LoTRO - Free to Play?

Lord of The Rings Online is going to a free to play (F2P) model or as was quoted on MMORPG forum more of a chose to pay (C2P) with differing tiers from free play - with restrictions, a premium free play for those that have met certain requirements and VIP subscription level with unlimited full access.

Arguably one of the the most gorgeous MMO worlds, rich with lore, wonderful community, Lord of the Rings Online (LoTRO) has consistently received rave review from fans, customers and the MMO industry.

The jump to a F2P model took some by surprise, although the success of Dungeons and Dragons Online (DDO), another Turbine MMO, may have been the motivator behind this gamble. Or could it be the plethora of F2P MMO's?  The new subscription based MMO's on the horizon?

As for LoTRO, it is the first major MMO to go this route.  DDO, although popular is not the same league as LoTRO, which generally fell in the Top 5 favorite MMO's on most polls with a high customer satisfaction rating.

Turbine says this: "Free-to-Play opens up more choices and options so you can play your way. When LOTRO Free-to-Play is available, you can download the game for free and start playing without a subscription or even a credit card. 

Anyone can join the game for free as a Free player when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. You will automatically be upgraded from Free player to Premium player status with your first purchase of Turbine Points in the LOTRO Store.

And for a monthly fee, LOTRO's VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having unlimited access to all of LOTRO's game content and features. If you are already a subscriber, just maintain your active subscription to be automatically upgraded to VIP!"  (read more - LOTRO)

I like LoTRO and always have, but I've had a difficult time justifying a monthly sub for it as my play is very random at best.  The new F2P model may be perfect for those of us that like LoTRO but can't warrant a monthly fee to play.  As I have the Mirkwood and Mines of Moria, I'll be classed as VIP, I'm still waiting for final word from Turbine as to how the Premium model will work if you downgrade from VIP.


Many people that have vacillated on jumping into another MMO, will likely give LoTRO a try.  The good side, the start areas won't be empty wastelands, but will have a continuous flow of new people.  This will help as any MMO as it ages ends up top heavy with its player base while the start areas are usually devoid of other players. A percentage of the new players will likely spend a few bucks to go forward in the game which will revitalize the game.  At least that's the theory.

Lifetime subscription holders seem to have a mixed view.  They put down their cash up front for never having to pay a monthly subscription fee, and now that it will be F2P some feel they've been badly treated.  On the other side, Lifetime subs will enjoy VIP membership which rewards you with 500 Turbine Points a month, as well as a laundry list of other goodies including the only access to Monster Play (LoTRO's PvP).

Not certain if you want to play or not - here is the Free to Play Forum link.

Beta signups for the F2P model are currently going on now as well.


The complete FAQ for LoTRO subscribers:

The Lord of the Rings Online™: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is The Lord of the Rings Online™? The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO) is the award-winning online role-playing game set in J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, the greatest fantasy world of all time. In LOTRO, you can explore the legendary world of The Lord of the Rings™ and create your own unique Middle-earth adventure. Join with the world's largest fellowship of players to fight the ravenous hordes of the Dark Lord Sauron, and forge your own legend.
   
2. What is Free-to-Play? Free-to-Play opens up more choices and options so you can play your way. When LOTRO Free-to-Play is available, you can download the game for free and start playing without a subscription or even a credit card. Earn free Turbine Points as you advance your Hero and adventure throughout the massive world of Middle-earth. You can spend these points in the LOTRO Store to access hundreds of convenience items as well as expansion packs, premium content, potions, character-customization options, and more. If you choose to, you may also purchase Turbine Points in the LOTRO Store.
   
3. What are Turbine Points? Turbine Points are the currency of the LOTRO Store and can be redeemed to purchase all sorts of items. You can buy Turbine Points in multiple ways: PayPal, credit card, PayByCash®, online check, and gift cards available at participating retailers. Turbine Points are also earned through gameplay.
   
4. Will I need a credit card to play the game? All you will need is a taste for adventure to play LOTRO. You do not need a credit card to play the game.
   
