Free Range Games has announced that the much-anticipated 1.0 release of Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria will launch on August 27, 2024. This update will see the survival crafting game become available on Steam and Xbox Series X|S, significantly expanding its reach. Currently available on the Epic Games Store and PlayStation 5, the expansion to these additional platforms addresses a strong demand from the game’s dedicated fanbase.
Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, set within the beloved universe created by J.R.R. Tolkien, invites players to explore the iconic Mines of Moria. This survival crafting game takes players deeper into the mines following the destruction of the One Ring. Players take on the role of a member of a dwarven excavation crew, who becomes trapped after a disastrous explosion. The game features the return of Gimli, now a leader among the dwarves, adding a fresh dimension to Tolkien’s expansive lore.
The game’s forthcoming release on Steam and Xbox Series X|S will be priced at £15.99. Alongside this, cross play functionality will be introduced, enabling up to seven players to collaborate across different platforms. In response to player feedback, the update will also include a highly requested single-player pause feature, allowing gamers to pause the action during solo play.
The launch will coincide with the release of the Golden Update, a substantial content expansion that will be available across all platforms. Among the highlights of this update is the 1.0 version of Sandbox Mode, which allows players to explore Moria without being bound by the main storyline. The mines will be procedurally generated, providing a range of difficulty levels and map layouts. This mode offers players the freedom to explore at their own pace and transfer their dwarf characters between different save files.
In addition to Sandbox Mode, the Golden Update will introduce a host of new content. Players will discover 14 new weapons and armour pieces, as well as 100 new build objects, including lights, tables, and rugs. While the new weapons and armour can only be obtained within Sandbox Mode, they can be transferred to the main game if equipped to a character. This feature is expected to enhance gameplay for those who wish to carry customised gear into the primary game narrative.
Although the Golden Update does not further explore the dwarven history within the Mines of Moria, the addition of Sandbox Mode suggests potential future updates could delve deeper into the game’s lore. The expansion to new platforms and the introduction of additional features are likely to attract a larger player base, possibly leading to further content updates that explore Middle-earth’s rich history.
As Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria prepares for its multi-platform release and the debut of the Golden Update, anticipation among fans is high. The new features and broader availability promise to revitalise interest in the game, offering both returning players and newcomers a refreshed way to engage with Tolkien’s legendary world.
With the game’s expansion to Steam and Xbox Series X|S, as well as the introduction of cross play and enhanced content, Free Range Games is set to capture the imaginations of a wider audience. Future updates may continue to enrich the game’s narrative and gameplay, solidifying its place within the realm of Tolkien-inspired gaming experiences.
As the release date approaches, the gaming community will be closely observing how these new features are received and whether they will pave the way for further developments in the game’s ongoing evolution.
