Update 45: Allies and Adversaries Release Notes
Here are the release notes for Update 45: Allies and Adversaries, released on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025.
Of Special Note:
[b]The Ettenmoors has received a big update![/b]
The Ettenmoors has received significant updates with the release of a Siege mechanic and more! These changes are far-reaching and aim to alter the gameplay in the Ettenmoors by providing a large number of fluid events that can influence and tip the scale of battle. We have added more mechanics in the form of rewards for taking and holding the towers of Lugazag and Tírith Rhaw, new relics and buffs in a new area called The Underseaths, accessible by controlling a forward camp on the landscape of the Ettenmoors, and new vendors with buffs available once you take control of outposts. This is one of the largest changes made to the game play flow of the Ettenmoors in several years. Further information about these changes can be found lower in the release notes.
[b]The Monster Player Reward Track Season 2 will soon be available![/b]
Along with other major changes to the Ettenmoors we will debut Season 2 of the Monster Player Reward Track! This reward track is available will be made available on the LOTRO Store, and we will announce when the track will become active. Completing the track earns you a currency called Marta, which can be used to claim new rewards! Further details are available in the release notes.
[b]Birding has been expanded![/b]
Birding has been expanded once again! This time around, birding reaches into the lands of both Mordor and Gondor, with nine new territories to discover birds in. These new territories are Anórien, Ithilien, Lossarnach, Lebennin, Belfalas, Lamedon, Waste, Agarnaith, and Lhingris. Within these, there are over 120 new birds to discover amongst these territories. Find all the rarest of these birds to gain a new title. Along the way, discovering all the birds in certain territories will grant you other rewards, from new pictures to hang up in your houses to even a few new Baubles to collect. The birds are calling and eagerly awaiting those birding enthusiasts, so get out there and explore!
