What is a Pre-order?
A: A pre-order allows you to reserve your own copy of LOTRO and secures your status as a LOTRO Founder. As a Founder, you get access to an exclusive package of benefits including special pricing, open beta privileges and unique in-game items (see specifics below). Players can become a Founder by pre-ordering the title at www.lotro.com/preorderor at retail and online stores nationwide.
How much does a Pre-order cost?
A: That depends on the retailer you are buying from. Some will ask for you to make a small down payment (e.g., $10) towards the final purchase while others will ask for the whole payment upfront. When LOTRO ships, you will need to return to the retail or online store that you pre-ordered from to purchase the full launch version of game.
What does a Pre-order customer receive that a Retail software customer does not?
A: Participation in the Pre-order Program grants access to the exclusive Founder's offer which includes a package of benefits including special pricing, open beta privileges and unique in-game items. Highlights of the Founder's offer include:
Special Membership Pricing:
Will I be able to receive the Founder's benefits if I do not Pre-order?
A: No. Only Pre-order customers are entitled to the Founder's offer as a reward for their early reservation of the game. See www.lotro.com/founder for more detail.
If I am already in the Closed Beta, do I need to purchase the Pre-order to receive the Founder benefits?
A: Yes! The Pre-order Program is the ONLY way to gain guaranteed access to the Open Beta, the Pre-order in-game items, the special Founder's pricing offer, and Open Beta character roll-over to the live service after launch. See www.lotro.com/founderfor more detail.
If I have to buy the Pre-order and the full retail version, aren't you charging me twice?
A: No, since most retailers will give you a full credit against the Pre-order box when you make your final purchase. Please inquire with your retailer for specific details.
Can I pay up front for a further discount?
A: Yes. We do allow players to purchase multi-month packages. Currently, we offer 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year packages. However, if you are considering signing up for a year or more of service we recommend the Lifetime Membership option which is a one-time payment. See www.lotro.com/founder for restrictions.
If I cancel a Lifetime Membership, will I be able to reactivate it at a later time?
A: Once it has been paid, you may cancel, but cannot receive a refund for a Lifetime Membership. Lifetime Memberships for active accounts (accounts that have not been canceled) are good for the product's lifetime. Lifetime Memberships may not be transferred or assigned. Lifetime Memberships that have been previously canceled can not be reactivated.
If I cancel the $9.99 monthly subscription, will I be able to reactivate at the same price?
A: No. The Founder's offer of $9.99 monthly subscription price is a limited-time offer. If you cancel your subscription and decide to reactivate later, your subsequent billings will be at the regular subscription price versus the special Founder's pricing. The currently anticipated regular monthly subscription price is $14.99.
When does the Open Beta start?
A: The Open Beta head start for Founders is currently planned to begin on March 30th. We expect to permit the general public access to the Open Beta starting April 6th.
Will I be able to keep my Open Beta characters for release?
A: Yes, if you Pre-order, as a Founder you will be allowed to continue playing with your Open Beta characters once the game is live.
What are the min/recommended requirements to play LOTRO?
A: Please see the system requirements page for this information.
Can I activate my Pre-order Product Key at a later time?
A: You must activate your Pre-order Product Key before applying your Launch Product Key, otherwise you will not receive any of the special Pre-order benefits. Since your Open Beta slot is also tied to your Pre-order Product Key, it would be wise to redeem it as soon as possible at https://myaccount.turbine.com/ to confirm your Open Beta access.
Will my Founder status carry over to all my current Turbine subscriptions?
A: No. Your Founder status is limited to The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™.
Where do I enter my Pre-order Product Key?
A: Please visit https://myaccount.turbine.com/ and follow the instructions on that page.
Can I install this software on a second computer?
A: Yes. You can install the software on a second machine, but only one machine may be logged into your account at any given time.
Can I use my Closed Beta characters at release?
A: No. Only characters created as part of the Open Beta by Pre-order customers will be eligible for play in the live release.
Can I get a CD for installation instead of DVD?
A:Not at this time, however, purchases through authorized online stores may include an option to download the game client as an alternative to DVD installation.
Can I Pre-order online (Digitally)?
A: Yes. Click the icons for either Electronics Boutique or Gamestop (or other select retailers as they are added) on this page. Those links will let you place an electronic order. Please note that digital orders do NOT include any of the physical components.
The DVD I purchased is not working, what should I do?
A: Please return your Pre-order package to the retailer where you purchased it for an exchange.
What is included with my Pre-order purchase?
A: Digital Pre-order customers get all of the benefits of the Founder's program without having to go to the store to buy a box. Retail Pre-order customers get all the great offers and items plus a Beta installation DVD and other in-box items.
How does the Enchanted Cloak of Regeneration work?
A: It is an item that may be equipped by your character in-game and provides improved healing rates.
What does the Ring of Agility do?
