LOTRO Zones by Level - Eriador Edition

From Level 1 at Archet, there are quests in that area, Combe Lumber Yard and Combe itself. These can take you out East into the Chetwood, as well as visiting some villages of the Bree-land Hobbits.

Dwarves start in the frozen peaks of the Blue Mountains that give this region its name, while Elves begin their LOTRO journeys in Celondim in the Spring-like South. Taking quests from either end and heading towards Kheledûl will help you with the early levels.

I see dead people. So will you once you enter the Barrow-downs, where evil spirits animate the bones of those entombed in the Barrows. If you’re looking to level, then clear Wight-slayer, Barghest-slayer and the Barrow-down exploration deed.

Nen Harn, tucked away in the North-East of Bree-land is under-visited and under-appreciated. It has a beautiful lake, an island with no enemies on it and has some repeatable quests from the nearby Hunters.

North of Trestlebridge is where most people will start adventures in the North Downs. The shadow of Fornost hangs over much of the earlier portion of this zone. But where there is darkness…there is deeper darkness.

In case you thought the Barrow-downs was the worst that wights could get, welcome to Harloeg, a ruin in a swamp. You can aid a man with his research and a friendly spirit (no, really) in uncovering its truths. Just don’t eat the Sicklefly Pudding. I’m not joking about that either.

The stronghold of the Créoth, who serve the being known as the Red Maid, Naruhel. Yes, the same name as belongs to the Naruhel’s Vine Dress. Don’t you feel so much better about your fashion choices now?

In a region cornered by Agamaur to the West and Haragmar to the South, Garth Agarwen is not a fortress of light, let’s say.

Evendim is another region where there is plenty of history, especially in relation to the Dúnedain. Take your time to read the quest text. The Epic brings you to Evendim on several occasions, and I love it here. See the various NPCs in Tinnudir and Ost Forod for landscape quests.

Annúminas, the City of the Kings is in a never-ending battle between the Dúnedain and the Angmarim. Reclaim fortified positions, with quests from Level 39, if you’re roughly on-level there’s good XP to be had.

The Angle is one of the newer LOTRO zones to be added to the earlier levels. It a beautiful extension to your Trollshaws experience, and I’m overdue another visit there. Teeming with wildlife, Elves and (wo)men work together to understand why the enemy is taking an interest in the Angle’s ruins.

🔒 Requires: Angle of Mitheithel Unlock

This is where your quest to acquire your first Legendary Items begins. If you’re looking for an alternative levelling experience, then do all the side-quests in the Walls of Moria. There are more than you think.

The side-quests here are no longer available once the Epic sees the Dwarves enter Moria.

The land of the Hobbits and protected by the Bounders, the Shire is full of quests and deeds. For an alternative levelling experience, you could also pick up the Bingo Boffin storyline from his house in Michel Delving.

Quests from Bree itself and the Epic will see you adventuring in the western portion of Bree-land. Those arriving from the Shire will find L16+ quests in Buckland. Brigands are the main issue in these parts. That, and the spectre of the Old Forest.

I think the more deadly portion of the Old Forest is largely optional, except for clearing The Old Forest Deed and Flowers of the Old Forest. It also leads to/from the Southern Barrow-downs. There are plenty of Huorns, destructive roots and spiders to make your trip here… eventful.

In case the LOTRO zones of the Shire, East Bree-land, Enedwaith and Swanfleet did not give you enough Hobbits, then head to Yondershire. More rugged than the Shire itself, it features ruins of Elves and Men. Inhabited – but not by Elves or Men (obviously).

🔒 Requires: VIP status, or a Purchase of Yondershire in the LOTRO Store.

The dry lands of the Lone-lands follow from quests in Bree-land. As well as normal quests and deeds, there are multiple repeatable quests at the Forsaken Inn if you’re looking for an extra XP boost.

I don’t know how best to describe a flooded wasteland whose water may be red because of blood, or may not be red for that reason. A dark and twisted area of wights, spirits and huorns. It’s good hunting for the Bog-lurker Slayer, though.

