[CC] Legendary server recap

Updated last: 27th oct 2018
First Q&A and everyones responses to it range from both sides of the spectra. So it’s time for a little recap. And a little shameless plug for older articles (yes i know).

Quick references
Original press release  on lotroplayers
Massivelys OP recap of the Q&A stream
Initial forum topic
OP’s followup post outlining different reactions

What is a legendary server?
It will be a new selectable server as you log in that will be an as close to current copy of lotro with the level cap and content apropriate to level 50 as it was just before the launch of Moria. It will have the same classes, festivals and bonusses as there will be on the regular servers (with access and level restrictions). It’s important to know it’s not a rendition of how lotro was in any previous patch. Everything you will see will be based upon the current (U23) client. Revamped classes, trait trees, updated graphics and expanded regions included.

When is it released?
The latest news is that the server will go live on November 6th

Idea behind the legendary server
Out of the blue the existence and short release schedule followed by it turned a lot of heads. With the reception ranging from extremely negative to it’s entirety or players glamouring over the idea. For where the person is coming from to where the player is currently. it’s the reason to start playing again or quiting. It has a lot of history, memories and hope tied to it for some, but for the most part it’s a chance to redo or experience the lower levels for a first time on an orchestrated, fresh and level playing field. Extra subscriptions, PR and players don’t hurt off course. For example i don’t play diablo 2 or 3 on a normal day. But every time a “new server”/season launches it’s more fun to start fresh with some friends.

Perfect time to start (again/over)
It’s lotros first new server in over how many years. Everyone could have done most of this with some limitations by themselves. But a season or server with official settings provide a clean cut for everyone. Everyone can access the server and will have the same focal point. Crafters, challenge seekers or completely new players from all over the world will have access to a narrower stretch of lotro. It’s a perfect time to bond together and play together regardless of when you started or where you live (within the predefined settings by SSG).

What content will you access to 

Content that was released before Moria or deemed appropriate for the levels and regions released later

The following regions and questpacks will be accessible

  • Ered luin, Bree-land, beorning and high elf starter areas (level 1-20)
  • Lonelands and North downs (level 20-35)
  • Evendim, Trollshaws, Misty mountains (level 30-45)
  • Angmar, Eregion, Forochel (level 45-50)

The following instances and epic books will be accessible

What content won’t be available

Short answer is any content or system not in the game as of Pre-Moria with the exception of scaling instances. But a few highlights

  • No pvmp in either the Ettenmoors or Osgiligath
  • Skirmishes
  • Big or epic battles
  • Legendary weapons and class items
  • Instances available at lower levels, but released later such as the Erebor instance cluster or Roving Threats

Future releases and content
SSG plans to move to the next content stage every 4 months. These stages will most likely be the expansion releases such as Moria + lothlorien (skirmishes?), Mirkwood + Enedwaith, Isengard + great river, Riders of rohan + Wildermore and Erebor instances, Helms deep + big battles and onward. Most likely there will be tweaks and changes to this schedule in the upcoming months. Any transfer or secondary legendary server after x time is anyone’s guess at this time.

Difficulty, crafting and gearing
The best answer available at this time is that it’s the same as the live servers. Limited trait points, no legendary weapons, backlog of gold and other currencies will mean that short cutting the difficulty will be harder to do. The obvious obstacles are in place such as no overpowered big battle jewelry or higher level character to crush Thaurlach. But smaller tweaks such as scalable gear, experience boosts etc are being looked into. If they will come in time for the server launch is unknown.

Opinion
A very good plan executed on a short notice. It’s going to provide a great starting point for a lot of players, but it won’t satisfy everyone. Nor will it ever be possible to do. I won’t make me abandon my home server to start fresh, but i’ll certainly take a peek over there. How the start will be is up in the air and the future of the server as well. But if SSG keeps the ball rolling and be on point it can become a new jumping on point for lotro(players). And grab a fresh demographic that will keep playing lotro. Over the past few months SSG has build the tools to make this a success with the class, region and ratings overhaul, but also release a weekly patch for parts for parts of the game that’s damaged. Hopes are high and pits are deep.

Other related articles
The task to build a classic lotro
Scaling in lotro

Communities reaction to the legendary servers
Middle ground respons to the legendary server
Louey7 plans for rerolling characters
Andang – not for me view
Aerendil, lvl 50/60 cap group view
Dalibor negative view

Daybreak Games Announces Legendary Server for The Lord of the Rings Online Breaking News!

 

Daybreak Games invites you to relive the legend with the introduction of Lord of the Rings Online’s new Legendary Server! Starting this November, the LOTRO Legendary Server will offer a brand new way to experience the iconic MMO. Features include:

 

  • New beginnings, historic tales: Whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit to Middle-Earth, the Legendary Worlds server sets all players on an even footing to allow players to adventure with new friends – or reconnect with old ones – on the path of Frodo, Gandalf, and the Fellowship of the Ring.

 

  • Rolling content: The Legendary World server starts out with only the initial Level 50 and below content, with a focus on the Shadows of Angmar story. Gradually the level cap and story content will unlock over time.

