LOTRO goes free-to-play this fall

By Stephany Nunneley

Warner and Turbine announced today that Lord of the Rings Online will go free to play in the fall in both North America and Europe.

Here’s the rundown on how it will work:

The pricing model allows players to download the game and play for free, purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services a la carte from the new LOTRO Store, or join the VIP program to get unlimited access to all of the game’s content for one low price.

You can go to the game’s official site to sign up for the new service’s Beta, which begins on June 16.

Here’s the different payment options:

• Free means Free – Players will download LOTRO and join with millions of other adventurers as they explore the most complete and authentic recreation of Middle-earth ever created and participate in LOTRO’s award-winning epic story up to level 50 for free.

• Visit the new LOTRO Store — The LOTRO Store is loaded with thousands of convenience items as well as expansion packs, premium content, additional character slots, potions, character customization and more. The LOTRO Store is seamlessly integrated into the game and lets the player identify new and exciting ways to enhance and customize their experience using points which can be purchased in the store or earned through gameplay.

• Be a LOTRO VIP – Players who elect to become a LOTRO VIP will have unlimited access to all premium content, receive priority server access, 5 character slots, a shared bank slot, and a monthly allotment of points to spend in the new LOTRO Store.

According to PR, if you are currently a lifetime member, you will automatically be given a VIP account and get 500 Turbine Points a month until the new model launches.