is LoTRO for me?Follow

I've been playing for only a few weeks now, but I think I can answer your questions pretty well for at least the first 25 levels of the game.

At level 20 you unlock an option to wear cosmetic clothing, which from your post, you'll love. It means that you'll be able to purchase cosmetic clothing to wear over your armor to customize your look. Don't like your ugly leather helmet? But a fancy feathered cap to put on while maintaining the benefits of your ugly armor.

As far as uniqueness, I'd say this game is about a medium on that. Items are not completely random like in some games, but there are a vast majority of quest and crafted items to choose from. Also, this game is not heavily gear intensive, meaning you're not shunned upon for sub-optimal gear (a common thing in my old MMO, FFXI). For example I play a Hunter and I can do just as well with axes, swords, daggers, or maces. Bows and Crossbows are also roughly equivalent. I can't speak for other classes, but I assume the same applies.

There definitely is some social interaction, but only if you choose so. Some days I feel like questing solo, other times I join a group.

Again, this is my impression of the first 25 levels. Good luck making a choice, and I hope you at least give it a try, it sounds like you'd enjoy LOTRO!

Yes. Yes. Yes. Most classes are going to be limited (by their own choice) to one type of armour, save Minstrels, who can be effective with either medium or light. There is so much different armour, and many different ways to build your character, that I rarely see another player with the exact same gear as I have. Most classes can use a wide variety of weapons, as opposed to other games I've tried such as WoW, EQ, or XI. Minstrels, for example, can use swords, clubs, daggers, or axes (if the minstrel is a dwarf).



Depends almost entirely on how you want your character built. Well, depends on the character, I suppose. For example, a champion could go sword/sword, sword/shield, axe/axe, axe/shield, dagger/axe, etc. In terms of weaponry, they can use all melee weapons save Halberds and Staves, and they also have the ability to use bows.



Yep, there's also a dye system and a dressing room in which you can try different dyes on. See how a piece of equipment looks on you (there are also different styles of most crafted, Dwarven, Elvish, and regular) and how it'd look if you dyed it.