LOTRO: The Problem With Skirmish Soldiers
Skirmishes were added to the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online, in 2009 with the release of the Siege of Mirkwood expansion. Skirmishes are a repeatable and scalable combat system that allows players to access various instances for solo or group play from anywhere in the in-game world. Players can choose a Skirmish Soldier from a variety of classes to accompany them and provide healing, tank or additional DPS. On paper it’s a great system which is why many other MMOs offer something similar. I recently decided to tinker with my Skirmish Soldier build on my main character to see if I could optimise their performance. As my primary alt is a Lore-master, for the last few years I have had a Warrior as their Skirmish Soldier, to take some of the aggro from attacking mobs. I used the excellent guide by FibroJedi and swapped over a few Training and Personal Traits.
Skirmishes were added to the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online, in 2009 with the release of the Siege of Mirkwood expansion. Skirmishes are a repeatable and scalable combat system that allows players to access various instances for solo or group play from anywhere in the in-game world. Players can choose a Skirmish Soldier from a variety of classes to accompany them and provide healing, tank or additional DPS. On paper it’s a great system which is why many other MMOs offer something similar. I recently decided to tinker with my Skirmish Soldier build on my main character to see if I could optimise their performance. As my primary alt is a Lore-master, for the last few years I have had a Warrior as their Skirmish Soldier, to take some of the aggro from attacking mobs. I used the excellent guide by FibroJedi and swapped over a few Training and Personal Traits.
I do not find playing Skirmishes at the default difficulty setting with my level cap Lore-master to be particularly challenging. Mainly because my primary character is well specified with good gear and an optimised Legendary Weapon. On occasions, I will send my Warrior to attack a specific target, if for example, one of my main attack skills is on cooldown. Most of the time, they simply follow in my wake, providing what support they can. Or so I assumed. Recently, I decided to look at my combat log after playing through Thievery and Mischief Skirmish. Let it suffice to say, there were few entries regarding their contribution and what was there showed minimal damage. The Skirmish Soldier in question had all their skills and abilities maxed out. I subsequently ran several other Skirmishes with other alts, all of which had Skirmish Soldiers of a commensurate rank to the level of the alt. The results were similar.
Hence I did some research via the official LOTRO forums and the subreddit and it would appear that Skirmish Soldiers are generally considered ineffective and often a liability in high-level content due to poor scaling and unintelligent AI. At lower levels, soldiers can be overpowered but still have a tendency to pull aggro and break crowd control. This beneficial over powered state only lasts for a ten levels or so. The main problem after their AI, is that their damage and utility do not scale well at higher levels, making them less useful compared to player-controlled companions like Captain's Heralds or Lore-master pets. A Herbalist Skirmish Soldier is the most recommended and reliable choice because its primary function is healing. A role that tends to keep them adjacent or behind the player. They help keep you alive during difficult fights, which is more important than the negligible damage output from other roles.
Over the years, the level cap increases have further exacerbated this problem. Hence, my fully maxed out Warrior doesn’t contribute that much to any fight. I mainly use them as a decoy. Similarly, when deployed during general PVE questing the Skirmish Soldier (or Landscape Soldier in this circumstances) suffers the same problems with skill scaling and damage output. Therefore, their primary role at present, is one of psychological prop. Making the player feel supported and thus, boosting their confidence. Making Skirmish Soldiers the equivalent of Andrew Ridgeley from Wham. LOTRO developers, Standing Stone Games need to fine tune and rebalance this game mechanic, so that Skirmish/Landscape Soldiers become a more reliable and universal companion within the game. I’d also like more cosmetics options for them. However, knowing SSG, I won’t hold my breath.
LOTRO: Standing Stone Games and Support Tickets
On 2nd August 2025, I was playing the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online, on my primary character, a level cap Lore-master. I decided to continue with one of the Allegiance Quest lines, specifically Durin’s Folk. I played through several quests and earned the appropriate tokens that advance the Allegiance system. I then handed these in to the NPC in the Hall Under the Mountain, expecting the next quest in the series “Chapter 3: Gimli’s Request” to be unlocked. An item appeared in my inventory that I then clicked on, which should have bestowed the quest. Unfortunately, nothing happened. Furthermore, the item vanished from my bag and therefore I could not attempt to click it again. I checked the LOTRO Wiki and then looked around the Hall Under the Mountain to see if any NPC had a ring icon above their head. As they did not, I surmised that this was a software glitch and logged a support ticket with Standing Stone Games.
On 2nd August 2025, I was playing the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online, on my primary character, a level cap Lore-master. I decided to continue with one of the Allegiance Quest lines, specifically Durin’s Folk. I played through several quests and earned the appropriate tokens that advance the Allegiance system. I then handed these in to the NPC in the Hall Under the Mountain, expecting the next quest in the series “Chapter 3: Gimli’s Request” to be unlocked. An item appeared in my inventory that I then clicked on, which should have bestowed the quest. Unfortunately, nothing happened. Furthermore, the item vanished from my bag and therefore I could not attempt to click it again. I checked the LOTRO Wiki and then looked around the Hall Under the Mountain to see if any NPC had a ring icon above their head. As they did not, I surmised that this was a software glitch and logged a support ticket with Standing Stone Games.
Tonight, 40 days later, I received an email response from SSG and opened the message expecting to read that they had manually advanced the quest for me and I could continue with this story arc. However, that was not the case. I have attached a screen capture of my original support request along with the response from SSG, for readers edification. I believe I made myself quite clear in my initial communication. Hence I am somewhat confused by SSG’s response. There are several points to consider.
I have removed the name of the Customer Support member of staff out of courtesy
Firstly, are SSG claiming that they cannot advance a quest for a player when they state “Our ability to provide gameplay help or walkthroughs is limited from here in in-game CS”? If that is their assertion, I do not believe it. In the past, both I and friends have had quest lines advanced by Turbine/Standing Stone Games staff, when a bug has occurred.
Secondly, why write “I would suggest consulting with the community either in-game or on our official forums to gain a better understanding of gameplay content”? I gave a very clear breakdown of the fault I encountered and the problems most certainly can’t be remedied by reading the LOTRO forums. The comment implies that SSG has not read what I have written, for whatever reasons, which is hardly good customer relations.
Thirdly, I am further puzzled by the statement “If you believe there is an error with the in-game content, please provide a screenshot containing your character and the occurring issue to assist in further investigation, thank you”. My initial support request clearly indicates that I do indeed believe that an error occurred. It is why I raised a “ticket” in the first place. A quest bestowal failed, which is the very definition of a game error. As for supplying a screen capture, how exactly can I do this after the event? Again, this gives me the impression that my support request has not been read. I will not jump to any conclusion as to why this is but the most obvious answers that come to mind are far from edifying for SSG.
Finally, by what criteria is this support request “solved”?
Details of the Allegiance quest in question
There is always a temptation to consider a minor customer service matter such as this, too trivial to pursue any further. However, such a course of action ultimately makes matters worse for all players and paying customers. As a European, I am used to robust and good quality customer services. This example is the opposite of that. I waited 40 days, only to receive a generic response which neither addressed my in-game problem or even had the courtesy to offer the most basic of apologies for the inconvenience. This will not do.
If on the off chance that anyone from SSG reads this post, do you think this reflects well on your company? Not so much the fault, as bugs will occur in video games. I’m more concerned about the casual dismissal this official response infers and the fact that no one seems to have bothered to read what I wrote. Beyond this, can my game related problem be resolved? If you cannot advance a simple quest line for me after an obvious error, then please say so. A polite “sorry” would be well received.
In the meantime, I would be very interested to hear from fellow LOTRO players as to their experiences when seeking technical support from SSG. Did you wait long for a response? Do you feel that your request was read and understood? Was your game related problem resolved?
Star Trek Online Needs an Expansion
If you check the Star Trek Online Wiki, you’ll find that there has been a steady stream of new content added to the MMORPG over the last 15 years. However, it doesn’t quite feel that way, mainly because more recent material seems weaker and less memorable. The last two major story arcs in STO have been somewhat lacklustre and demonstrably inferior to those that went before. Both Terran Gambit and Kings & Queens suffer from uninspired, repetitive ideas as well as an infrequent release schedule. Effectively weak stories have been dragged out over too much time. No doubt changes among the STO writing team have had an impact on content but it also seems that some of the newer stories have been tailored around whatever former Star Trek cast members that are available. As a result there has been a somewhat “square pegs in a round holes” aspect to both story arcs, where the pieces just don’t seem to fit together well.
