(Editor’s Note: Worth the Points? is a new series on LOTRO Reporter that attempts to look at some of the things that you can buy in the LOTRO Store. Please note that the cost stated in this post may change, as the costs are constantly in flux, and there are often sales in the store.)

We’re going to start our new column with a look at The Lone-lands, which has a level range of mid 20s to mid 30s.

From The Lorebook:

Historically, this part of Middle-earth had fallen within the North-kingdom of Arnor, and was ruled over by Elendil and his descendants from their capital at Annúminas on Lake Evendim. Dissent and warfare caused that kingdom to break apart, and an invasion by the forces of Angmar wiped out even the remnants of the earlier kingdom. Angmar was itself defeated by the armies of Gondor, but when those armies returned into the south, what had once been a prosperous country was left barren and deserted. It is presumably at this time (the years after III 1975) that the names ‘Eriador‘ and ‘Lone-lands’ were first used for the newly empty wilds.

Even after this time, isolated pockets of civilization remained among the Lone-lands, most notably in the Shire and the Bree-land. Outside these enclaves, the lands of the lost realm of Arnor had reverted for the most part to a dangerous wilderness, peopled by wanderers. Among these wanderers were the Rangers, the descendants of the Kings of Arnor, from whom Aragorn eventually arose to refound the kingdoms of the Dúnedain. He once again established a capital at Annúminas, and after his reign began in III 3019, it is likely that the Lone-lands once again became populated and prosperous.

This area is a great place for players to go to after leaving Bree-lands, as it was recently updated and streamlined for a better player experience. See my write up on the changes here.

The questing experience in Lone-lands is probably the best of any zone in the game. From the start at the Forsaken Inn at the western end of the zone, to Ost Guruth near the eastern end, the quests guide you in a linear manner to the next quest hub. The quests in this area also clustered nicely, so you don’t find yourself travelling around too much, although as with every zone in LOTRO, travelling is involved.

This zone is also where players will get their first taste of reputation, with the Eglain faction quests granting reputation and allowing for the progression of the Epic Story. Note: If you don’t purchase The Lone-lands quest pack, you will have to do a lot of grinding (killing mobs in the area) to get enough reputation to forward the Epic Story.

There is also an instance hub in this zone: Garth Agarwen. This hub has 2 3-man instances and 1 6-man instance. It’s a fun set of instances, with the Red Maid at the end of the 6-man “Fortress” instance being a fun challenge.

You can find a great guide for the zone at mmorsel here.

Pros:

  • Linear, well crafted questing experience
  • Instance Hub (Grath Agarwen – 3 instances)
  • Weathertop!

Cons:

  • Smaller number of quests than other zones
  • Only 2 stable masters

Points Cost: 350

Worth the Points: YES!

As usual, this is a fairly subjective opinion. What do you think about the Lone-lands? Do you think it’s Worth the Points?

See you in-game!