Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced today that Turbine’s The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO) is now free-to-play for players across North America. Launching today, players can now download LOTRO at www.lotro.com and join with millions of other adventurers as they explore the most complete and authentic recreation of Middle-earth ever created and participate in LOTRO’s award-winning story up to level 50 for free. Players can also choose to visit the new LOTRO Store to purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services a la carte, or join the VIP program that provides unlimited access to the game for one low monthly price.

This major update will also extend the game’s epic story and expand the world of Middle-earth with the new region of Enedwaith while continuing to deliver state-of-the-art graphics and gameplay, as well as a rich set of features that until now could only be found in premium subscription-based online games.

“We are continuing to expand the market by offering LOTRO free-to-play and providing players with a choice in how they experience premium online entertainment,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “Today’s launch allows gamers to play one of the world’s best online games completely free while letting core LOTRO fans dive deeper into the game as they choose.”

“Turbine’s innovative pricing model, first introduced last year with Dungeons & Dragons Online®: Eberron Unlimited™, has become a proven success with over two new million registrations since going free-to-play,” said Kate Paiz, Executive Producer of LOTRO. “We expect LOTRO’s free-to-play launch will only continue to increase the player base and catapult the game to new heights of success.”



The Lord of the Rings Online is the ultimate adventure. This award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most famous fantasy of all time. From the picturesque surroundings of the Shire to Moria, the most fearsome underground realm ever imagined, players will experience the world of Middle-earth for free! For more information, visit www.lotro.com.