If you check the Star Trek Online Wiki, you’ll find that there has been a steady stream of new content added to the MMORPG over the last 15 years. However, it doesn’t quite feel that way, mainly because more recent material seems weaker and less memorable. The last two major story arcs in STO have been somewhat lacklustre and demonstrably inferior to those that went before. Both Terran Gambit and Kings & Queens suffer from uninspired, repetitive ideas as well as an infrequent release schedule. Effectively weak stories have been dragged out over too much time. No doubt changes among the STO writing team have had an impact on content but it also seems that some of the newer stories have been tailored around whatever former Star Trek cast members that are available. As a result there has been a somewhat “square pegs in a round holes” aspect to both story arcs, where the pieces just don’t seem to fit together well.
Another factor that is leading to a sense of fatigue in STO is the never ending treadmill of events. If you want something quick and easy to get into, then STO always has some sort of event or activity going on. Events are devised that if you complete a specific number of Taskforce Operations or episodes from a story arc, you are rewarded with something “useful”. An armour set, or a ship’s console or even a Tier 6 ship. These can be beneficial but they are not essential to all players. A console that enhances plasma damage is of no use to you if you use disruptors on your ship’s build. And talking of ships, there comes a point when you simply don’t need anymore. I have several dozen and have been using an Inquiry Battlecruiser for the last three years. As the saying goes “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
Which is why I think that STO would benefit greatly from the release of a new expansion for the game. This could include an increase in level cap, possibly a new tier of ship or some sort of tangential system. An additional reputation faction could be added as well. But the most fundamental requirement would be a well written, immersive and engaging story arc. Furthermore, rather than the standard, “the galaxy in peril” storyline, it would be preferable to have something based upon exploration and diplomacy with a new alien culture. A sociopolitical themed story that required thinking and making informed choices, rather than the usual “pew pew” Starfleet just kicked your ass, sort of stuff. A plot that is grounded more in the sort of intrigue we saw in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Sadly, I do not think this is going to happen. DECA Games have been responsible for the ongoing development of STO for over a year now and so far there have been no indication of any ambition beyond events, new ships and scaled down story arcs. No sign of an expansion of the calibre of Legacy of Romulus. There is a degree of similarity between STO and LOTRO (The Lord of the Rings Online) as both MMORPGs have loyal playerbases that effectively have nowhere else to go. Both communities are very accommodating and supportive of their respective games, often finding their own entertainment within the games. Unfortunately, the LOTRO community enjoys a more regular content schedule and a better calibre of writing. I suspect that it is only a matter of time before the STO community gets fed up with the status quo.
LOTRO: The Problem With MMOs and Mathematics
Let’s start with a quote from a classic Walter Hill film, The Warriors. “Can you count, suckers?” says Sirus. The gang leader was referring to the number of Police in New York City at the time. Whereas, for the purpose of this post, I am referencing how many Delving Writs a player needs to acquire 6 pieces of level cap armour in LOTRO. Because, next to the gear you get from endgame instances and raids, Delving gear is a good alternative.. It is marginally better than the items you can get from lootboxes. Hence, Delving armour is a good source of high end gear for the solo player. Through the miracle of mathematics, the number of Delving writs required to acquire a full set of this armour is 9,000. At first glance, that seems like a lot. If you then do some further research to put the number in context, you realise it is indeed a lot and a substantial undertaking.
Let’s start with a quote from a classic Walter Hill film, The Warriors. “Can you count, suckers?” says Sirus. The gang leader was referring to the number of Police in New York City at the time. Whereas, for the purpose of this post, I am referencing how many Delving Writs a player needs to acquire 6 pieces of level cap armour in LOTRO. Because, next to the gear you get from endgame instances and raids, Delving gear is a good alternative. It is marginally better than the items you can get from lootboxes. Hence, Delving armour is a good source of high end gear for the solo player. Through the miracle of mathematics, the number of Delving writs required to acquire a full set of this armour is 9,000. At first glance, that seems like a lot. If you then do some further research to put the number in context, you realise it is indeed a lot and a substantial undertaking.
Like most repeatable activities in The Lord of the Rings Online and indeed the MMORPG genre, there is a cap on how many a player can undertake a day. The point being to time gate the rewards and possibly foster a sense of achievement. You work toward a goal and deferred gratification. Or if you’re more cynical about this mechanic, it is designed to draw out content and keep players “occupied”. Whatever the reason, in LOTRO you can only do a maximum of 10 Delvings a day. Delvings are scalable and the harder they are, the more Delving Writs you receive as a reward. Theoretically, you can play 10 Delvings a day. On Tier 12 (the maximum tier) each Delving yields 50 Delving Writs. Hence you can potentially earn 500 Delving Writs a day. Thus you can possibly earn your full set of Delving armour in 18 days.
However, the average player is more than likely not to play that many Delvings and not at Tier 12. I find Tier 7 a manageable challenge and such Delvings reward the player with 30 Delving Writs. I tend to play no more than 4 Delvings a day, mainly because I like some more than others and there is a daily rotation so you don’t always get the ones you prefer. Therefore, players such as I on average can earn 120 Delving Writs per day. To earn 9,000 at this rate will take 75 days. Although I don’t mind a degree of challenge in an MMO, these numbers simply seem too much of a grind and a chore. I play for amusment and such an undertaking falls squarely out of the “amusement zone”. When compared to the gear I can get from lootboxes, the Delving armour is only a little better and that is the final nail in the coffin of this potential enterprise. Essentially maths has allowed me to make an informed choice and the choice is a resounding “no”.
I fully appreciate that lots of LOTRO players do not have the same transactional mindset as I do. As such they will happily set themselves this goal and diligently undertake it. Good for them. I however often find that the numbers that Standing Stone Games’ set for specific in-game rewards are not to my liking. They are simply too grindy in my opinion. I have a far more egalitarian opinion on what constitutes a “quid pro quo”. It’s also why I have no real interest in many of the festivals in LOTRO because you’re mainly rewarded with cosmetic items and not anything that I considered to be truly beneficial. But I digress. If you’re considering working towards a full set of Delving armour, then consider the numbers and the time frame that I’ve summarised here. Number crunching is your friend in this genre of gaming. Choose accordingly.
LOTRO Tips
I am currently enjoying a renewed interest in the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online since I migrated all my characters from the old 32-bit servers to the new 64-bit replacements. I’ve created a new High Elf Lore-master on Peregrin server and am currently levelling them in a targeted play through of the Epic Story, supplemented by curated side quests. While playing recently, I realised the game UI on this alt wasn’t as I usually have it laid out. So I checked through the various documents on my PC and found a text file I had created many years ago that had a few hints and tips written down. I’ve added a few more and decided to share them as a blog post. I’m sure veteran players will be familiar with many of them but a lot of them are worth repeating. They may prove useful to those new to LOTRO or returning to the game after a long hiatus.
I am currently enjoying a renewed interest in the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online since I migrated all my characters from the old 32-bit servers to the new 64-bit replacements. I’ve created a new High Elf Lore-master on Peregrin server and am currently levelling them in a targeted play through of the Epic Story, supplemented by curated side quests. While playing recently, I realised the game UI on this alt wasn’t as I usually have it laid out. So I checked through the various documents on my PC and found a text file I had created many years ago that had a few hints and tips written down. I’ve added a few more and decided to share them as a blog post. I’m sure veteran players will be familiar with many of them but a lot of them are worth repeating. They may prove useful to those new to LOTRO or returning to the game after a long hiatus.
Saving and loading your customised interface:
Once you’ve arranged your LOTRO user interface to your liking simply type the following command in the chat window. /ui layout save X (X being the name of choice for this saved setting). You can then load this layout for any further alts by typing the following in the chat window. /ui layout load X
Filter loot, quests and sounds:
Alt + R opens the in-game filter windows. This allows you to filter out specific quests and their subsequent reminders. It can also be used to ignore unwanted loot. I use it to avoid lootboxes that frequently drop and fill your bags. It can also be used to filter out specific in-game sounds. This is especially handy if you find certain sounds annoying, such as Minstrels constantly yelling or the incessant whinnying of horses at stables.
Renaming pets and skirmish/landscape soldiers:
The Lore-master and Captain’s classes in LOTRO have combat pets that can be renamed by right clicking on them. Skirmish/landscape soldiers can similarly be renamed. Cosmetic pets cannot have their name altered in this fashion. However, you can rename them by typing the following command in the in-game chat window. /cpet rename X (X being your name of choice).
Checking to see how much time you have spent playing a specific alt:
Type the following command in the in-game chat window in chat to see how long you've played that specific character. /played
Select which quest icons are shown on the mini-map:
If you go into Options>UI Settings and tick “Show Trivial Quest Icons in Radar” the game will display the quest icons (rings) for those quests that are below your current level, on your mini-map.