5. What is the LOTRO Store? The LOTRO Store is a new feature introduced with LOTROLOTRO Store has more than 2,500 items! These items can be obtained in exchange for Turbine Points, which can be purchased in the Store or earned through gameplay.
   
6. Do I have to purchase Turbine Points to create an account and begin playing the game? No, purchasing Turbine Points to enhance your game experience is entirely optional.
   
7. Will I still be able to play and enjoy the game without buying items from the LOTRO Store, or is that my only option for gaining weapons, armor, potions, and other goodies such as premium loot? The purchase of items in the LOTRO Store is entirely optional. While items in the Store are designed to immediately enhance your in-game experience, premium loot and rare gear are the rewards of adventure and are only obtainable through gameplay.
   
8. What are the differences between Free player, Premium player, and VIP? All the details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs, are listed here
   
9. What is a Free player? How will I become one? Anyone can join the game for free when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. To get started, simply download the game for free at www.lotro.com. No payment or credit card is required. To learn more about the Free player benefits click here.
   
10. What is a Premium player? How will I become one? You are automatically upgraded from Free player to Premium player status with your first purchase of Turbine Points in the LOTRO Store. LOTRO grants all Premium players 2 extra character slots, extends the maximum amount of gold you can carry from 2 gold to 5 gold, and provides you with a higher login priority, more mail and chat options, full access to all of LOTRO's Community features, and 30 days of full customer service from the time of your last purchase.
    Are you a former subscriber to LOTRO? Did you purchase and play the game in the past but never subscribed? In either case, you are automatically upgraded to Premium status when you come back to play.
    To learn more about the Premium player benefits click here.
    
11. What is a VIP? How will I become one? For a monthly fee, the VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having unlimited access to all game content and features. VIP players also receive 500 Turbine Points per month and exclusive benefits like priority access to servers, 5 character slots per server, a 20-slot wardrobe for cosmetic items, full customer service, and much more! You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. If you are already a subscriber, just maintain your active subscription to be automatically upgraded to VIP!
    To learn more about the VIP benefits click here.
    
12. I have a lifetime subscription to LOTRO. What will Free-to-Play mean for me? As a lifetime subscriber to LOTRO, you will keep all of your membership privileges and are automatically upgraded to VIP status. You will receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, but you do not have to pay a monthly fee since you are a lifetime member. All you have to do is keep playing the game and visit the LOTRO Store to spend your free points and enjoy the wealth of new a la carte items and options to enhance your game experience.
    
13. I am a LOTRO Founder. What will Free-to-Play mean for me? As a LOTRO Founder, you automatically become a VIP and will keep all of your membership privileges as long as you pay your monthly fee. You will automatically receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, and you can spend the Turbine Points at your leisure in the LOTRO Store to enhance your game experience and keep playing the way you want.
    
14. I am a regular subscriber on a monthly or multi-month subscription plan. What will Free-to-Play mean for me? As a subscriber to LOTRO, you are automatically upgraded to VIP status. You will keep all your membership privileges as long as you keep paying your monthly fee. You will automatically receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, and you can spend the Turbine Points at your leisure in the LOTRO Store to enhance your game experience and keep playing the way you want.
    
15. I am a former subscriber to LOTRO. What will Free-to-Play mean for me when I come back to play when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available? As a former subscriber to LOTRO, you are always welcome back to join the fight. You will, by default, be awarded the status and privileges of a Premium player, and you can join the game and play for free. You can also visit the new LOTRO Store to browse through a wealth of new items and a la carte options to enhance your gameplay!
    You may also consider becoming a VIP to receive 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and gain access to other unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.
    
16. I purchased and played LOTRO in the past, but never subscribed to the game. What will Free-to-Play mean for me when I come back to play when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available? You will, by default, be awarded the status and privileges of a Premium player and you can join the game and play for free as a Premium player. You can also visit the new LOTRO Store to browse through a wealth of new items and a la carte options to enhance your gameplay!
    You may also consider becoming a VIP to receive 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and gain access to other unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.
    
