Starting Lotro - The Install

Here are a few links/tips to start playing LOTRO:

 Step One: Sign up
Follow the link above to the LOTRO sign up page.  It's free to play.

You'll be taken to a screen where you can choose to download the type of install, MAC or PC.  There is an option to get more details on a purchasable upgrade.  The upgrades are nice as they unlock perks in game like extra bag space, more currency you can hold and a ready to use horse (faster travel).

It's a big file. It will take a while to download.  I think the download client is smart enough to restart if it's interrupted.  I think it took about 4-5 hours on my 6 Mb fancy ADSL connection about a year ago.  It would take less time on the cable connection I have now.

Step Two: Wait.
While you are waiting, here is a link to the "Quick Start Guide".  This guide was put together several years ago when the game still came on CD, but it's got all of the essential basics in terms of controls, Races and Classes, game mechanics and even maps of the starting areas.

Here are more links to things to read if you want more information on various game parts.

• http://lotro-wiki.com/ -- It's a wiki for LOTRO.  Almost everything can be looked up here.  Class details, quests, items, crafting, you name it.
• http://lotro.mmorsel.com/ -- This blog has lots of tips for the F2P (free to play) Lotro gamer.  Tips on level content, crafting resource hotspots, where to go to earn TP (Turbine's store currency that unlocks content like quest packs.)
• http://casualstrolltomordor.com/ -- fan run site with lots of guide, even hairstyles!

More to come.