Change the order of your alts on the character select screen:
If you want to sort your characters, prior to clicking on “Enter Middle-earth” click on the small triangle just below where it says “Page”. You can then choose between Name, Level, Class and Last login.
Quick travel skills:
Travelling around the various zones in LOTRO can be difficult at lower levels. Stable access is often gated by quests and reputation etc. There are some travel locations that are more useful than others due to the amount of locations they offer. Return to Glân Vraig is one such location. Based in the Ettenmoors, this skill can be earned at level 20 just by completing the tutorial quest in the Ettenmoors. It offers quick travel to West Bree, Thorin's Gate, Michel Delving and Rivendell. From Rivendell Stables numerous other travel locations are available. Return to Glân Vraig also has the advantage of only having a 5 minute cooldown. Players just starting out in LOTRO, may wish to purchase Return to Lalia's Market skill for 3 mithril coins. It teleports the player to the centre of Bree which is an important travel hub.
Disable combat music:
Whenever you aggro an enemy in LOTRO, the game plays combat music specific to that zone. These audio cues can be useful in notifying that you’ve triggered combat. However, it can also become quite annoying, especially if you’re focused on the ambient score. Hence, you can go into Options>Audio>Sound Features and check the “Disable Combat Music” button, if you wish.
The LOTRO keymap:
I have two monitors attached to my PC. I play LOTRO on the right hand screen and have the game’s default keymap as the desktop wallpaper on my left hand screen. Despite playing the game since 2008 I still forget many of the handy keyboard commands, so it is useful to have a visual reminder in my line of sight. You can find a large keymap image here.
LOTRO: Everything Old Is New
In mid-March, while the server migration debacle raged, I created a new alt for the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online, on Peregrin server. The idea was to play casually through content focusing on enjoyment, rather than worrying about progression. I was to level at a pace that suited me and had no specific plans to develop my alt in any particular way. I have been playing LOTRO since 2008 and have a primary level-cap character that has been my main focus over the years. Hence I have previously experienced all story content from all the expansions and am therefore very familiar with what the game has to offer. Which is why I thought I’d do things differently this time. So I started my new Lore-master in Mossward in Swanfleet, the new starting area added to the game in 2022.
In mid-March, while the server migration debacle raged, I created a new alt for the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online, on Peregrin server. The idea was to play casually through content focusing on enjoyment, rather than worrying about progression. I was to level at a pace that suited me and had no specific plans to develop my alt in any particular way. I have been playing LOTRO since 2008 and have a primary level-cap character that has been my main focus over the years. Hence I have previously experienced all story content from all the expansions and am therefore very familiar with what the game has to offer. Which is why I thought I’d do things differently this time. So I started my new Lore-master in Mossward in Swanfleet, the new starting area added to the game in 2022.
Levelling via the Before the Shadow expansion is a far more streamlined and efficient process than doing so via the original starter areas in Shadows of Angmar. The main storyline (Epic Quests) offer far superior gear as rewards and more XP. Cardolan and Swanfleet are well designed and very atmospheric zones. They are diverse in game content and have some of the best ambient music in the entire game. The main story involving the disgraced ranger Meneldir trying to warn his former colleagues about the threat of Saruman is well conceived and fits into the existing story arcs well. Once you move onto Bree and pick up the main story there, you quickly notice the pace slow down as this is some of the oldest content in the game. It is still enjoyable but you soon realise that a lot of the gear rewards are lacklustre compared to the previous zone.
I decided to concentrate on the main story while playing my new character and if I found myself at too low a level, I would do skirmishes and missions, rather than side quests. Having played LOTRO for so long, I also benefited from various account unlocks. Hence I had access straightway to some cosmetic outfits, thus did not have to play through early levels looking like a sartorially challenged “murder hobo”. I also used my stockpile of LOTRO points to purchase a lot of travel and milestone skills to make traversing Middle-earth easier. Due to many areas of the game being restructured over the past 18 years, you do find yourself progressing across Eriador quite rapidly. I quickly found myself at Gath Forthnír and the prospect of having to navigate the nearby enemy stronghold, Barad Gúlaran. I balked at this, so I decided to move on and after some thought, I chose to tackle Moria.
Moria has been revamped several times and its current iteration is a lot more user friendly than the version which existed back in 2008/9. However, what made the Moria prologue different this time round was the new introduction to the revised Legendary Item system. I actually found the tutorial for this aspect of the game quite helpful. Mainly because an entry level LI has only a few tracery slots open and is therefore a lot easier to manage. It was also nice to find familiar NPCs moved to far more intuitive locations, making it a lot easier to hand in completed quests. Moria also has far more stables now and is therefore a lot easier to navigate. However, despite these quality of life improvements, the expansion still maintains that air of wonder that was there in 2008. Khazad-dûm is still visually very impressive, showcasing Dwarven culture at its height. Yet it also has a palpable sense of decay.
The last few months of playing my new Lore-master have certainly highlighted the substantial changes that have been made to LOTRO over its lifecycle. The addition of areas such as Yondershire, the Wildwood in Bree-land and the Angle of Mitheithel, plus the new starter area in Swanfleet give players a great deal of choice when levelling. In fact large swathes of LOTRO can be bypassed if the player so desires. The in-game store also has a major impact on gameplay. As I mentioned, I bought various skills that reduced my fast travel ability to a five minute cooldown. I also had access to a mount within minutes of creating my new alt. All of which significantly alter the pace of LOTRO compared to how it was 15 years ago. Although the journey to level cap (150) still takes time, it is most certainly not the grind it used to be.
The new 64-bit servers have also had a positive impact upon the player population. If a player wants company or to join a kinship, then this is far easier at present as all major in-game hubs such as Bree of the 21st Hall in Moria have players coming and going. The chat channels are busy for those who like such means of communication. Hence LOTRO, despite its age, seems very dynamic and novel at the moment. The servers are busy and there is plenty of social activity if you want it. The game content seems fresh mainly due to the amount of choice a player has. This stems from new zones and a wealth of revisions made over time. For me at present, everything old is new. This coupled with my long term experience of the game, means that I can stop as I progress through Middle-earth and take stock of what is around me. Something that can be overlooked when playing for the first time.
MMO Tropes: Alts
In massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), alts (short for alternate characters), are new characters created by a player in addition to their primary character (often called the “main”). Alts are often encouraged by developers as a means to keep players engaged with their game(s). Sometimes an MMO will actively reward the creation of alts either with access to exclusive content, or with additional skills or items previously unlocked by primary characters. As the myth that an MMO really begins at endgame still persists in gaming culture, some games sell boosts that will instantly raise the level of an alt to that of the current level cap. Creating alts is such a key aspect of the MMO genre, that some games will sell additional character slots, so that players can create further alts beyond the default amount allowed. There are many reasons why players create alts. Let us consider some.
In massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), alts (short for alternate characters), are new characters created by a player in addition to their primary character (often called the “main”). Alts are often encouraged by developers as a means to keep players engaged with their game(s). Sometimes an MMO will actively reward the creation of alts either with access to exclusive content, or with additional skills or items previously unlocked by primary characters. As the myth that an MMO really begins at endgame still persists in gaming culture, some games sell boosts that will instantly raise the level of an alt to that of the current level cap. Creating alts is such a key aspect of the MMO genre, that some games will sell additional character slots, so that players can create further alts beyond the default amount allowed. There are many reasons why players create alts. Let us consider some.
Trying different classes: Many MMOs offer diverse classes, races and specialisations. Alts allow players to experience these without abandoning their main character.
Experiencing alternative gameplay: Alts can offer a fresh perspective on the game world, allowing players to engage in different activities, storylines, or even roleplay.
Farming resources: In some MMOs, alts can be used to gather more resources, complete daily quests, or participate in other activities. These often offer rewards such as items or currency, which can benefit the player's main character.
Socialising: Alts can be used to play with different groups of friends, or to participate in content that requires a specific group of classes.
Avoiding burnout: Playing the same character for extended periods can lead to burnout, and alts can provide a break from the routine.
Roleplaying: Some players create alts for roleplaying purposes, developing unique backstories and personalities for each character.
Increased and unique rewards: Some MMOs offer rewards for having multiple characters, such as bonus experience, unique items or account wide unlocks.
The MMO genre handles the issue of alts in a broad fashion. Some older games such as Age of Conan (now Conan Unchained) only have one path through game content. If you roll a new alt you will still have to play through content you have already experienced. The Lord of the Rings Online takes a different approach with your character’s race determining their starter area. This offers a degree of difference for alts, although the storylines come together after a certain level. Guild Wars 2 takes a similar approach, again favouring race specific starters areas. In The Elder Scrolls Online, new characters begin in a tutorial area called Coldharbour's Wailing Prison, then are sent to their alliance's starting zone. After the tutorial, players can explore their alliance’s respective zone and choose which quests to pursue. Players then have the option to explore other alliances’ zones later.
