reminder.

Going VIP for a minimum of one month is about the best deal around. The key to this goodness is knowing what characters you might want to play in the future, and creating them. This permanently unlocks a lot of stuff (for any characters created during the VIP time) that you'd otherwise have to purchase piecemeal from the Store. The deal right now for 3 months at $10 a month is a great deal, since it gives you 1500 TP and lots of time to figure out what kind of characters you might enjoy playing. If you're a one-character player, then the 3 month deal may or may not be moot.

Another caveat to be aware of is that whether you go VIP for some period or not, you'll have to buy the Moria and Mirkwood expansion quest packs, if you want to have quest access to these areas.

Glad you're enjoying the game, hope you continue to do so for a long while!

Is that gametimezone a legit site? Seems like a good deal.

I highly suggest reading the official F2P/Premium/VIP FAQ:

http://forums.lotro.com/showthread.p...e-2-Play-F-A-Q

It will answer most if not all of your questions, plus a few you have not thought of yet.

Originally Posted by emerac

Careful! Fringe's quoted statement is a bit misleading. Purchasing Shadows of Angmar does NOT get you "access to all earlier content up to MoM" except during the included 30 days of VIP time. When that runs out, you drop to Premium status, and the quest packs after Lone Lands become inaccessible. Of course, if you follow the rest of Fringe's advice to obtain a few months of VIP time plus Moria and Mirkwood, it may not matter.

This is true and a good point to mention. I clarified this in the thread that my quote came from but didn't think to edit my original post (I have done so now in case others read it). Here is what I had to say about this in the other thread:

While you get permanent access to MoM you won't get it for SoA (only during the VIP time). After that you will need to buy Quest Packs or subscribe. The SoA code is only good if you're interesting in getting a month VIP and 500 TP for $6.

The SoA code is a one shot deal...meaning that in order to take advantage of the savings offered you must apply the code prior to applying the MoM code.

Originally Posted by Anakis

Is that gametimezone a legit site? Seems like a good deal.

Yes, it is a legit site. I have personally used it for my roommates SoA & MoM codes. Within a couple minutes of the purchase they called me to verify that I had in fact made the purchase. Within a couple minutes after the phone call the codes were emailed to me and worked without any problems. This was nearly two months ago and she hasn't had any issues what-so-ever.

I have personally used sites like this over the past 8 years without a single problem. I've researched each site that I've used and once I've decided to use them they all have worked pretty much the same way (verification phone call, emailed code, up and running within 10 minutes of purchase).

I'm too old and too broke to be wasting my time with scummy scam sites so I do my due diligence and wouldn't recommend it otherwise. Obviously, your milage may vary and I can't absolutely guarantee that you won't have problems but in my case, I did not and therefore I'm willing to pass along the word accordingly.

EDIT: Had to change a word that was filtered out. I generally don't curse on forum boards so I was surprised that it was considered as such.

Best of luck and have fun.

I really have to thank everyone here. The advice is great. I bought both expansion packs from the links Fringe provided and had the codes within 10 minutes. Was really simple and an easy upgrade. I got the two months free VIP and I probably will continue with the $10 a month special on membership afterwards. I started a Ruin Keeper last night and I think I am in love...lol.

One last question ...when do the turbine points get applied to my account for the VIP membership?

Thanks

Originally Posted by cgean

IOne last question ...when do the turbine points get applied to my account for the VIP membership?

Points will usually be applied within 48 hours of a subscription's payment clearing. I am not sure how that works with codes applying VIP time, but if you should get points and don't see them in 2 days, contact Account Support and ask them to check on it.

Originally Posted by cgean

One last question ...when do the turbine points get applied to my account for the VIP membership?

I originally might have stated somewhere that the 1000 TP (500 from each code) was applied right away but after speaking with my roommate she states that 500 TP was in her account within 24 hours of the purchase and another 500 was available 30 days later for the second code.

Thanks for the tip Fringe. Gametimezone was pretty spiffy as well

Originally Posted by Anakis

Thanks for the tip Fringe. Gametimezone was pretty spiffy as well

It was my pleasure, with the help of others of course.

I'm glad that it all worked out for you and that you're up and running. I only post such info because I enjoy the game and I personally know what it's like to be on a tight budget. Best of luck and enjoy your ride.

I've got a couple related questions that I can't really find a clear answer for that I hope someone can... clarify.

