Not long ago, the Free Range Games studio introduced an extraordinary game called The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. This game combines elements of survival and craftsmanship and is set in the iconic fantasy world created by J.R.R. Tolkien in "The Lord of the Rings" series. Players are transported to the Fourth Age of Middle-earth and venture into the dark depths of Moria. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips and information to help you survive in the challenging conditions of the Dwarven mines.
Getting Familiar with the Interface
The game features an informative user interface that provides players with all the necessary information about their characters' status and needs. Unlike many other survival games, The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria offers extensive information that players cannot afford to ignore.
While exploring the mines, pay attention to the following parameters:
Depth: The depth level indicates how far you've descended into Moria. The lower the number of fathoms, the more dangerous the area.
Light: This parameter shows how well-lit the area is. Prolonged exposure to darkness can lead to debuffs. Ensuring you have adequate lighting is crucial.
Morale: This stat reflects your character's mood. Various environmental factors, such as a lack of light, can lower morale. If morale reaches zero, you'll receive the "Despair" debuff and gradually lose health.
Danger Level: Danger level increases in certain mining zones. A high danger level can result in orcs discovering you and launching an attack. Leaving such areas and waiting for some time will reduce the danger level.
Character Creation
At the beginning of the game, you'll need to create your own dwarf character. You can customize various cosmetic aspects, including appearance, voice, and character origin. It's important to note that these settings are purely cosmetic and do not affect the gameplay.
Your character's origin determines the type of clothing your character will wear. However, don't worry, you can change your character's appearance at any time through the menu. So, if you can't decide on the perfect look, you can always revisit character customization.
First Steps into Moria
In the early stages of the game, you'll undergo training to learn the basics of item crafting and gain more insights into the game's world. Pay close attention during training, as it will help you understand the game mechanics.
Before venturing into the dark depths, ensure you have an ample supply of torches and tools. A pickaxe is your trusty companion, as navigating the mines can be impossible without one. Additionally, collect edible items, as they do not spoil, and you may need them in the future.
Fortify Your Shelter
In the vast underground of Moria, dangers lurk at every corner, be it orcs or goblins. To ensure your safety, you must learn to fortify your camp. There are remnants near the East Gate that can be broken down with a pickaxe to provide valuable resources for building and defense.
Navigate to the "Construction" menu (press the B key) and enclose your camp with double walls and a door. It's also essential to set up defensive barriers outside and illuminate the area with torches. Even orcs can attack your home, so regular maintenance and reinforcement are key to your safety.
The Role of Lighting and Warmth in Survival
Lighting plays a crucial role in The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. Prolonged exploration in complete darkness can lead to negative character debuffs. Without proper lighting, you risk getting lost and encountering dark threats. Ensure you have adequate lighting in your camp and always carry enough torches when embarking on expeditions.
Torches and campfires not only provide light but also maintain warmth. Cold exposure can cause debuffs, so if you notice signs of chilling, warm yourself by the fire. It's worth noting that handheld torches and thrown torches primarily provide visual illumination but do not affect your character's light and warmth levels.
Iron and the Forge
Players should also pay attention to producing iron ingots, a crucial component for survival. Iron ore is easy to find using the map and requires coal to smelt. Coal can be found near the East Gate or close to iron veins.
Gather at least 30 iron ores and smelt them in a furnace, then proceed to restore the forge using the obtained ingots. The forge allows you to craft weapons and shields for combat. Don't forget to build a repair workshop to maintain your tools and equipment.
Creating a repair forge is also important as it enables you to use metal scraps for repairing weapons, tools, and armor. Once you craft an iron sword, you'll be prompted to head east towards the Road of Durin. However, before we do that, let's address two more essential aspects—Muznakans and damaged statues.
Muznakans and Statue Restoration
Muznakans in the game are altars with small statues representing deceased dwarves. In each region, you'll find missing Muznakans. Once you've gathered them all, return them to the Muznakan altar to unlock valuable loot and equipment crafting recipes. This process is crucial for securing the best gear.
Damaged statues also play an important role and require repair. Use a construction hammer to restore the statues, unlocking new item or item part crafting recipes. Repairing statues is key to obtaining the best equipment, so don't miss the opportunity to restore every statue on your journey.