Star Wars: The Old Republic takes a far bolder approach to alts. The starting area for each character is determined by their chosen class. There are four starting planets shared between two classes. However, every class has a completely unique story that runs throughout the duration of the base game. This greatly improves the games replayability across the eight classes. Similarly, the MMO Star Trek Online offers bespoke stories across its six main factions before the stories converge into a unified episodic arc. The game also has regular events that unlock account wide rewards. Someone who has played the game regularly with a primary character, has the benefit of being able to access numerous bonuses and items whenever they create a new alt. Items, such as ships, bought in the cash shop are also available to all alts.
Alts are often encouraged and in some specific titles an integral part of that game’s lifecycle. The MMO genre certainly has a requirement for players to roll alts. They offer increased variety, engagement and sometimes additional resources within the game world. Where other genres struggle with replayability, MMOs fare far better via the medium of alts. However, alts are not a foolproof solution to player engagement. Alts often end up abandoned, especially if the new class on offer is not a good fit for a player’s style. Many are experiments or something undertaken on a whim. Many are created purely for storage or to perform specific tasks, such as resource farming. But some choice is better than no choice and alts are an opportunity to try new things. Whether we personally take advantage of them or not, it is a positive thing that they exist.
LOTRO: Rebuilding Kinships
I wrote a while ago that a lot of kinships from the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online, would probably not survive the recent server migration. MMOs are social endeavours by nature, often with strong emotional ties but a lot of kinships (or guilds) have already fallen into decline, simply due to gaming entropy. Hence the migration has seen players leave existing kinships to move to the superior 64-bit servers, resulting in a lot of people who may be potentially looking for a new home. This is exactly what happened to me. I opted to move to Meriadoc server promptly, at the cost of leaving a kinship I have been a member of since 2009. However, the move presented me with an opportunity to remedy this problem myself. I subsequently set up my own kinship and decided to make it available to others.
I wrote a while ago that a lot of kinships from the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online, would probably not survive the recent server migration. MMOs are social endeavours by nature, often with strong emotional ties but a lot of kinships (or guilds) have already fallen into decline, simply due to gaming entropy. Hence the migration has seen players leave existing kinships to move to the superior 64-bit servers, resulting in a lot of people who may be potentially looking for a new home. This is exactly what happened to me. I opted to move to Meriadoc server promptly, at the cost of leaving a kinship I have been a member of since 2009. However, the move presented me with an opportunity to remedy this problem myself. I subsequently set up my own kinship and decided to make it available to others.
It should be noted that the Contains Moderate Peril kinship is primarily intended to be a rallying point, rather than a fully functional social entity. Somewhere to hang out in-game as it were. However, if people want to organise activities and group content, that’s fine by me. So far, several of my old kinmates from Laurelin server have joined while they attempt to round up other wayward members. They may move on in time, which is fine. They may also choose to stay, which is also fine. As I’m sure there is a growing diaspora of 32-bit refugees at present in LOTRO, I thought it would be a good idea to extend an open invitation to any players looking for an intermediate kinship. At the very least Contains Moderate Peril kinship can offer some company as well as a cool kin name under your in-game title.
If any of this appeals to you and you’d like to join the Contains Moderate Peril kinship, add the following names to your LOTRO friends list. Tercano on Peregrin server and Xusia on Meriadoc server. I’m afraid I don’t have any specific hours that I play. I tend to log into LOTRO whenever the fancy takes me. Hence if you see me online then just send me a direct message and I’ll add you to the kinship on the fly. The server migration certainly seems to have reinvigorated The Lord of the Rings Online despite some of the problems that arose. I see a lot of posts on the official forums and reddit regarding new and returning players. Rather than drifting around Standing Stone Games’ virtual Middle-earth aimlessly, why not join our kinship, so you can meander about with like minded company.
LOTRO: Moving on From the Server Migration
The dust appears to have settled for the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online, after last month’s server transfer debacle. Despite the technical issues arising and subsequent delays to the migration timetable as well as the procurement of in-game housing, LOTRO seems to be enjoying a minor resurgence. Many former players are returning to the game and moving retired alts to new servers, due to the superior performance. The migration issues have also brought a lot of attention to this 18 year old game and it would appear there are many new players trying this Tolkien themed MMO. I was pleasantly surprised to see that a further two 64-bit servers, Grond (EU) and Sting (US), are to be added to the game to meet demand. As I predicted in my previous posts, LOTRO has a habit of bouncing back due to its unique niche in the gaming ecosystem.
The dust appears to have settled for the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online, after last month’s server transfer debacle. Despite the technical issues arising and subsequent delays to the migration timetable as well as the procurement of in-game housing, LOTRO seems to be enjoying a minor resurgence. Many former players are returning to the game and moving retired alts to new servers, due to the superior performance. The migration issues have also brought a lot of attention to this 18 year old game and it would appear there are many new players trying this Tolkien themed MMO. I was pleasantly surprised to see that a further two 64-bit servers, Grond (EU) and Sting (US), are to be added to the game to meet demand. As I predicted in my previous posts, LOTRO has a habit of bouncing back due to its unique niche in the gaming ecosystem.
There was also a recent update to the 2025 LOTRO roadmap. Lead systems designer Alan “Orion” Maki provided a breakdown of the game’s current priorities. The 18th anniversary festival is to be revised to include mission scaling and new rewards. Update 44: Crown of Hamat is due this month and will include new story quests, missions and a 6-player instance. The raid, Temple of Utug-bûr, has been delayed. The reputation perk system for VIP players is also included in the update. In Q3, the Hunter and Burglar classes will be updated, along with the Birding and Fishing hobbies. In Q4, there will be a new expansion for the game. This will include four new zones, a new raid and yet another increase to level cap from 150 to 160. There is also a wealth of updates to the kinship system as well as the temporarily removed deed log revision. Just remember that all of these can be subject to change for “reasons”.
With regard to my own ongoing LOTRO experience, I am finding Meriadoc server to be a very agreeable place. Having successfully moved my primary character there, the performance improvement is clearly notable. I have experienced no tangible lag while traversing the virtual world. Locations such as Minas Tirith which used to be notorious for rubberbanding are now stable and manageable. It is also interesting to see a lot more players out and about in all zones. It is a timely reminder that this is a multiplayer game. On my previous server Laurelin, I could go for days in some zones without seeing another player. Another plus point on Meriadoc is that it didn’t take long for the in-game economy to take off. I also created a new alt on Peregrin server, so I have a character to take to the various events that will no doubt find a home there.
All things considered, LOTRO does appear to be back to business as usual. If SSG can resolve the housing issue and ensure that players who have recently migrated can re-acquire their house of choice, then I’m sure that the status quo that has prevailed for so long will return. The revised roadmap has plenty of new content scheduled which is reassuring to the playerbase. The game is far from stagnant. SSG also has a habit of quietly tinkering with legacy issues in the background, while developing the bread and butter content of the game. They tend to take as much time as they need to get the job done and sensibly play their cards close to their chest. Hence there is still hope that issues such as UI scaling will be addressed in the long term and that the group finder will be overhauled. Let’s see how the rest of 2025 pans out.
LOTRO: 64-Bit Server Migration Part 4
It has not been a good week for the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online and its developer Standing Stone Games. The migration from legacy 32-bit servers to 64-bit servers has not gone smoothly. The transfer queue was overwhelmed by the sheer number of accounts and it has taken far longer than expected to process the backlog of requests. Today has been the fifth day of waiting to see if my 3 main characters from Laurelin server have successfully migrated to their new home on Meriadoc. When I checked this morning, the transfer wizard indicated that my characters were back where they originally came from. I therefore considered repeating the entire process. However, around midday, Community Manager Cordovan indicated that SSG had caught up with transfer requests made around 8:00 AM EST on Sunday 9th March. So I decided to be patient and wait a little longer.
It has not been a good week for the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online and its developer Standing Stone Games. The migration from legacy 32-bit servers to 64-bit servers has not gone smoothly. The transfer queue was overwhelmed by the sheer number of accounts and it has taken far longer than expected to process the backlog of requests. Today has been the fifth day of waiting to see if my 3 main characters from Laurelin server have successfully migrated to their new home on Meriadoc. When I checked this morning, the transfer wizard indicated that my characters were back where they originally came from. I therefore considered repeating the entire process. However, around midday, Community Manager Cordovan indicated that SSG had caught up with transfer requests made around 8:00 AM EST on Sunday 9th March. So I decided to be patient and wait a little longer.