 

  • Much more than vanilla: Races and classes that were introduced in later updates including the High-elf, Rune-keeper, Warden, Beorning and more will be playable in the Legendary Server. Additionally, all the bug fixes, gameplay and UX/UI improvements made to LOTRO over the years will be kept.

 

The Legendary Server is a subscriber-only experience available to VIP and Lifetime VIP subscribers. Visit here for more information: http://www.lotro.com/legendary

 

 

 

 

We are excited to announce a new way to experience The Lord of the Rings Online: Legendary Worlds! Relive the tales of Middle-earth, chapter by chapter, visiting iconic locations and adventuring with new friends – or reconnecting with old ones – on the path of Frodo, Gandalf, and the Fellowship of the Ring.

Join us this fall on a Legendary World and make a fresh start with a brand new character; see Tolkien’s bustling realm anew, whether for your first or fiftieth time. Initially, the Legendary World will begin at the very start of the game and run through Angmar, then open new regions and levels over time. Relive the legend: where everyone is here and the story is now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Legendary server and a standard server?

On standard servers, players can reach the maximum level cap (currently 120) with no restrictions, and players adventure in the story beyond the destruction of the One Ring.

The Legendary server starts out with only the initial Level 50 and below content, with a focus on the Shadows of Angmar story. Gradually the level cap and story content unlocks over time, allowing players to relive the early Lord of the Rings story anew, together!

Do I need a subscription to play on the Legendary server?

The Legendary server is available to VIP subscribers along with Lifetime VIP subscribers.

Can we transfer characters off or on to this server?

Players cannot transfer characters onto this server. There are currently no plans to allow transfers off of Legendary worlds until these servers have caught up with our other live worlds.

Will I be able to access the LOTRO Store on the Legendary server?

Yes, but some items may not be available until the Legendary server advances further in the Story / Level cap.

Will there be Trait trees?

Yes.

Can I play a Rune-keeper, Warden, or Beorning?

Yes.

Can I play a High-elf?

Yes.

Will I get anniversary gifts when I make a new character?

Yes, you will still get your anniversary gifts. However, some level restricted pre-order items such as the Aria of Valar from Mordor will not be available until the Legendary world advances further in the story.

Will I be able to keep playing on my non-Legendary server as well?

Yes, the Legendary server experience does not impact your ability to play on other worlds.

Will Standing Stone Games continue to develop the non-Legendary worlds?

Yes! We have no intention of adjusting our frequent, regular, and active development of the non-Legendary game worlds, and have plans for them well into the future.

Can I transfer my Shared Account items from a Legendary server to a non-Legendary server?

No, sorry. You also cannot transfer shared account items onto a Legendary server.

Is there PvMP on the Legendary server?

There will be no PvMP available at launch.

If I purchase an account-based service or item from the LOTRO Store on the Legendary server, does it apply to the non-Legendary servers as well?

Yes. Additionally, previously-purchased account-based items will be available on both worlds.

Do I need to download a different game client to play on the Legendary server?

No.  The Legendary server will be available from the Select Game World menu when logging in through the regular LOTRO client.

Can I access all of the LOTRO world and content on the Legendary server?

Eventually yes, but not at launch, as we focus on the Shadows of Angmar story.  The character level cap will be 50 when the Legendary server opens, and areas of the game world and content above level 50 will not be available at first.

When will content beyond Shadows of Angmar become available on the Legendary Server?

Currently, we plan on expanding the content on the Legendary server approximately every 4 months.

Will legendary weapons be available on the Legendary server?

Not at launch.  Once the Legendary server unlocks the Mines of Moria story, you will be able to get a legendary weapon.

Can I play instances and skirmishes on the Legendary server?

Traditional and scaling instances appropriate to the Shadows of Angmar story and available at or below level 50 will be open on the Legendary server immediately. Skirmishes and instances designed to play above level 50 will not be available on the Legendary server until the story advances.

Is there a separate European Legendary server?

No. Players from all territories can play together on the Legendary server, and German and French speaking players can play on Legendary using the localized game clients.

Will the Legendary server have festivals and anniversary events like the other worlds?

Yes, most festivals will be available for all worlds, including Legendary. A very limited amount of events might occur in a region that the Legendary world has not yet advanced to, but would become accessible once the Story / Level cap advances into those areas.

Can I use character boosts on the Legendary server?

While the use of Experience potions and items is permitted, players will not be able to use or purchase character level boosts (example: Gift of the Valar) on the Legendary world until a later time once the Story and level cap has advanced further.

If I previously purchased Expansions or Quest Packs, will I be able to access them on Legendary once the server progresses to them?

Yes, any previously purchased Expansions and Quest Packs will be honored and allow you access on Legendary once the server reaches that point in the Story.

Is the Legendary server a “Classic” or “Vanilla” server?

By most descriptions, a “Classic” server is an attempt to recreate LOTRO exactly as it was at launch, using only assets and content that was available in 2007.

A Legendary server runs alongside existing servers, and therefore contains many of the changes that have been made to the game over the years, such as UI improvements, bug fixes, changes to game systems, etc. In cases where we have updated or changed the layout of regions, the Legendary server uses the updated version of the regions. In cases where we have changed items or player abilities, the Legendary server uses those updated abilities.  Some content or gameplay that isn’t appropriate to the Legendary server’s