The developers of the long-lived MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online have talked about upcoming changes. In particular, the adjustments of the loot boxes in Update 23 have met with mixed feelings.
Loot boxes play a certain role in LotRO so far. However, this remains a sensitive topic for players. The team behind the MMORPG has now announced adjustments and an increase in the level cap.
Loot boxes are being toned down
What does the future hold for LotRO? The upcoming Update 23 will raise the level cap to 120. With the update, the developers want to focus on high-level gameplay and also adjust the endgame. For example, with changes to the loot boxes.
- After the changes, there should only be equipment in loot boxes that can also be found in the game. All items will also appear as rewards in the game.
- On the day new content is released, players should not be able to acquire the brand new equipment with the in-game currency or through purchases in the shop. New items will only appear in the shop a few weeks after their introduction.
- Equipment obtained from a new raid at the highest difficulty or from the corresponding raid vendor will always be more powerful than comparable equipment obtained directly from loot boxes.
- When equipment comes from a raid, it is necessary to complete that raid once before vendors offer these items.
Loot boxes are not mandatory: The new in-game currency Embers of Enchantment will be introduced. You can acquire this currency by completing daily quests or disassembling items.
You will receive Embers directly as a reward. With this currency, you can buy exactly the items you want. The detour via loot boxes is no longer necessary.
The loot boxes will focus on containing cosmetic items, equipment, and also Ember in the future. No one should feel pressured to buy loot boxes.
Skepticism remains
How are players reacting to the changes? In the official forum, mixed feelings prevail. The increase of the level cap gets overshadowed by the announcements regarding the loot boxes.
On the one hand, players are glad that the boxes are being “toned down”, however, they are also cautious about the situation.
Loot boxes are simply a sensitive topic and it is easy to upset customers here. Furthermore, there is concern that more grinding will be required to get Embers and thus items. Therefore, players want to wait and see how the new system feels in action.
The story continues
What else can players expect with Update 23? In addition to the increase of the level cap and adjustments to the loot boxes, the upcoming Update 23 has even more to offer.
- New instances for groups and solo players
- A continuation of the story surrounding the Black Book of Mordor
- 80 new quests
- Two additional class trait points that you will receive upon reaching the new level 120 and upon completing the new story chapter
- New crafting tier
- The bassoon as an additional musical instrument
- Balancing adjustments
The release of Update 23 for The Lord of the Rings Online is planned for this fall.