I logged into Meriadoc server again this evening, at approximately 21:00 and found that my three characters had successfully arrived. All three now have their existing names appended with a “-1” so it just remains for me to delete the placeholder alts that I created and to use the “/changename” command to rename my migrated characters and reclaim their correct identities. I have a final alt that is transferring from Landroval to Peregrin server but that has yet to arrive. I did initiate that transfer 24 hours after the first, so it is logical that it has yet to be processed. I have decided not to replace my premium house which I sold prior to migrating. I intend to start playing through the latest expansion and enjoying the benefits of the new 64-bit server. I am for the present without a kinship and it remains to be seen whether my old one will move or not. It may even be time to find a new home.
It will be interesting to see how long it takes for SSG to catch up with all the outstanding transfer requests and whether the same problem occurs again when more players decide to move. The new 64-bit servers were a perfect opportunity for LOTRO to relaunch itself and try to attract new players. Sadly, this issue has received quite a lot of coverage in video games media and it hasn’t been positive. Furthermore, it is not the first time that the game’s developers have shot themselves in the foot. However, the LOTRO player base is very loyal and as there isn’t another Middle-earth themed multiplayer game in town, there’s a good chance that the community will forgive SSG at some point. Maybe we’ll all be laughing about this in the summer. In the meantime, good luck to those still waiting for their alts to turn up on their new servers. As for those who have chosen not to migrate, sit tight.
LOTRO: 64-Bit Server Migration Part 3
I’ve been busy this weekend, so it wasn’t until late afternoon today that I found time to sit down and attempt to migrate my characters from the old 32-bit server Laurelin, to the new 64-bit server Meriadoc. The “Great Server Migration” has not gone smoothly and the week has been a litany of changing deadlines and unfulfilled expectations. However, developer’s Standing Stone Games, have been “firefighting” issues on a daily basis and communicating regularly with the player base of the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online. Sadly, a lot of players have not responded well to the ongoing technical difficulties and there is subsequently a lot of ill feeling on the official forums. I have chosen to adopt a more pragmatic outlook and to let events run their course.
I’ve been busy this weekend, so it wasn’t until late afternoon today that I found time to sit down and attempt to migrate my characters from the old 32-bit server Laurelin, to the new 64-bit server Meriadoc. The “Great Server Migration” has not gone smoothly and the week has been a litany of changing deadlines and unfulfilled expectations. However, developer’s Standing Stone Games, have been “firefighting” issues on a daily basis and communicating regularly with the player base of the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online. Sadly, a lot of players have not responded well to the ongoing technical difficulties and there is subsequently a lot of ill feeling on the official forums. I have chosen to adopt a more pragmatic outlook and to let events run their course.
At 16:50 GMT today I started the LOTRO client launcher and saw that the transfer service button was available. I chose to migrate all three of my characters from Laurelin to Meriadoc and followed the process as stated in SSG’s migration notes. At first all appeared to be working as intended. However, I received an error message at the very end of the process indicating that it had failed. I then took a break and returned to my PC at 17:20 GMT and repeated the process. It took a few minutes and it was clear that this procedure was running somewhat slow but it was quicker than my previous unsuccessful attempt. This time round there were no errors and I received a confirmation message on screen. I have no idea how long it takes to migrate data from one server to another. I am writing this post at 23:00 GMT and my characters have neither left its old home nor arrived at its new destination.
I have one alt left, that I haven’t yet moved. They are based on the US server Landoval and I intend to move them to Peregrin. I shall attempt this tomorrow morning after I’ve checked to see if my initial transfer has been completed. Furthermore, I shall record the process and share it on YouTube. It may be of use to those who are concerned about this entire migration or unfamiliar with the transfer process. In the meantime, my advice to LOTRO players is to wait a little longer before attempting to migrate your characters to a new server. Let SSG process the backlog of data that is still outstanding. I chose to move servers now, mainly so I could write about the process. I suspect it will be a lot smoother in a week's time. Until then, stay put on your current server and do some in-game housekeeping to make your move easier when you decide to leave. I’ll post an update when my alts arrive on Meriadoc.
LOTRO: 64-Bit Server Migration Part 2
Standing Stone Games were scheduled to open their new 64-bit servers for the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online, today. However, when the free transfer service went live yesterday, it was quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of players trying to migrate their alts from the older 32-bit servers to the new ones. Eventually SSG had to disable the transfer facility so that they could process the backlog. Hence today’s launch of the new servers has been postponed till tomorrow. In the meantime, the official LOTRO forum’s have gone into meltdown with irate players berating the developers for handling the migration poorly. True to form, SSG have been somewhat defensive and prickly in response to what they see as unjust criticism. Let it suffice to say that neither party has covered themselves in glory and there is a good chance that the technical problems will persist a while longer.
Standing Stone Games were scheduled to open their new 64-bit servers for the MMORPG, The Lord of the Rings Online, today. However, when the free transfer service went live yesterday, it was quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of players trying to migrate their alts from the older 32-bit servers to the new ones. Eventually SSG had to disable the transfer facility so that they could process the backlog. Hence today’s launch of the new servers has been postponed till tomorrow. In the meantime, the official LOTRO forum’s have gone into meltdown with irate players berating the developers for handling the migration poorly. True to form, SSG have been somewhat defensive and prickly in response to what they see as unjust criticism. Let it suffice to say that neither party has covered themselves in glory and there is a good chance that the technical problems will persist a while longer.
So far, as stated in my previous post, all I have done is create placeholder alts on the new server that I intend to move to. I didn’t attempt to migrate any of my characters yesterday because I suspected that the service would grind to a halt under the volume of users. Those who did manage to initiate a transfer request currently find their alts in “gaming limbo”. They cannot access their characters on their old server and the new servers aren’t open yet. Not exactly an ideal situation. Hence the pushback from players on the official forums. According to feedback from SSG, the slow performance of the transfer service is specifically due to housing claims and moving kinships. If the backlog isn’t addressed in the next 24 hours they have hinted that they may defer opening the new servers further.
After working IT for several decades and having been involved in several major server migrations, I am painfully aware that there is always scope for something unforeseen to crop up and derail the most well planned project. However, SSG seem bamboozled by the fact that a substantial percentage of their player base have done exactly what they were encouraged to do. Namely, transfer their alts to the new 64-bit servers, on the day stipulated in SSG. It seems somewhat odd to publish a timetable and then be surprised when people follow it to the letter. Sadly, this isn’t the first time that SSG have been wrongfooted by their own plans and it probably won’t be the last. Which is why a lot of LOTRO players have chosen to adopt a “wait and see” policy, like that of UK Prime Minister Herbert Asquith. Let us see what tomorrow brings.
Update: While writing this post, SSG have announced that the new 64-bit servers are now going to open on Friday 7th March. Furthermore, the transfer service will return on Thursday 6th March, possibly as early as 8:00 AM EST. However, all dates are potentially subject to change.
LOTRO: 64-Bit Server Migration Part 1
What Massively Overpowered calls LOTRO’s “Great Server Migration” began today. The MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online has opened 4 new 64-bit servers in conjunction with the 2 existing 64-bit legendary servers and the long term plan is to migrate all current players over to them. Eventually, the 32-bit legacy servers will be shut down, however that is a long way off at present. As of today, VIP players can select a new server, log into it and create new characters with their desired names. These placeholder characters cannot be played at present but can be used to reserve names. Tomorrow, if all goes well, the new servers formally open and free transfers begin. Players can then delete placeholder characters and rename alts that they have migrated, thus restoring desired names. It should be noted that none of this is mandatory and players can remain on the old servers for the present.
What Massively Overpowered calls LOTRO’s “Great Server Migration” began today. The MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online has opened 4 new 64-bit servers in conjunction with the 2 existing 64-bit legendary servers and the long term plan is to migrate all current players over to them. Eventually, the 32-bit legacy servers will be shut down, however that is a long way off at present. As of today, VIP players can select a new server, log into it and create new characters with their desired names. These placeholder characters cannot be played at present but can be used to reserve names. Tomorrow, if all goes well, the new servers formally open and free transfers begin. Players can then delete placeholder characters and rename alts that they have migrated, thus restoring desired names. It should be noted that none of this is mandatory and players can remain on the old servers for the present.
LOTRO developers Standing Stone Games offer comprehensive guidance with regard to migrating characters, moving player houses and transferring kinships to the new servers. So I decided to create a placeholder character and reserve the name of my primary alt. At present all my characters reside on Laurelin which is an EU RP server, therefore I have decided to move to Meriadoc which is the new 64-bit equivalent server. Hence, at 5:00 PM GMT I attempted to log into LOTRO and begin the process. Let it suffice to say that the number of players attempting to do the same had an impact upon response times but after a while I could log in to the game and select Meriadoc from the server list. I successfully created a placeholder alt for my primary character. Having secured the name of my beloved Lore-master that I have exclusively played since late 2008, I logged out of the game.
