The arrival of Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is a blessing for the fans of this fantastic universe created by Tolkien. With a classic location, the return of an iconic and beloved character, and entertaining gameplay for veterans and newcomers to the genre, this title is an excellent starting point for many. But, it is also essential to know that some things may be too new, confusing, and not well explained at the start of the game. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we’ve put together a list of the five things to know before playing Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria.
5 Essential Things to Know Before Venturing Into Return to Moria
Being a game based on a famous franchise of books and movies, many fans tend to avoid it for fear of not understanding much. Fortunately, the folks at Free Range Games have managed to make the introduction to this title very easy and clear. That said, within the game, there may be things that will throw some players for a loop, and knowing what to expect is crucial. So, without further ado, let’s start this list.
1. It Takes Place in the Fourth Age
This may be more relevant to fans, but it is also good for newcomers to know the context of the game. After the War of the Ring and the destruction of Sauron, the Fourth Age begins. Here is an era of prosperity and restoration where the human race ascends, and most of the characters in the movies and books retire elsewhere. Of course, those who remain in Middle-earth decide to reclaim their lands, including Gimli.
This is where the player’s character comes in. As peace spreads across these lands, Gimli calls upon all the Dwarf clans in the hope that they will help him reclaim Khazad-dûm. It’s a setting that works well, and those who are new to the game don’t need to know much about the saga to enjoy the game. Of course, a little background on Tolkien’s universe will make them enjoy the easter eggs even more.
2. It’s a Survival Crafting Game
This may go without saying, but better safe than sorry. While most games in this franchise have focused on action and adventure, with a few exceptions, such as tactical games and platformers, this game is completely survival crafting.
From the moment you start, you realize you must craft things to survive. A source of light so as not to fall into despair. Food to satisfy your hunger. A bed to rest and place a checkpoint on the map. These are all key elements of the genre, but those who have never experienced these games should know that before jumping in. It’s a challenge at first since there are no potions to heal you, magic skills, or even a scoreboard for all the quests. But it’s a game that explains everything well, and those new to the genre may find some love for it here.
3. The Game Encourages You to Explore
This sounds very basic, but let us explain. In many games of the genre, you find the perfect location for your base, set it up, and stay there. In this game, it’s something different and more fun. As you go down the depths of Moria, you will encounter many destroyed buildings. It is up to you to fix them and make a temporary base.
Although the game allows you to build bases, they will be temporary because each location has more dangers, and traveling from one to another without mounts or means of transportation is tiring. So, you will spend a lot of time making small bases to find rest, craft something new, and advance to the next area. It sounds repetitive, but it adds a sense of progress to the game that makes it fun.
4. All Adventures are Different
The procedural part is something that has become customary in survival crafting games. Even if you and your friends buy the game, everyone will have a different world, and this applies to Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria and is one of the things you should know before playing.
While the districts or areas will be similar in name, the layout of some is different, adding a certain degree of uniqueness to each adventure. So, don’t worry about memorizing everything, as the Mines of Moria are always different but those who enter them.
5. Co-Op Is the Best Way to Play the Game
While many games make things easier for a single player, this one does not. Yes, you can get through it without others, but it’s a bit more frustrating and less fun. Instead, playing in co-op is the ideal way. More people means more and better exploration, easier combat, and less of a challenge without taking away from the fun. On PC, the game allows you to play in a group of up to 8 people, and on consoles, up to 4.
Now that you know the things you should know before starting Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, don’t hesitate to try this fantastic game. It is a title that brings one of the most beloved literary and cinematic universes to the world of video games and offers a fun experience in the company of others. With places to discover and dangers to face, Moria has plenty of things for everyone looking to spend some time crafting.