A: This ring may be equipped in-game and grants your character a boost in agility when it is worn.
I am outside of North America. Can I be a Founder?
A: This offer is only open to residents of U.S. and Canada, their territories, and military bases with APO/FPO service. Please visit our friends at Please visit our friends at Codemasters for details on the EU launch.
When does the Pre-order Program end?
A: The Pre-order Program officially ends when the retail product is launched on April 24th, 2007. You may continue to apply your Pre-order Product Key for up to 30 days post-launch so long as you apply it before you enter your Retail Product Key and before your first subscription billing date.
Can I give my Founders Program pricing to my buddy?
A: No. Founder's Program subscriptions, like all Turbine subscriptions, are non-transferable. Any attempt to transfer the account may result in termination of the account.
Is the Lifetime Membership transferable to my buddy?
A: No. Founder's Program accounts, like all Turbine accounts, are non-transferable. Any attempt to transfer the account may result in termination of the account.
What's the difference between a Founder and a Pre-order customer?
A: None! A Founder is a Pre-order customer who has registered their Pre-order Product Key, making them eligible to redeem the Founder's Offer of early Open Beta access, in-game bonus items, and special pricing plans.
When should I register my Pre-order Product Key?
A: We suggest you register your Pre-order Product Key as soon as possible to take advantage of the early access to the World Tour of Middle-earth Open Beta, and definitely by the time the game is commercially launched (currently planned for April 24th) so that you can carry forward your World Tour characters into the live game. Regardless of when you enter your Pre-order Product Key, you MUST activate it before entering the Launch Product Key that is included with your game, or you will not have access to your Open Beta characters at launch.
Do I have to purchase the game from the same retailer I purchased my Pre-order from?
A: It's generally good practice to do so, particularly if the money you put down on the Pre-order will be credited toward the full retail price of the game. However, retail practices may vary. Please check with you retailer at the time of purchase.
I'm ready to redeem the Founder's Offer of the $199 lifetime membership or the $9.99 monthly subscription! Where do I enter my payment information?
A: You should enter your Pre-order Product Key as soon as you buy your Pre-order. In order to qualify for the lifetime membership pricing or $9.99 monthly subscription rate, you must enter both your Pre-order and Launch Product Keys at any time during the first 30 days after the commercial launch date (but no later than May 24, 2007). At this point you’ll be given the option to choose your pricing plan and method of payment.
Can I choose the $9.99/month pricing plan and then change to the $199/lifetime plan later?
A: If you choose your Founder pricing plan during the 30 day-period after commercial launch by activating both your Pre-order and Launch Product Keys, you can change your Founder pricing plan at any time before the first time you are billed. You will be billed 30 days after the activation of your Launch Product Key.
What happens on April 24 if my retailer doesn't have the game in stock yet? Will I have to stop playing until I get my copy?
A: There will be a brief grace period for players who have Pre-ordered but did not receive their retail box on April 24th.
What happens to my forum accounts when the game goes live?
A: Only players with a valid subscription will be able to post in the forums. Guests may read the forums, but may not post.
Will I receive my Pre-order bonus items during Open Beta or when the game goes live?
A: In-game bonus items will be available for use during Open Beta.
How will I receive my bonus items? How many characters will receive the items?
A: Every character you create on your Pre-order account during Open Beta will start out with the bonus items in their inventory.
How many characters can I carry from Open Beta?
A: Founders may have up to 5 characters per server, and all characters from all servers will be carried over to the live game after launch if the Launch Product Key is activated within 30 days after launch.
Does everyone get to carry their characters into Live?
A: Only Founders who activate their Pre-order Product Key prior to launch and activate their Launch Product Key within 30 days after commercial launch can carry their characters over from Open Beta to the live game.
What's the level cap during Open Beta?
A: The level cap is set to 15. Once you hit level 15, your character will not be able to advance above that level until the game goes live on April 24th.
Is crafting capped too?
A: There are no restrictions on crafting, but it will be difficult to craft much beyond your level due to resource gathering requirements.
Is monster play capped?
A: There's no cap on your monster player, so have fun earning those Destiny points!
What about Deeds?
A: You can still receive and complete Deeds after reaching the level cap, but you won't receive any experience points that you might otherwise have acquired while completing them.
Will Kinships carry over?
A: Yes, Kinships will be carried over from Open Beta into the live game after launch for eligible Founders who activate their Launch Product Key within 30 days after commercial launch. Please note, however, that while any player in Open Beta can join a Kinship, only a Founder can create a new Kinship.
Will the items and gold I earn during Open Beta be carried over too?
A: Yes, characters' items and gold will transfer over to the live service for eligible Founders who activate their Pre-order Launch Product Key within 30 days after commercial launch.
