Lord of the Rings Online Teases New Zone in Upcoming Legacy of Morgoth Expansion

Lord of the Rings Online fans, prepare to continue your journey through Middle-earth with the upcoming Legacy of Morgoth expansion. Scheduled for release this fall, the expansion promises to take players into uncharted territories—and the first stop on this grand adventure? The mysterious zone of Ambarûl.

During a recent dev stream, Senior World Designer Matt “Scenario” Elliot gave players a sneak peek into the new region, describing Ambarûl as an intriguing mix of arid foothills and marshlands. Players who’ve long been stymied by the invisible wall east of Umbar will finally get to explore this land, which is home to the Ambarûli people, a farming society that played a pivotal role in keeping regional armies well-fed.

Set in the southern part of Middle-earth, Ambarûl is packed with Numenorean and Gondorian influences, thanks to its Second Age history of coming into contact with explorers and rulers from those regions. It’s a rich tapestry of cultures that the devs have built from the ground up, creating a zone that feels both ancient and alive with history.

One of the standout features of Ambarûl? Sandstorms. While LotRO already has a robust weather system with rain and a full day-night cycle, sandstorms bring a new layer of immersion to the game’s world. "I can’t remember another biome-specific weather system like this in LotRO," Scenario mentioned, adding a unique twist to this upcoming expansion. The region’s design evokes images of arid landscapes, dotted with palm trees and grassy patches—not quite a desert, but more of a Eurasian Steppe vibe than the harsh sands of Harad.

Ambarûl isn’t just about beautiful landscapes. Players will also encounter brand-new enemies, including a jackal-like creature that Scenario likened to a coyote, bringing fresh challenges to your adventures. And that’s just the beginning.

Standing Stone Games promises weekly developer streams, showcasing each of the four new regions in Legacy of Morgoth. Expect more peeks at new enemies, instances, and other noteworthy additions coming in the expansion.

If you’re itching to explore Ambarûl yourself, check out the full preview stream below, and prepare for the southern sands of Middle-earth to call your name this fall!