17. As a Free player, how much free content can I access? As a Free player, you have access to Middle-earth, the greatest fantasy world ever created, and you can play LOTRO's award-winning Epic Story up to level 50! In addition, you have access to the 4 races and 7 standard classes, major game systems, and a lot more options detailed here. And glory is its own reward: as you explore Middle-earth and advance your Hero through quests and achievements in the game, you will earn free Turbine Points that you can redeem in the LOTRO Store to access more options that will enrich or extend your free play.
    At any time, you may also want to purchase Turbine Points in the Store and redeem them to access new items and options to immediately enhance your experience. What matters most with Free-to-Play is your play style and the type of gamer you are. With Free-to-Play, you really play your way.
    
18. Why should I become a VIP? What do I get that a Free player does not? As a VIP, you get full access to all of the game's original content and features along with numerous special benefits, such as a higher number of character slots (5 per server), 20 slots of wardrobe storage for cosmetic clothing, full customer service access, priority login, 500 Free Turbine Points every month that you can redeem in the LOTRO Store, and much more, all detailed here. For a monthly fee, the VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having access to it all.
    
19. I am currently a subscriber to LOTRO. What will happen if I decide to unsubscribe before or after the launch of LOTRO Free-to-Play? What will happen to my characters? If you feel the VIP program is not meeting your play style and needs as a gamer and decide you don't want the benefits and features of being a VIP, you will be automatically downgraded to Premium player status when your subscription lapses. You can continue to play the game for free with all the benefits offered to Premium players, which are detailed here.
    As a Premium player, you initially have access to 3 characters per server but can unlock more character slots at any time by purchasing them in the LOTRO Store (up to 8 additional slots per server). You may decide to unlock more slots if you want to play more than 3 characters. Other previously created characters will be visible but not accessible unless you unlock more character slots.
    
20. I canceled my subscription some time ago. Can I use my account as a Free player? Will I have access to everything I used to? As a former subscriber or customer of LOTRO, you can come back any time to join the fight for Middle-earth. You will be awarded Premium player status and you will be able to log into the game. As a Premium player you will have access to the benefits detailed here.
    You may also consider joining the VIP program to receive 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and gain access to unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.
    
21. I had a free trial account but never purchased the game. Can I use my account as a Free player? Will I have access to everything I used to? As a former trial player of LOTRO, you can come back any time to join the fight for Middle-earth. You will have access to all benefits and features available to Free players (detailed here), and you will be able to log into your account at https://myaccount.turbine.com to make changes to your information.
    You may also consider joining the VIP program, which grants you 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and access to other unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.
    
22. I purchased the Mines of Moria™ Expansion and/or the Siege of Mirkwood™ Expansion. Can I still access this content? Will I still be able to play my Rune-keeper or Warden characters? What if I unsubscribe? When LOTRO Free-to-Play becomes available you will still be able to access the content and features of any expansions you have previously purchased. Whether you are a VIP or a Premium player, the content and features of these expansions will be available to you in their entirety.
    If you decide not to join the VIP program or decide to downgrade to Premium player status, the content and features of these expansions will still be available to you. You will still be able to play your Rune-keeper and Warden characters as long as they are in character slots you have selected or have unlocked by visiting the LOTRO Store.
    
23. I purchased the Adventurer's Pack or got the Adventurer's Pack for free when I pre-ordered the Siege of Mirkwood™ expansion. What will happen to my 2 extra character slots and shared storage bank with Free-to-Play? Will I lose anything if I unsubscribe? The benefits and features of the Adventurer's Pack will remain available to you. Whether you are a VIP, Premium player, or Free player, you will get to keep your 2 extra character slots and shared storage bank.
    If you have not purchased the Adventurer's Pack and you want to extend the number of character slots you have (max. of 11 per server) or you want to get more shared storage slots, just visit the LOTRO Store to purchase the items you need as you need them.
    