A: A pre-order allows you to reserve your own copy of LOTRO and secures your status as a LOTRO Founder. As a Founder, you get access to an exclusive package of benefits including special pricing, open beta privileges and unique in-game items (see specifics below). Players can become a Founder by pre-ordering the title at www.lotro.com/preorderor at retail and online stores nationwide.
How much does a Pre-order cost?
A: That depends on the retailer you are buying from. Some will ask for you to make a small down payment (e.g., $10) towards the final purchase while others will ask for the whole payment upfront. When LOTRO ships, you will need to return to the retail or online store that you pre-ordered from to purchase the full launch version of game.
What does a Pre-order customer receive that a Retail software customer does not?
A: Participation in the Pre-order Program grants access to the exclusive Founder's offer which includes a package of benefits including special pricing, open beta privileges and unique in-game items. Highlights of the Founder's offer include:
Special Membership Pricing:
- $9.99 Monthly OR
- $199 Lifetime
- Early access - Be among the first to play in the Open Beta
- Keep your character after commercial launch
- Enchanted Cloak of Regeneration
- Ring of Agility
Will I be able to receive the Founder's benefits if I do not Pre-order?
A: No. Only Pre-order customers are entitled to the Founder's offer as a reward for their early reservation of the game. See www.lotro.com/founder for more detail.
If I am already in the Closed Beta, do I need to purchase the Pre-order to receive the Founder benefits?
A: Yes! The Pre-order Program is the ONLY way to gain guaranteed access to the Open Beta, the Pre-order in-game items, the special Founder's pricing offer, and Open Beta character roll-over to the live service after launch. See www.lotro.com/founderfor more detail.
If I have to buy the Pre-order and the full retail version, aren't you charging me twice?
A: No, since most retailers will give you a full credit against the Pre-order box when you make your final purchase. Please inquire with your retailer for specific details.
Can I pay up front for a further discount?
A: Yes. We do allow players to purchase multi-month packages. Currently, we offer 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year packages. However, if you are considering signing up for a year or more of service we recommend the Lifetime Membership option which is a one-time payment. See www.lotro.com/founder for restrictions.
If I cancel a Lifetime Membership, will I be able to reactivate it at a later time?
A: Once it has been paid, you may cancel, but cannot receive a refund for a Lifetime Membership. Lifetime Memberships for active accounts (accounts that have not been canceled) are good for the product's lifetime. Lifetime Memberships may not be transferred or assigned. Lifetime Memberships that have been previously canceled can not be reactivated.
If I cancel the $9.99 monthly subscription, will I be able to reactivate at the same price?
A: No. The Founder's offer of $9.99 monthly subscription price is a limited-time offer. If you cancel your subscription and decide to reactivate later, your subsequent billings will be at the regular subscription price versus the special Founder's pricing. The currently anticipated regular monthly subscription price is $14.99.
When does the Open Beta start?
A: The Open Beta head start for Founders is currently planned to begin on March 30th. We expect to permit the general public access to the Open Beta starting April 6th.
Will I be able to keep my Open Beta characters for release?
A: Yes, if you Pre-order, as a Founder you will be allowed to continue playing with your Open Beta characters once the game is live.
What are the min/recommended requirements to play LOTRO?
A: Please see the system requirements page for this information.
Can I activate my Pre-order Product Key at a later time?
A: You must activate your Pre-order Product Key before applying your Launch Product Key, otherwise you will not receive any of the special Pre-order benefits. Since your Open Beta slot is also tied to your Pre-order Product Key, it would be wise to redeem it as soon as possible at https://myaccount.turbine.com/ to confirm your Open Beta access.
Will my Founder status carry over to all my current Turbine subscriptions?
A: No. Your Founder status is limited to The Lord of the Rings Online™: Shadows of Angmar™.
Where do I enter my Pre-order Product Key?
A: Please visit https://myaccount.turbine.com/ and follow the instructions on that page.
Can I install this software on a second computer?
A: Yes. You can install the software on a second machine, but only one machine may be logged into your account at any given time.
Can I use my Closed Beta characters at release?
A: No. Only characters created as part of the Open Beta by Pre-order customers will be eligible for play in the live release.
Can I get a CD for installation instead of DVD?
A:Not at this time, however, purchases through authorized online stores may include an option to download the game client as an alternative to DVD installation.
Can I Pre-order online (Digitally)?
A: Yes. Click the icons for either Electronics Boutique or Gamestop (or other select retailers as they are added) on this page. Those links will let you place an electronic order. Please note that digital orders do NOT include any of the physical components.
The DVD I purchased is not working, what should I do?
A: Please return your Pre-order package to the retailer where you purchased it for an exchange.
What is included with my Pre-order purchase?
A: Digital Pre-order customers get all of the benefits of the Founder's program without having to go to the store to buy a box. Retail Pre-order customers get all the great offers and items plus a Beta installation DVD and other in-box items.
How does the Enchanted Cloak of Regeneration work?