I purchased the game a couple years ago before they implemented F2P but didn't play for more than a month or so. I believe I also had purchased MoM as when I signed up for F2P I was already "Premium" and able to make RK and Wardens, but I am not sure how to confirm what I purchased and when.

The question I have is, if I have already previously purchased the original game and MoM (before F2P) will I be able to purchase SoA and/or MoM, apply the keys and get the 30 free days and free TP? Or am I out of luck.

Hi,

A couple quick clarification questions if you don't mind...

Is there any difference between the MoM box on Amazon and the key on Gametimezone? I'm already playing F2P so I'm thinking I have everything installed and just need a key to unlock.

Is the reason to buy SoA key to get 500TP and 30 days VIP - any other reason?

I'm glad I stumbled on this thread. I had been wondering if I could just get the key for MoM to enjoy all the VIP perks (and then fall back to Premium account after 30 days) or if I had to order the actual box version from Amazon or wherever else it can be found. ($18 on Amazon, so Gametime is a better deal anyway).

Originally Posted by Shaun421

I purchased the game a couple years ago before they implemented F2P but didn't play for more than a month or so. I believe I also had purchased MoM as when I signed up for F2P I was already "Premium" and able to make RK and Wardens, but I am not sure how to confirm what I purchased and when.

- If you go to the 'My Account' page and sign in with Turbine it will show what you've purchased. Since you can make a RK and Warden you have MoM.

The question I have is, if I have already previously purchased the original game and MoM (before F2P) will I be able to purchase SoA and/or MoM, apply the keys and get the 30 free days and free TP? Or am I out of luck.

- Out of luck to be honest. If you already have the pack you can't use another key from the same product. Actually You don't get the 500 TP unless you are paying, you don't get them from the free 30 days.

Originally by Jefrey1f
A couple quick clarification questions if you don't mind...

Is there any difference between the MoM box on Amazon and the key on Gametimezone? I'm already playing F2P so I'm thinking I have everything installed and just need a key to unlock.

- Haven't ever heard of Gametimezone but generally a key code is a key code and as long as it isn't a used code it'll get you the same no matter where it comes from.

Is the reason to buy SoA key to get 500TP and 30 days VIP - any other reason?

- Like above the 500 TP is a subscription item, not a 30 day free. What you will get is the full 5 inventory bags, no gold cap, no AH cap etc.... on all the toon's you create during that free play time.

I'm glad I stumbled on this thread. I had been wondering if I could just get the key for MoM to enjoy all the VIP perks (and then fall back to Premium account after 30 days) or if I had to order the actual box version from Amazon or wherever else it can be found. ($18 on Amazon, so Gametime is a better deal anyway)

Originally Posted by Nebless

Is the reason to buy SoA key to get 500TP and 30 days VIP - any other reason?

- Like above the 500 TP is a subscription item, not a 30 day free. What you will get is the full 5 inventory bags, no gold cap, no AH cap etc.... on all the toon's you create during that free play time.

Your answer is confusing me. If I buy a key code for SoA I would get 500TP and 30 days free (as I understand it). Maybe the better question to ask would be this: why buy SoA and not just go right to MoM? My assumption is that if you don't care about SoA's 30 days free and 500TP and just want to unlock bags, caps, etc. then just buy MoM - since you get the RK/warden, expansion, and extra character slots. Is that a safe assumption? Or does buying SoA get you something else besides 500TP and 30 days? (hopefully I'm being more clear now)

All you get with the SoA code is the 30 days VIP and 500 TP. Nothing else. It's a cheap first month of VIP time. If you don't want it, you can just get MoM and apply that, but once MoM is applied you can't apply SoA later.

Despite what is claimed by somebody up thread, you DO indeed get the 500 TP with the free 30 days VIP. On both boxes if you apply SoA first.

There is no difference between the boxed version and the code from the Gametimezone. All you need from the boxed version anyway is the code, the software on the DVD is very old and out of date and would cause problems if you installed it.

This is from the General Discussion > Free 2 Play FAQ

"PT1. VIP Point Grant Timing - "I can expect them when?"
VIP points are granted within 48 hours of a successful VIP subscription payment, or within 48 hours of the monthly anniversary for multi month payments and Lifetime subscribers."

Based on this it doesn't look like you get the 500 TP just for the 30 day free play.

As far as SoA vs MoM vs SoM. If you buy MoM you get the bennies of SoA (not that there really are any) and if you buy SoM you'd get the bennies of MoM & SoA. So your assumtion "that if you don't care about SoA's 30 days free and 500TP and just want to unlock bags, caps, etc. then just buy MoM - since you get the RK/warden, expansion, and extra character slots. Is that a safe assumption?" is correct.

