Unleashing Treachery and Thrills: The Epic Expansion of Corsairs of Umbar in Lord of the Rings Online

Highlights

Lord of the Rings Online is releasing its 11th major expansion, Corsairs of Umbar, offering players a new coastal region and improved gameplay.

The introduction of the Mariner class enhances gameplay by providing players with support abilities such as empowering sea shanties for their group and the capability to hinder enemies from afar.

Umbar, a one-of-a-kind and separate area, presents a seafaring civilization, necessitating the creation of fresh visual and world-building components by the game's world team.

Lord of the Rings Online is preparing to release its 11th major expansion, Corsairs of Umbar. This exciting update will transport players to the previously unexplored coastal region of Umbar, located south of Gondor. The expansion offers the game's exceptional storytelling and allows for further exploration of the captivating world of Middle-earth. In addition to these enticing features, Corsairs of Umbar also brings enhancements to gameplay, such as a revamped crafting system and new difficulty settings for players seeking a greater challenge.

Recently, Lord of the Rings Online's executive producer, Robert Ciccolini, spoke with Game Rant about the upcoming expansion. During the interview, he discussed the introduction of the Mariner class and the unique difficulties faced when introducing players to a vastly different region compared to previous game content.

Lord of the Rings Online Is Introducing the New Mariner Support Class

Ciccolini observed that previous expansions had a lack of strong support options in the newly added classes. Therefore, one of the objectives this time was to introduce something that would bring additional support playstyles to the forefront. The Mariner focuses on enhancing the group's abilities through powerful buffs, displayed in the form of engaging sea shanties. Additionally, the Mariner offers a satisfying DPS specialization centered around melee bleed damage in its red line, while its yellow line contains a multitude of debuffs and ground-targeted abilities that can cripple enemies from a distance.

Our previous classes did not contribute much in terms of new support options. However, the Mariner stands out as it is capable of both DPS and support. This has been intriguing because support tends to be challenging. When you are buffing others, it becomes difficult to quantify its value as a goal. It interferes with your DPS calculations, making it harder to determine the worth of a person in terms of their contribution.

The Mariner incorporates a Balance system that aims to maintain equilibrium between the fore and aft. Similarly, the DPS role necessitates utilizing a variety of skills to ensure a balanced approach. This Balance system is also utilized by Support players, adding an intriguing element to their gameplay as they navigate resource management.

The Mariner introduces a unique balance system that adds complexity to its gameplay. Some abilities disrupt the Mariner's balance, either shifting it forward or backward, and excessive lean in either direction yields detrimental effects. Despite initial concerns, Game Rant's early assessment suggests that managing this system is not as challenging as anticipated and delivers a rewarding gameplay experience once players grasp its rhythm.

Umbar Is New Territory for Lord of the Rings Online

While previous expansions in Lord of the Rings Online have taken players to various locations in Middle-earth, some of these environments tend to have similar themes. For example, Dwarven mountain strongholds naturally reflect the same cultural elements. However, the Mordor expansion brought refreshing and groundbreaking changes to the game. Now, with Umbar, players can expect another exciting shift as they explore a coastal society of corsairs.

It has been quite some time since we introduced a new land that possesses a distinctive look and atmosphere. Our previous endeavor was Mordor, but Mordor, in a sense, encompassed elements we were already familiar with. Although we did incorporate many novel features in Mordor, the overall vision had been in place for quite some time, making it easier for our team to execute.

When venturing to Umbar, a unique seafaring culture greets you with its distinct trees, grasses, stones, and architecture. The team is delving into the creation of armor and clothing, contributing to the world-building process in unprecedented ways. With confidence, I believe that the world team will excel in their endeavor.

Lord of the Rings Online has consistently honored Tolkien's vision, and it will be intriguing to witness how they have breathed life into this lesser-explored region. The talented storytellers on the team no doubt have captivating experiences in store for players this time around.

Lord of the Rings Online is free to play on PC.