I have chosen not to secure the names of my remaining two alts, mainly because I seldom play them and have precious little attachment to them. I have also decided to sell my existing Premium House on my current server and not to repurchase it when I transfer to the new one. The house as it stands is just a virtual warehouse, mainly for unused housing items. As I don’t craft and seldom visit it, I just don’t see the point of having it anymore. Plus the prospect of having to redecorate a new home is singularly unappealing. Hence, for the meantime, I will just concentrate on moving my Lore-master. Upon arrival I suspect I shall be throwing away a lot of unwanted items and generally decluttering. At present, my kinship doesn’t have a plan to move, so I’m monitoring the situation. It may be time to move on and find a new one. Let us see what tomorrow brings.
LOTRO: Will Your Kinship Survive the Server Migration?
I have many pleasant memories associated with playing the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online during its first decade. A lot of them are due to the kinship (guild) that I have been a member of since 2009. I started playing LOTRO in December 2008 and it took me a while to find a suitable kinship but once I did, it made logging into the game a real pleasure. I was at a point in my life where I had sufficient time to play the game regularly and take part in kinship organised raids. It was also an added bonus to be able to spend some time and chat with some like minded people. I’m sure such an experience is not unique to me and that many LOTRO players have enjoyed similar periods of time. The lucky ones may still be enjoying a comparable kinship experience today.
I have many pleasant memories associated with playing the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online during its first decade. A lot of them are due to the kinship (guild) that I have been a member of since 2009. I started playing LOTRO in December 2008 and it took me a while to find a suitable kinship but once I did, it made logging into the game a real pleasure. I was at a point in my life where I had sufficient time to play the game regularly and take part in kinship organised raids. It was also an added bonus to be able to spend some time and chat with some like minded people. I’m sure such an experience is not unique to me and that many LOTRO players have enjoyed similar periods of time. The lucky ones may still be enjoying a comparable kinship experience today.
Sadly, nothing remains the same forever. Kinships eventually run out of steam as people move on to other games or their personal circumstances change. MMOS themselves have fundamentally changed and a lot of content is no longer designed to be exclusively tackled by a group. For all the positive social aspects that a kinship can offer, there are also plenty of negatives ones as well. Drama, conflict and hierarchies. Hence a lot of players no longer see kinships as an essential part of the game experience but an optional extra. As a result of this gaming evolution and changing social dynamics, many kinships turn from an active social collective to a legacy group. The kinship endures but is no longer active. People stay out of friendship, or simply because why alter the status quo. Human nature loves the path of least resistance.
I suspect that for every active kinship there is in LOTRO who plan raids or social activities on a regular basis, there are another two which have become what I described previously as a legacy group. Kinships that have a house and a few members that decorate it and leave items in the kin chest. Everyone says “hi” to each other when they come online and one member continuously updates the message of the day to reflect what item is free in the in-game store. Long term players bring their alts into the kinship out of habit. Occasionally a returning player makes an appearance and everyone gets nostalgic. But beyond this, nothing really happens. No one runs group content and at times you may find that you’re the only member on the kinship online. You check the offline roster and see that people have been active but more often than not, you’re ships that pass in the night.
For kinships such as these, the forthcoming server migration is a significant problem. The logistics of moving alts, housing and a social group are not simple. Sadly, many members of inactive kinships do not have a means to communicate with all members. My own kinship has a Discord server but it is not used by everyone. Furthermore, not everyone who plays LOTRO takes an active interest in developer press releases. I have encountered a few random kinmates of late in-game, who were unaware of the server migration, including the kinship leader. None of which bodes well for a process that will require some organisation and management. Our kinship has to decide which server to migrate to and then the leader has to do a lot of prep to smoothly move the guild from A to B. Individual players also have to make decisions about housing and alts. Unless you travel lightly, all players will have some work to do.
When faced with the realities of this server migration and what it entails, I think a lot of LOTRO kinships will effectively come to an end, either by choice or as a consequence of change. People with opulent houses are going to have enough work cut out for them when they arrive on their new server and have to totally redecorate. VIP players can only protect three alts names prior to the move. What about the rest of their characters? Kinship leaders have all these woes on top of having to spearhead the transfer of their kin. Then on top of all this, there is the risk that comes with any change of infrastructure. Hence some players may decide to leave their current kinship and look for a new home on the new server. Possibly some kinship will collectively decide to call it a day. Others may end up fragmented with a percentage of players moving, while a handful resolutely remain on their old 32-bit home.
I think centralising LOTROs player base between six 64-bit servers, half in the US and half in Europe, will ultimately be good for the game. It is important to see other players in an MMORPG and reinforce the notion of a shared environment. However, I do not expect the process to go 100% smoothly and there is a lot of potential for collateral damage to occur along the way. SSG has to manage this process better than they did last time they consolidated servers back in 2011. Perhaps in some respects this situation provides an opportunity for a social reset among legacy linships that are effectively just treading water. Perhaps some will merge with others in the hope of revitalising interest. But I suspect many will simply fade away, which in many respects is a very Tolkienesque theme.
Today Is a Good Day to Die
Star Trek Online is currently running its yearly Klingon Recruitment Event for PC players. Characters created from January 21st to February 11th gain additional rewards and account wide unlocks while levelling. It is a particularly useful way to orientate new and returning players. I created a Klingon Engineer during the 2021 Klingon Recruitment Event which I previously levelled to the current cap. However, I hadn’t taken this character through all the episodic missions, so I thought the current event would be a good time to resume their progress. Therefore today I resumed playing through the Romulan Mystery story arc. It was during the course of the final part of the episode, “Mine Enemy”, that I encountered a curious bug. It amused me sufficiently to prompt this blog post and make a lazy pop culture reference.
Star Trek Online is currently running its yearly Klingon Recruitment Event for PC players. Characters created from January 21st to February 11th gain additional rewards and account wide unlocks while levelling. It is a particularly useful way to orientate new and returning players. I created a Klingon Engineer during the 2021 Klingon Recruitment Event which I previously levelled to the current cap. However, I hadn’t taken this character through all the episodic missions, so I thought the current event would be a good time to resume their progress. Therefore today I resumed playing through the Romulan Mystery story arc. It was during the course of the final part of the episode, “Mine Enemy”, that I encountered a curious bug. It amused me sufficiently to prompt this blog post and make a lazy pop culture reference.
Hardly surprising I hear you say, as Cryptic (now DECA Games) are notorious for allowing minor glitches to persist in their MMORPG. However, this one didn’t impede gameplay in any manner. It was just a curious visual anomaly. It piqued my interest to the point where I used Bandicam to video capture the bug in question, which I then posted to YouTube. That process is a blog post in itself for another day but I digress. The mission required my character to visit their Ready Room on their ship and use the computer to decode some files. So I “transported” to the bridge of my ship and entered the rather spartan Ready Room. On entering I noticed several Klingon crew next to the computer. I was puzzled as there usually aren't any crew in this location. These NPCs subsequently died and fell to the floor, only for more to appear. The cycle then continued to repeat itself indefinitely.
This bug didn’t prevent me from completing the task at hand so I decoded the files using the computer and left the ship. Later, I returned to the Ready Room to see if the bug would repeat itself but it didn’t. On reflection perhaps that is a good thing. Bugs like this may superficially be entertaining but can sometimes have the potential to crash the game. Sadly, there are many bugs in STO. Traits become unslotted, loadouts go missing and there are numerous graphical and animation glitches. It is one of the reasons why the MMO has never been truly regarded as a top tier game. I suspect that the new developers, DECA Games, are going to be far more focused on maintaining the status quo, rather than resolving these issues. As for the bug I encountered today, I have no explanation as to why it happened. All I can say is that today was indeed a good day to die.
Playing MMOs on a Second Monitor
I have two monitors on my desk. The first (which is the primary monitor as far as my PC is concerned), is on the left and the second is on the right. The primary monitor is a 24 Dell U2412M, which has a resolution of 1920 x 1200. It therefore has an aspect ratio of 16:10 which adds a little extra desktop real estate, which I prefer when writing. The second monitor is a 24 inch Dell S2421H with a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080. It has an aspect ratio of 16:9 which is standard FHD. My chair is adjacent to the middle of my desk and I can turn according to each monitor I’m using. I tend to use the primary, larger monitor on the left for tasks such as writing via Google Docs and emails. The second monitor on the right is used for YouTube and gaming. This is because of its FHD format. I also have a Nintendo Switch connected to the second monitor for the same reason.