The 30 day free time does stack I believe, you just have to enter the keys in the right order as Rflag said.

Some of the base bennies you get no matter which one you buy: You'd be a Premium player vice Free at the end of the free play time. More character slots, better chat, AH slots etc..... You can find it all on the Free / Premium / VIP comparison chart linked from various spots on the board.

I can confirm that without-a-doubt you get the 500 TP for the free 30-day periods offered with the SoA & MoM codes.

As has been said, there is no other reason to purchase the SoA code unless you want 500 TP and 30-days VIP for as cheap as it comes. After the 30-day period you will either need to subscribe or purchase quest packs in order to complete content in the SoA zones.

If you buy both codes then after the 30-day for SoA you will get another free 30-days from MoM, another 500 TP, and another month to decide whether you want to subscribe or not.

EDIT: Oh, and be careful with Amazon since they are still selling the pre-order MoM box which does not include a key for the game.

Well I did buy the SOA and MOM keys per the start of this thread. I put in the SOA and then the MOM codes in that order. I got the first 500 TP the next day and I expect the second 500 at the beginning of next month. Also it definitly stacks because it says on my account that I have 2 months out to Feb 27th 2011 at which time I can start the $10 a month VIP at $30 for three months rate. I believe that this is definitely a very cheap way to go about getting as much content as possible. I am having a blast playing this game...first MMO..lol...and most likely will continue the VIP subscription after for all the added perks and 500 TP a month. Buying stuff piece by piece over time is probably alot more expensive than the monthly fee.

I paid like $24 dollars for both codes which I feel is really worth the price. Figure $20 for two months VIP membership, whatever 1000 TP would cost in real money, plus the expansions, plus the extra characters and slots, etc. Think it is definitely a deal.

Originally Posted by Fringe

As has been said, there is no other reason to purchase the SoA code unless you want 500 TP and 30-days VIP for as cheap as it comes. After the 30-day period you will either need to subscribe or purchase quest packs in order to complete content in the SoA zones.

Thanks. Is it the same with MoM too? It seems logical that if you buy expansions you should always have access to that content VIP or not. Maybe that's not the case here?

Originally Posted by Jefrey1f

Thanks. Is it the same with MoM too? It seems logical that if you buy expansions you should always have access to that content VIP or not. Maybe that's not the case here?

Applying the Mines of Moria key counts as buying the expansion, so you do keep that when your VIP time expires.

FYI,
For f2p players using this method. I downloaded the client and played for a week. I then just bought the SoA code from gametimezone ($6). Using Google Checkout they don't even need to call you, took 5min to get the email. And if you're worried about them getting your email you can have google hide it from them, google will forward you the emails from gtz.

It was a little confusing to upgrade my account.
1) Put the key sent to you in the "Activate Product Key " area.
2) By default it will want credit card info for billing, select the game card option and just make sure the option to enter one later is checked, what they sent you does not go here.

Haven't got my 500 tp yet but i'm sure they'll come. Now I need to figure out which characters to create before the month is up.

EDIT:
Here's a better explanation
http://forums.lotro.com/showthread.p...ria-retail-box

I too have decided to go the VIP route. I just purchased my MoM key from the above listed site.....I haven't entered it yet, and it sounds like I should just spend the 6 bucks and get the SoA key as well for the extra VIP time and TP.

If I do this, how and where (specifically) do I enter the keys to my active FTP account? I understand I have to enter the SoA key first, but do I have to wait a certain amount of time before I add the MoM key?

In all likelihood I will be staying VIP as this has been much more laid back than any other MMORPG I've played!

TIA!

Originally Posted by Machael

I too have decided to go the VIP route. I just purchased my MoM key from the above listed site.....I haven't entered it yet, and it sounds like I should just spend the 6 bucks and get the SoA key as well for the extra VIP time and TP.

If I do this, how and where (specifically) do I enter the keys to my active FTP account? I understand I have to enter the SoA key first, but do I have to wait a certain amount of time before I add the MoM key?

In all likelihood I will be staying VIP as this has been much more laid back than any other MMORPG I've played!

TIA!

I think I just answered my own question....I just bought the keys for both SoA and MoM. I got them in less than 5 minutes from the gametimezone website. To enter the keys it is imperative that you be logged in to your turbine account and enter the key there. Don't add it without logging in.

