Journeying Back to Moria: Mastering Base Building in Lord of the Rings

Having a base camp is essential for the player's success and survival in Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, where the remnants of the ancient Dwarven kingdom lie in ruins. During the treacherous nighttime, danger lurks around every corner in the mines, making it crucial to have a safe haven for the Dwarves to rest and recharge after a day of mining in the depths of Moria. Besides providing protection from dangerous enemies and harsh environments, a base camp also allows players to quickly establish a temporary shelter if they find themselves out late at night while exploring and unable to return to their camp in time. This guide will teach players how to construct a sturdy base in Return to Moria from the ground up.

How to Build a Base in Return to Moria

As players advance in the game, they will come across numerous convenient resting spots in Moria. Unfortunately, most of these camps are in a state of disrepair and need to be fixed before they can be utilized. In the midst of several ancient Dwarven Outposts, players will come across a dilapidated Stone Hearth.

Restoring the Stone Hearth entails acquiring 10 Stones, which can be obtained by mining or dismantling rock formations and debris. Upon completing the repairs on the Stone Hearth, players will gain access to blueprints for constructing new bases.

To start building a personal base in Return to Moria, players can follow the steps below:

Press the “B” key to open the Build Menu.

Go to the "Wood & Stone" tab to explore numerous design choices for floors, walls, columns, and scaffolding. Moving your cursor over each crafting recipe will display the necessary building materials.

Gather the required materials, then click on the icon to construct the desired structure.

Most items in the Build Menu can be freely crafted, as they only demand basic resources such as Wood Scraps and Stone.

A well-rounded base camp consists of a Bedroll, which serves as the respawn point in case the dwarf dies, and a Hearth. In addition to that, players have the option to construct chests, meal tables, a forge, and a furnace for smelting ingots around the central Hearth. However, it is important to note that the availability of a Stone Hearth is essential, as players cannot freely build a base or utilize any of these structures without it.

To create a Stone Hearth, players must access the Build Menu, specifically the "Essentials & Crafting" tab. This traditional centerpiece of a Dwarf home offers warmth and enables players to prepare meals. Crafting a Stone Hearth from scratch demands the following resources:

- 15 Coal

18 Stone

20 Wood Scraps

Players should always avoid venturing too deep into the ruins of Moria without first establishing a base camp. However, it is not advisable to invest significant effort in constructing an intricate camp while transitioning between different areas. Instead, players can opt for a more cost-effective base camp option by crafting a Camp Hearth, which only requires 6 Coal as the necessary materials.

6 Stone

10 Wood Scraps

Players can enhance their camp by adding a Bedroll, requiring 6 cloth scraps, and including a meal table for an extra 10 wooden scraps. This compact campsite serves as an ideal spot for players to swiftly prepare a meal and take a break during their expedition.

Neglecting to construct these basic bases will result in players being respawned at their previous resting location upon the unfortunate demise of their dwarf.

The only drawback of building a base using a Camp Hearth is that there is little room to build complex structures around it. This limits the size of the base considerably.

Things to Keep in Mind While Building a Base

While the idea of constructing an entire base from the start may seem enticing, it is not the most advisable course of action for players in the early stages of the game. Instead, it is recommended that players focus their efforts on rebuilding Dwarven Outposts, rather than starting from scratch. These dilapidated encampments already possess the necessary infrastructure that can be repaired at a considerably lower cost compared to constructing anew. By doing so, players will save a significant amount of resources in the long term.

A strong and durable base camp is crucial to ensure the safety of the sleeping dwarves by thwarting enemy attacks. Prioritizing the construction of Stone Walls and Stone Barriers will effectively shield the base, while incorporating a Stone Door Frame with a Simple Door will provide convenient entryways. Utilizing doors enables swift access for players while effectively keeping enemies at bay. Fortunately, stone, the most abundant resource in Return to Moria, is predominantly required for the construction of these structures.

Creating narrow pathways and pillar mazes is a powerful tactic to fend off monsters and provide dwarves with additional time to eliminate them.

It's crucial to remember that every camp a player establishes is temporary until they unlock Fast Travel, a distinctive gameplay feature enabling swift travel between bases. Therefore, gamers should only invest in significant and costly facilities once they are certain of prolonged usage of the base.

Return to Moria: The Lord of the Rings

Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

Released: October 24, 2023

Publisher(s): North Beach Games

Genre(s): Survival

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, I am thrilled to delve into the art of fortress construction and create a formidable stronghold for the Dwarves. The detailed guide provided in the article offers valuable insights and tips on how to establish a sturdy base camp, which plays a crucial role in the player's success and survival in the game.

The process of restoring the Stone Hearth and acquiring blueprints for constructing new bases adds an exciting layer of progression to the gameplay. I appreciate the inclusion of various design choices for floors, walls, columns, and scaffolding, allowing players to personalize their base camp and express their creativity. The necessity of gathering resources and carefully planning the layout encourages strategic thinking and resource management, making the base-building aspect engaging and rewarding.

Furthermore, the guide emphasizes the importance of key structures such as the Bedroll, Hearth, chests, meal tables, forge, and furnace. These elements not only provide essential functionality but also add a sense of realism and immersion to the base camp, making it feel like a true home for the Dwarves. The inclusion of a Camp Hearth as a more cost-effective option for transitioning between different areas is also a thoughtful touch, accommodating various playstyles and preferences.

Overall, I believe that the base-building aspect in Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria adds depth and complexity to the gameplay experience. It allows players to express their creativity, engage in strategic planning, and feel a sense of accomplishment as they construct and upgrade their base camp. I am excited to embark on this journey of mastering base building and creating a refuge for the Dwarves as they reclaim their lost kingdom in the ruins of Moria.