24. If I decide to downgrade from VIP to Premium player, what will happen to the gold I have earned through gameplay? Will I lose the gold beyond the 5 gold cap that Premium players have by default? If you downgrade from VIP to Premium player, you will not lose any of the gold that you have earned through the game. Because you were a VIP, you will not be subject to the gold limit of Premium players.
    
25. If I decide to downgrade from VIP to Premium player status, what will happen to my inventory bags? If you downgrade from VIP to Premium player, you will not lose any of the inventory bags that you had as a VIP. Because you were a VIP, you will not be subject to the inventory bag limit of Premium players.
    
26. If I decide to downgrade from VIP to Premium player status, what will happen to my wardrobe slots? If you downgrade from VIP to Premium player, all items placed in the wardrobe will be held on a remove only basis. You will be able to access them and remove them from the wardrobe to use them but you will not be able to use the emptied slot to Store another item.
    At any time, you may visit the LOTRO Store to purchase more inventory bags or more wardrobe slots.
    
27. If I decide to downgrade from VIP to Premium player, what will happen to my characters? If you downgrade from VIP to Premium player, you will have access to 3 characters slots per server by default. You will also have access to any other character slots that you have purchased. You may decide to unlock more slots if you want to play more characters or pick the characters you want to play. Your other previously created characters will be visible but not accessible unless you unlock more character slots. At any point, you can unlock more character slots in the LOTRO Store, up to 11 per server.
    
28. How many shared storage bank slots can I get through the LOTRO Store? Do I get more shared storage bank slots if I own the Adventurer's Pack? You may get as many as 50 shared storage bank slots, which can be purchased at the LOTRO Store (an initial purchase of 20 slots and then 10-slot increments). If you already own the Adventurer's Pack, you already have 20 shared storage bank slots. You can purchase up to 30 additional slots in increments of 10.
    For more details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs, just click here.
    
29. 29. If I am a Free player, what will happen to my gold if I earn more than the 2 gold limit in game? If I am a Premium player, what will happen to my gold if I earn more than the 5 gold limit in game? Free and Premium players have a limit of 2 gold and 5 gold, respectively, that they can earn in game. Once the limit is reached you can still earn gold but it will be placed in escrow and you will not be able to access it unless you purchase a higher gold limit at any time in the LOTRO Store.
    For more details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs, just click here.
    
30. If I am a Free player, how many character slots do I start with? How many can I buy? Free players have 1 character slot to start. At any point, you can purchase more character slots in the LOTRO Store, up to 11 character slots per server. Premium players get 3 character slots, and VIPs start with 5. Both Premium players and VIPs can purchase more character slots in the LOTRO Store within the same limit of 11 characters per account per server.
    For more details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs, just click here.
    
31. Will Free players be able to use the monster play feature? The monster play feature is reserved as an exclusive feature for VIPs. If you want to play as a monster and join Sauron's dark forces, you can do it at anytime by upgrading to VIP!
    For more details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs, click here.
    
32. What type of in-game mail, chat, and auction restrictions do Free players have? Free players can send in-game mail less frequently than Premium players and VIPs. Free players can use in-game chat but cannot send more that one tell every 5 seconds. Free players can bid and buyout auctions in the Auction House but cannot post items. These restrictions can be removed at any time in the LOTRO Store buy purchasing the corresponding items.
    
33. If I was going to sign up for the trial, should I wait until the launch of Free-to-Play? If I start the trial now, what will happen to my characters? Joining LOTRO today will make you eligible for a lot of great offers before the launch of Free-to-Play, and all characters created will be transferred into LOTRO Free-to-Play at launch. Start your adventure today!
    
34. I bought Turbine Points in the DDO Store. Can I use those Turbine Points in LOTRO (and vice versa)? Turbine Points are not transferrable, so Turbine Points purchased in the DDO Store cannot be transferred to the LOTRO Store or vice versa.
    
35. How does LOTRO Free-to-Play compare to DDO Free-to-Play? At Turbine, we are dedicated to providing our fans with best-in-class entertainment. While the two games are different and appeal to different players, DDO and LOTRO Free-to-Play share the same philosophy: to offer you more options and the freedom to play your way!