LOTRO’s Wolves of Mordor Expansion Launches Nearly 20 Years After 2007 Debut

The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) has released its latest expansion, The Wolves of Mordor, today, nearly 19.5 years after the MMO first launched in 2007. Developed by Standing Stone Games and published by Daybreak Game Company, the expansion sends players beyond Gorgoroth to three new regions—Heledhris, Parth Rhavas, and Nan Ogol—where they can uncover secrets and gain new skills. A key addition is the Neighbors companion system, featuring characters with unique personalities and a dynamic mood system that can forge friendships, tell stories, and send players on missions. The expansion is available in three editions: $40 standard, $80 Collector’s, and $130 Ultimate Fan Bundle, with higher tiers offering extra cosmetics, additional neighbors, and XP boosts. LOTRO has seen more than a dozen expansions since its 2007 launch, originally by Turbine and Warner Bros., before shifting to free-to-play in 2010. While not the longest-running MMO—World of Warcraft (2004) and Ultima Online (1997) still operate—LOTRO remains a staple of the Tolkien gaming universe. The Lord of the Rings IP is also expanding in other media, with Prime Video’s The Rings of Power returning for season 3 in November and Andy Serkis’ The Hunt for Gollum film slated for 2027. For players seeking new adventures in Middle-earth, The Wolves of Mordor offers a fresh reason to return.