The Wolves of Mordor Expansion Is Out for The Lord of the Rings Online

The Lord of the Rings Online's newest expansion, The Wolves of Mordor, was released on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, according to the game's update notes. An expansion is a large add-on that brings new areas, quests and systems to a game that is already running.

The game first launched in 2007, so this release arrives nearly 20 years later, as GameSpot reported. Turbine created the game. It was first published by Warner Bros., and publishing later moved to Daybreak Game Company, with development by Standing Stone Games. In 2010 it switched from a monthly subscription to free-to-play, which means anyone can download and play the base game for free, with optional purchases on top. The official website still offers a Play Free option with a download.

The new expansion follows the werewolves of Mordor as they hunt those who defeated Sauron. It takes players beyond Gorgoroth, the volcanic region many fans already know, into the uncharted wilds of Draugardh. Three new regions are added: Heledhris, Parth Rhavas and Nan Ogol.

Players get more than 200 quests, 90 deeds (in-game achievements) and 30 Missions, according to the update notes. The expansion also introduces Survival Instincts, a new character progression system. Progression systems decide how a character grows stronger over time. Under Survival Instincts, players learn new skills and receive enhancements that they can mix and match to build a playstyle of their own.

The expansion also adds companions called Neighbors. Each has its own personality traits and a mood system that changes how it behaves. Neighbors can tell stories, give gifts and send players on missions. A companion with a mood, rather than a fixed script, is a feature players will be able to test for themselves once they log in.

Pricing has been set in three tiers. The standard edition costs US$40. The Collector's Edition costs US$80 and includes extra cosmetics, which change how a character looks without changing its abilities. The Ultimate Fan Bundle costs US$130 and adds more cosmetics, additional Neighbor characters and experience point boosts. Players who pre-purchased the expansion also received a 160 level-up package, a set of level increases announced by the publisher on 5 October 2026.

For players who have been away from the game, the update is a clear point to return. For those who have never tried it, the free download is the entry point, and the expansion is an optional extra. The Wolves of Mordor is available now on the official site.