A: It is an item that may be equipped by your character in-game and provides improved healing rates.
What does the Ring of Agility do?
A: This ring may be equipped in-game and grants your character a boost in agility when it is worn.
I am outside of North America. Can I be a Founder?
A: This offer is only open to residents of U.S. and Canada, their territories, and military bases with APO/FPO service. Please visit our friends at Please visit our friends at Codemasters for details on the EU launch.
When does the Pre-order Program end?
A: The Pre-order Program officially ends when the retail product is launched on April 24th, 2007. You may continue to apply your Pre-order Product Key for up to 30 days post-launch so long as you apply it before you enter your Retail Product Key and before your first subscription billing date.
Can I give my Founders Program pricing to my buddy?
A: No. Founder's Program subscriptions, like all Turbine subscriptions, are non-transferable. Any attempt to transfer the account may result in termination of the account.
Is the Lifetime Membership transferable to my buddy?
A: No. Founder's Program accounts, like all Turbine accounts, are non-transferable. Any attempt to transfer the account may result in termination of the account.
What's the difference between a Founder and a Pre-order customer?
A: None! A Founder is a Pre-order customer who has registered their Pre-order Product Key, making them eligible to redeem the Founder's Offer of early Open Beta access, in-game bonus items, and special pricing plans.
When should I register my Pre-order Product Key?
A: We suggest you register your Pre-order Product Key as soon as possible to take advantage of the early access to the World Tour of Middle-earth Open Beta, and definitely by the time the game is commercially launched (currently planned for April 24th) so that you can carry forward your World Tour characters into the live game. Regardless of when you enter your Pre-order Product Key, you MUST activate it before entering the Launch Product Key that is included with your game, or you will not have access to your Open Beta characters at launch.
Do I have to purchase the game from the same retailer I purchased my Pre-order from?
A: It's generally good practice to do so, particularly if the money you put down on the Pre-order will be credited toward the full retail price of the game. However, retail practices may vary. Please check with you retailer at the time of purchase.
I'm ready to redeem the Founder's Offer of the $199 lifetime membership or the $9.99 monthly subscription! Where do I enter my payment information?
A: You should enter your Pre-order Product Key as soon as you buy your Pre-order. In order to qualify for the lifetime membership pricing or $9.99 monthly subscription rate, you must enter both your Pre-order and Launch Product Keys at any time during the first 30 days after the commercial launch date (but no later than May 24, 2007). At this point you’ll be given the option to choose your pricing plan and method of payment.
Can I choose the $9.99/month pricing plan and then change to the $199/lifetime plan later?
A: If you choose your Founder pricing plan during the 30 day-period after commercial launch by activating both your Pre-order and Launch Product Keys, you can change your Founder pricing plan at any time before the first time you are billed. You will be billed 30 days after the activation of your Launch Product Key.
What happens on April 24 if my retailer doesn't have the game in stock yet? Will I have to stop playing until I get my copy?
A: There will be a brief grace period for players who have Pre-ordered but did not receive their retail box on April 24th.
What happens to my forum accounts when the game goes live?
A: Only players with a valid subscription will be able to post in the forums. Guests may read the forums, but may not post.
Will I receive my Pre-order bonus items during Open Beta or when the game goes live?
A: In-game bonus items will be available for use during Open Beta.
How will I receive my bonus items? How many characters will receive the items?
A: Every character you create on your Pre-order account during Open Beta will start out with the bonus items in their inventory.
How many characters can I carry from Open Beta?
A: Founders may have up to 5 characters per server, and all characters from all servers will be carried over to the live game after launch if the Launch Product Key is activated within 30 days after launch.
Does everyone get to carry their characters into Live?
A: Only Founders who activate their Pre-order Product Key prior to launch and activate their Launch Product Key within 30 days after commercial launch can carry their characters over from Open Beta to the live game.
What's the level cap during Open Beta?
A: The level cap is set to 15. Once you hit level 15, your character will not be able to advance above that level until the game goes live on April 24th.
Is crafting capped too?
A: There are no restrictions on crafting, but it will be difficult to craft much beyond your level due to resource gathering requirements.
Is monster play capped?
A: There's no cap on your monster player, so have fun earning those Destiny points!
What about Deeds?
A: You can still receive and complete Deeds after reaching the level cap, but you won't receive any experience points that you might otherwise have acquired while completing them.
Will Kinships carry over?
A: Yes, Kinships will be carried over from Open Beta into the live game after launch for eligible Founders who activate their Launch Product Key within 30 days after commercial launch. Please note, however, that while any player in Open Beta can join a Kinship, only a Founder can create a new Kinship.
Will the items and gold I earn during Open Beta be carried over too?
A: Yes, characters' items and gold will transfer over to the live service for eligible Founders who activate their Pre-order Launch Product Key within 30 days after commercial launch.