This is challenging and fun to do on-level solo only if you have a companion (Lore-master Pet, Captain herald etc), or have a healing Skirmish Soldier. Otherwise come back with a friend or two. Quests are all L30s, leveling somewhere up to L35 if you completed all the quests is reasonable. I think!

Giantkind and Gauradain are your main foes here, though a certain Ent needs help with calming the actions of Wood Trolls. Be glad for the boat travel too, apparently this LOTRO zone was nicknamed “Everswim” before boats were introduced!

North of idyllic Rivendell are the snowy peaks of the aptly-named Misty Mountains. The Epic’s involvement here is pretty short, really, but you’ll find quests at Gloín’s Camps (both of them), north of Giants’ Table and…Goblin Town.

I’ve heard some unkind things said about Forochel, but I absolutely love it here and it’s still one of my favourite LOTRO zones. The scenery is magnificent and I enjoy the fact that no one trusts or likes you when you first arrive. Work with the Lossoth from Outsider status and, well, enjoy!

It’s dark, it’s evil and filled with dead, dying or warped creatures. But it is here that hope is most needed and the Epic questline here is…emotive.

Known for its Ring-lore, it is Eregion where the Elves were deceived and eventually destroyed by the Enemy. There are plenty of ruins, including an ancient library. This LOTRO region may not look like much, until you scratch past the surface.

The beautiful LOTRO zone of Swanfleet is full of history, rugged peaks and Stoor Hobbits. Just don’t mention the Uruks that threaten their peaceful way of life – you may not be believed.

🔒 Requires: Before the Shadow Expansion.

Whether you wish to or not, the Epic will bring you into the northern part of the Old Forest. This is a key location in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Meet Tom Bombadil, Goldberry and…Old Man Willow. Just don’t let him sing you to sleep.

Generally, the level of the Wights and Barghests here is higher than in the Northern Barrows. But you’ll probably find Barrow-Wardens easier to clear in the Southern Barrows. You will have to stray here if you want to clear the Bree-land Exploration deeds.

The follow-on region to Swanfleet, Cardolan is steeped in tons of wonderful, rich Lord of the Rings lore. As well as the Epic there are a couple of other long-form quest lines to get your teeth into.

🔒 Requires: Before the Shadow Expansion.
→ Expansion also includes Missions/Delvings.

The hideaway camp-come-fortress of Esteldín stands at the centre of the North Downs. From there you can find quests against Angmarim and enemy Jorthkin. Just don’t approach Dol Dinen until you’re nearly level 30 and/or take friends with you.

I will say I have precisely zero experience of the Fornost instances. However, the solo quests outside of its gate (and inside its courtyard) are fun to do. They are Level 26 and the minimum level of the instances are L25 or L30, depending.

See the Treasure Hunters’ Camp (8.0S, 56.0W) for quests.

More Hobbits! And to roughly quote an NPC, “they’ll put you to work if you’re not careful”. Get ready for the Oatbarton Farmer’s Market with largely combat-free quests, before heading to the Glass-blowers’ camp. You’re at the start of the first region of LOTRO I fell in love with.

While the Trollshaws are not so-called without reason, they’re not the majority of this region! The autumnal forests eventually climb towards the refuge of Rivendell. Plenty of Elves have their tasks and stories, so take your time as you quest through the area.

The western portion of Angmar is not too bad, actually. You get to know some friendly Jorthkin and meet some non-enemy inhabitants of the region. Just make sure you pass the Epic in this part of Angmar to get safe passage to the Eastern part.

The Wildwood of Bree-land is an optional side-quest area that you need to unlock. Deceptively simple in its concept, can you work to unite two reputation factions with very different ideas on how the woods should be used?

🔒 Requires: The Wildwood of Bree-land Unlock

Includes Dailies and Missions.

I have done quests here, but a very, very long time ago. I’m not referring to the patch “Return to Carn Dûm”, either. Of course, one does not simply walk into Carn Dûm – it is protected.

The Gate here takes one third from your health in fear debuff. Many enemies beyond the gate are signature strength. You may need a friend, or a few levels for this area.