I have two monitors on my desk. The first (which is the primary monitor as far as my PC is concerned), is on the left and the second is on the right. The primary monitor is a 24 Dell U2412M, which has a resolution of 1920 x 1200. It therefore has an aspect ratio of 16:10 which adds a little extra desktop real estate, which I prefer when writing. The second monitor is a 24 inch Dell S2421H with a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080. It has an aspect ratio of 16:9 which is standard FHD. My chair is adjacent to the middle of my desk and I can turn according to each monitor I’m using. I tend to use the primary, larger monitor on the left for tasks such as writing via Google Docs and emails. The second monitor on the right is used for YouTube and gaming. This is because of its FHD format. I also have a Nintendo Switch connected to the second monitor for the same reason.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s move on to video games that are relevant to this post. I have at present six MMORPGs installed on my PC. Age of Conan, Star Trek Online, The Lord of the Rings Online, Guild Wars 2, The Elder Scrolls Online and Star Wars: The Old Republic. As previously stated I prefer to play video games using the second monitor as it is a default FHD standard. Screen captures and any recorded material are in a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is very useful for YouTube or streaming. Working within a standard format is also convenient when trying to find optimal game settings for my CPU and GPU. However, trying to get these games to run on my second monitor and more importantly stay there, has not proven easy. Some cooperate, others have to be cajoled and a few flat out refuse to do so.
The obvious solution is to change the primary monitor designation in the PC settings. However, I don’t want to do this as it would have a knock on effect on my current preferences. Hence I have had to manually tinker with each game to see if it will run consistently on monitor number 2. ESO being the most recent MMO out of those listed, has a drop down box in the game settings where you can choose which display you use. Both STO and SWTOR can be temporarily set to “windowed mode” and dragged over to the second display. Furthermore this change persists after exiting the game client and rebooting the PC. Sadly, AoC, LOTRO and GW2 resist this simple work around. The games can be dragged to the second monitor in “windowed mode” but when the display is set back to fullscreen they instantly revert back to the primary monitor.
I am far from alone in my preferences. A simple Google search shows that many other gamers have made similar enquiries and you’ll find numerous forums and subreddit posts. Often the advice is to use various Windows 10 settings to force content from one monitor to another but it seldom works, or if it does it doesn’t persist. Using the management software that comes with your GPU is also frequently recommended but this tends to be for spanning a game across two monitors, rather than forcing the output to a specific one. There are also some third party apps that have been developed by “gifted amateurs” but again the results are not guaranteed and often depend on having the right sort of GPU with the right sort of output cable. The problem ultimately stems from most of these games being developed when having multiple monitors was not as common as today.
Out of the three MMOs where this problem persists I find GW2 the most egregious. This game possibly has the biggest development budget of them all and is regularly updated. You would have thought such a feature as a choice of displays would have been added to the game by now. AoC is in maintenance mode, so one adjusts one’s expectations accordingly. However, LOTRO is a curious beast. It has a small but loyal playerbase and makes sufficient money to keep going. Updating the GUI is on the development “to do list”. In the meantime I finally found a workaround today by making some alterations to the “UserPreferences.ini” file. I changed “DisplayOutput=1” to 2 in the list of [Render] settings and changed all display resolution data to 1920 x 1080 and the aspect ratio to 16:9. LOTRO now runs on my second monitor and stays there after rebooting the PC. A minor victory but a victory no less.
Do You Know What You're Doing?
Do you know what you're doing? For clarification, this question is regarding video games and not how you run your life. The latter would make for an interesting discussion but that is not what I am asking. On this occasion the question is to establish whether you are the sort of player who strives to understand the mechanics of a video game? Do you make it your business to become au fait with all the statistics and the formulas behind them? Do you keep a spreadsheet filled with data pertaining to your gear or build? Do you fully comprehend the consequences of swapping out an item and seeing a particular statistic increase or decrease. Does all of this inherently appeal to you and contribute to overall the enjoyment you get from a game? If the answer is yes, then bravo. I kind of admire your dedication to this aspect of gaming. Because I tend to switch off when it comes to min-maxing.
Do you know what you're doing? For clarification, this question is regarding video games and not how you run your life. The latter would make for an interesting discussion but that is not what I am asking. On this occasion the question is to establish whether you are the sort of player who strives to understand the mechanics of a video game? Do you make it your business to become au fait with all the statistics and the formulas behind them? Do you keep a spreadsheet filled with data pertaining to your gear or build? Do you fully comprehend the consequences of swapping out an item and seeing a particular statistic increase or decrease. Does all of this inherently appeal to you and contribute to overall the enjoyment you get from a game? If the answer is yes, then bravo. I kind of admire your dedication to this aspect of gaming. Because I tend to switch off when it comes to min-maxing.
I suspect that I’m not the only person like this. That’s not to say I have no understanding of what all the numbers mean in any given video game. I usually have a broad overview but nothing more. Take the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online for instance. I know what statistics are important for my primary character, the Lore-master. Hence, whenever I replace gear, I naturally choose items that will increase key numbers. However, that is as far as my knowledge goes. In a game such as LOTRO that can be sufficient to get by. Fortunately the game doesn’t punish players for their lack of understanding. High end gear is available from several sources and you simply pursue that which is achievable. Sadly not all games take such an equitable approach, with many delighting in their own arcane nature. I find both Star Wars:The Old Republic and Star Trek Online to have very complex gear mechanics. Furthermore, both games do a poor job of explaining themselves.
The most practical solution to these complexities is to simply follow a build that other players have posted online. I did this recently while playing Dragon’s Dogma 2. I found a gear and skills loadout for a ranged class which suited my play style and replicated it on my character. I subsequently stuck with it throughout my play through. I guess this is a textbook example of “standing on the shoulders of giants” but I suspect that a substantial percentage of gamers do this. For many, the complexity of in-game systems is actually an impediment to gameplay. We all approach games differently and therefore do not necessarily find enjoyment in the same things. Some players like the challenge of learning and understanding underlying mechanics. The idea of researching, tracking data and ultimately finding a formula for an optimal build is integral to their overall gaming experience. Others, myself included, expect a learning curve but balk at excessive “homework”.
There is another aspect to this element of gaming. Some game developers see the complexities of gear, builds and systems as a means to monetise their games. Star Trek Online excels at this. Getting the right mix of gear and traits on an appropriate ship massively increases your survivability and DPS output. Again, this is a game where the builds can be very complex and the mathematics behind them intricate. Hence most players try and get by following the prevailing game meta. However, the most effective builds will often include items that are only obtainable by spending money, such as a trait or console that can only be found on a premium ship. I recently tried to replicate a build based around Beam Overload but could only easily source 60% of what was required. To get the remaining 40% of items would have cost £30. So I improvised. The result has been functional but not optimal.
I wrote a long time ago about “the average LOTRO player”. I used that MMO as a personal frame of reference but I thought at the time that the points made in the post were applicable to other games. Having recently re-read the post I still stand by assertions. Many gamers are not “ high end players”. They often buy a game primarily because they want to have fun and play with their friends. Although most gamers acknowledge that a new title has a learning curve, that doesn’t mean that they will by default spend hours reading and watching videos prior to playing. Jumping into the proverbial deep end is by far the most common approach. I suspect that very few players truly play a game in the manner that the developers expect. So in answer to the question “Do you know what you're doing?”, I suspect the most common answer is “not especially so” and that is the way the majority of gamers like it.
LOTRO: Server Migration Concerns
I always remember the sage wisdom of the great children’s TV character Huxley Pig. “If in panic, if in doubt. Run in circles, scream and shout”. Such was the initial reaction of players of the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online, when it was announced recently that there is to be a new 64-bit server rollout in Q1 of 2025. At first glance, new servers are surely a good thing? The 64-bit legendary servers, which were tested in 2024, have proven to be a success and do much to address the lag issues that plague the existing 32-bit servers. Surely this is what players want? Well, yes it is, in principle but new infrastructure ultimately raises the issue of server migrations. Developer’s Standing Stone Games intend to consolidate the player population in the long term with the addition of 4 new 64-bit servers. The 2 legendary servers will remain but the 32-bit legacy servers will eventually close.
I always remember the sage wisdom of the great children’s TV character Huxley Pig. ”If in panic, if in doubt. Run in circles, scream and shout”. Such was the initial reaction of players of the MMORPG The Lord of the Rings Online, when it was announced recently that there is to be a new 64-bit server rollout in Q1 of 2025. At first glance, new servers are surely a good thing? The 64-bit legendary servers, which were tested in 2024, have proven to be a success and do much to address the lag issues that plague the existing 32-bit servers. Surely this is what players want? Well, yes it is, in principle but new infrastructure ultimately raises the issue of server migrations. Developer’s Standing Stone Games intend to consolidate the player population in the long term with the addition of 4 new 64-bit servers. The 2 legendary servers will remain but the 32-bit legacy servers will eventually close.