I will wait a couple of days to enter the MoM key to be safe, but my account is showing in a "free period" with subscription to kick in on 2/12/11.

Thanks VERY much for this info....what a great way to get 60 days of VIP time and not have to worry about all the "what will I have access to" garbage

New to LotRO. Real new. Ex Wow player.
OK.
1)The game is free? Only for 30 days or infinitiely? Not that after about 30 days I am not going to want to go VIP because it is looking as if I will. Already premium because I bought some points.
2) Does the monthly subscription get me Moria? Actually I was thinking of paying for the year as that is easiest and cheapest.
3) Kinships. Good idea? I am a role player from WoW. Living on Landroval here.
Thank you in advance.

Originally Posted by Magdalaina

New to LotRO. Real new. Ex Wow player.
OK.
1)The game is free? Only for 30 days or infinitiely? Not that after about 30 days I am not going to want to go VIP because it is looking as if I will. Already premium because I bought some points.

Ered Luin (Elf and Dwarf starter area), The Shire (Hobbit starter area), Bree-land (Man starter area), and the Lone-lands are completely free - not for 30 days, but forever. You can do all of the quests and deeds in these areas without paying anything. Any other areas in Eriador (North Downs, Angmar, Trollshaws, Evendim, Forochel, Misty Mountains) require that you buy Quest Packs with Turbine Points, or be a subscriber, to access quests/deeds there. You can still enter them and kill mobs, but no quests except for Epic storyline.

2) Does the monthly subscription get me Moria? Actually I was thinking of paying for the year as that is easiest and cheapest.

VIPs do not get access to quest content in Moria, beyond the Epic storyline quests. You have to purchase the Moria expansion for that, either with TP or buying a code or physical box online. Buying a code or physical box from a third-party vendor will get you 30 days of VIP time. So will buying a code for Shadows of Angmar, if you enter it before you enter your Moria code.

3) Kinships. Good idea? I am a role player from WoW. Living on Landroval here.
Thank you in advance.

I don't belong to any kinships (although I may be looking, soonish), but most people think they're a good idea, I believe.

this is really good information. I have a couple of questions.

I used to play this game when it was P2P and bought the boxed copy, so I am a premium player already, will I still be able to purchase the $6 code from the links on the first page (the SoA key) and receive the month and 500 points? Or should I just go for the MoM box?

Also for skirmishes, these are some of my favorite content in the game, I understand these will be unlocked while I am VIP, but if I go premium again will I need to purchase turbine points for them?

Thanks a lot.

Originally Posted by Starfyre444

This is a good reminder.

Going VIP for a minimum of one month is about the best deal around.

Absolutely. Buying things you need in bits at a time is, frankly, what Turbine wants as they end up making more money.

Think of it as going to a restaurant. There's a buffet table where you can eat all you want for $10. Then there's the a la carte menu where you can buy a steak for $5, a potato for $2, some pasta for $2 and dessert for $4. Oh, and you'll probably be wanting a drink with that too? That's extra. In the long run, you would have been better off just paying the $10 and eating to your heart's content.

Originally Posted by saturn1234

this is really good information. I have a couple of questions.

I used to play this game when it was P2P and bought the boxed copy, so I am a premium player already, will I still be able to purchase the $6 code from the links on the first page (the SoA key) and receive the month and 500 points? Or should I just go for the MoM box?

Also for skirmishes, these are some of my favorite content in the game, I understand these will be unlocked while I am VIP, but if I go premium again will I need to purchase turbine points for them?

Thanks a lot.

No, you already bought the boxed original game (SoA) so you cannot add another code for the same item to that account. You could always start another account and use it, but not on an account that already had Shadows of Angmar. If you never added Moria, you can still get that for $10-15 and upgrade and get the 30 days VIP, 500 TP, 2 more character slots, 2 new classes and Moria content.

As for skirmishes, yes you will need to purchase all but the first 2 with TP once you go premium. Regular price is 495 TP each. You can only buy them as you reach the appropriate level and make them available.

Originally Posted by saturn1234

...will I need to purchase turbine points for them?

Originally Posted by RFlagg

As for skirmishes, yes you will need to purchase all but the first 2 with TP once you go premium.

Just to clarify, you may need to unlock some of the skirmishes once you go back to Premium as RF said but you don't necessarily need to buy the TP to unlock them. During your VIP time you'll get 500 TP per month of VIP and you'll earn even more free TP just by questing and completing deeds. You can use these free TP to unlock any skirmishes you need. So no, you probably don't need to purchase TP for them.