LOTRO players were somewhat concerned about the vague nature of the original server announcement, in the “2025 Roadmap” that came out prior to Christmas. Hence Executive Producer Rob Ciccolini saw fit to appear on a live stream in the New Year to clarify the situation. Sadly SSG have a track record of poor communication with their playerbase and being true to form, Mr Ciccolini’s “clarification” simply raised more questions. Newer LOTRO players with only a handful of alts may well find the prospect of transferring to another server to be no big deal. However, the majority of the existing LOTRO community is made up of long term players who are greatly attached to their kinships, their housing and most importantly their alts. Server migrations can break such things, leaving players nameless and without their virtual possessions and community.
If in panic, if in doubt. Run in circles, scream and shout”
Furthermore, SSG has handled server migrations in the past and it wasn’t perfect. In 2011 SSG (formerly Turbine) took back control of the European game servers which had previously been administered by Codemasters. Yes, the process ultimately worked but there was a lot of player collateral damage along the way. Many of the players affected back then are still playing today and they’re far from optimistic, judging by the ongoing discussion of the official forums. It would appear there is a lot more to consider beyond the obvious. Apart from the logistics and management issues arising from this server migration, many players are not happy with the prospect of moving per se. The previously mentioned migration of 2011 was not well received by all. Some feel that communities were broken and the new servers were far from friendly.
I have no doubt that by the end of 2025 there will be a clear resolution to this situation. SSG has done this before and can do it again. Hopefully, if they’ve learned from their past mistakes they’ll be more communicative and cautious this time round. There are some potential positives arising from a migration and server merge. The player population will increase across the final 6 servers and there should be the technical benefits of the new 64-bit builds. SSG have also stated they will strive to allow players to retrieve characters from servers closed in 2011, so there may be the chance of resurrecting long lost alts. However, it would be naive to think that this enterprise is going to be plain sailing. Perhaps the most prudent thing for LOTRO players to do in the meantime is to start organising their inventories and divesting themselves of any virtual assets they don’t require. Forewarned is forearmed.
Revisiting Star Wars: The Old Republic Part 4
I resumed playing Star Wars: The Old Republic at the start of December 2024, after a two and a half year break. This is an MMORPG that I have never consistently played, compared to The Lord of the Rings Online or Star Trek: Online. I bought the game at launch and spent about a year or so slogging through content. Gameplay was a lot slower back then and I got stuck at a certain point in the Smuggler Class story, so I moved on to something else. I returned to the game when it went free to play but didn’t stay for long. However, when I came back to SWTOR in 2022, the game had significantly altered and I found that levelling new alts was a lot less grindy. I discovered that the best way to play the game as a solo player, was to treat it as an RPG and work my way through the class stories as each one is unique. My recent return has focused on completing the last three class stories I had outstanding.
I resumed playing Star Wars: The Old Republic at the start of December 2024, after a two and a half year break. This is an MMORPG that I have never consistently played, compared to The Lord of the Rings Online or Star Trek: Online. I bought the game at launch and spent about a year or so slogging through content. Gameplay was a lot slower back then and I got stuck at a certain point in the Smuggler Class story, so I moved on to something else. I returned to the game when it went free to play but didn’t stay for long. However, when I came back to SWTOR in 2022, the game had significantly altered and I found that levelling new alts was a lot less grindy. I discovered that the best way to play the game as a solo player, was to treat it as an RPG and work my way through the class stories as each one is unique. My recent return has focused on completing the last three class stories I had outstanding.
As of today, I have finally achieved what the game calls “Legendary Status”. All eight of the origin stories of each class have been completed. This achievement was created as part of the base game upon launch, when the level cap was 50, so there is still plenty further content to play through. However, this does feel like a milestone as the self-contained stories of each class are quite expansive, taking the player through all of the worlds that existed when the game originally launched. From time to time I have encountered other players and the recent addition of dynamic encounters has increased my exposure to other SWTOR players. However, much of the class stories are gated behind unique instances that are bespoke to the individual player. Hence you only really encounter other players while travelling to specific locations or at the major social hubs such as faction fleets.
The completion of this achievement, although very satisfying, has raised a new question. What shall I do next? I would like to take one of my alts through the remaining story content in the game and acquire optimal gear. However, I’m not sure which class to make my primary character and I have always found that the gear grind in this game is somewhat esoteric. As a predominantly solo player I don’t want to be dependent upon a guild to run instances for gear. I just don’t have the time to play regularly with others. I am also still trying to determine which class best suits my kind of gameplay. I have grown fond of my Jedi Knight with Shadow Combat Style and Serenity Discipline but it never feels especially “powerful” in combat. Plus I suspect that the pace of combat is dictated by the fact that this is an MMO from 2011.
Unlike other MMOs, it would appear that you cannot re-gear at level cap via the Galactic Trade Network. I have acquired a few new items via Flashpoints and Heroics that have been flagged as better gear than I currently have. They are of a different colour quality but when you compare the stats they are not greatly superior. Some numbers go up but others go down. As I don’t fully understand the stats system in the game, I am loath to change from my current build until I am certain that it’s a beneficial change. Hence I need to set myself some practical goals so that I can move forward in SWTOR. Obviously a little research is in order so I can determine a strategy but not too much. Nothing kills my interest in an MMO than an excess of “homework”. I am still enjoying SWTOR at present and would like to keep it that way.
Star Trek Online: Earth Spacedock Update
Yesterday the MMORPG Star Trek Online updated Earth Spacedock for the PC version of the game. The console version will be released a little later on. This replacement impacts upon Sol system space, the entire exterior model of ESD and elements of the interior. The outgoing model was somewhat old with several anomalies that linked to aspects of the game that have changed over the years. Perhaps the biggest reason for the change is a canon update to ESD as seen in the third season of Star Trek: Picard. The TV show features a new Earth Spacedock, also known as Probert Station, which boasts a larger superstructure designed to meet the demand of Starfleet in 2401. It would appear that this update is the first substantial release from the developers at DECA Games and may potentially indicate the quality of future content.
Yesterday the MMORPG Star Trek Online updated Earth Spacedock for the PC version of the game. The console version will be released a little later on. This replacement impacts upon Sol system space, the entire exterior model of ESD and elements of the interior. The outgoing model was somewhat old with several anomalies that linked to aspects of the game that have changed over the years. Perhaps the biggest reason for the change is a canon update to ESD as seen in the third season of Star Trek: Picard. The TV show features a new Earth Spacedock, also known as Probert Station, which boasts a larger superstructure designed to meet the demand of Starfleet in 2401. It would appear that this update is the first substantial release from the developers at DECA Games and may potentially indicate the quality of future content.
Star Trek Online launched in 2010 with a bespoke model of ESD which to all intents and purposes was a placeholder design. Within a year ESD was replaced with a canonical model based on the design that first featured in the film Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, and later used in TNG television show. The latest model for ESD had to be built entirely from screenshots from the TV show as there was no official design to work from. The result is a far more contemporary model which still offers the functionality of the old. Furthermore the model for planet earth has also been revised using 8K textures and a complex cloud map. Within Sol systems the fleet shipyards have been removed and McKinley station is now placed in the far corner of the map. Drydocks have been added on the periphery of the map so players can take screenshots of their ships.
The original Earth Spacedock from 2010
The ESD ground map now features a larger central docking bay and the models of the vessel inside have all been updated. These provide a much greater sense of scale. The developers intend to change the ship model regularly and no doubt they will showcase whatever ones are new to the game. There are cosmetic changes to Admiral Quinn’s office to reflect the revised galaxy map from several years ago. Several Type 14 shuttles have been added to the shuttle bay, as well as to the vessels that fly in and out. It would also appear that the San Francisco skyline on the Starfleet Academy map has been updated. Overall this is a good selection of revisions which are cosmetically justified without impacting negatively upon the essential functionality that ESD offers as a major game hub. Furthermore, ESD is visually a lot brighter and now seems to have the appropriate gravitas you’d expect from such a Starfleet institution.
However, this being STO, updates never come without some bugs or technical fallout. There was substantial lag and rubberbanding on several phases of ESD earlier today and I had to move to smaller populated instances before these abated. More annoyingly, the update has resulted in all traits being unslotted from alts when you log in for the first time. There was also a similar issue with some loadouts. All of which is currently being looked into but it would have been better if this had all been addressed on the test server before going live. I will have to trawl through some recent screenshots so I can correctly recreate my trait build which is a nuisance. However, I will not do this until the bug is patched, which will hopefully be in the next 48 hours. Although I am pleased to see the revised model of ESD, the subsequent bugs do lower my expectations of DECA Games. I hope I am proven wrong.
