The Golden Update – 1.3 Patch Notes for The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria

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On August 27, 2024, The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria received its first major update since its release, known as The Golden Update (1.3). This update not only introduced a wealth of new content and features but also marked the game’s debut on Steam and Xbox Series X/S, opening the gates of Moria to an even broader audience.

Crossplay for All Platforms

One of the most significant additions in this update is full crossplay support across all platforms. Whether you’re playing on Epic Games, Steam, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X/S, you can now join your friends in the deep, dark mines of Moria. Hosting and joining crossplay sessions has been streamlined, with new options for managing players and ensuring a smooth multiplayer experience. However, it’s important to note that session limits vary by platform, with Steam and Epic allowing up to 8 players, while Xbox and PS5 sessions are capped at 4 players due to hardware constraints.

Sandbox Mode Comes to PS5

PS5 players can now dive into the Sandbox mode, which has been updated across all platforms. Sandbox mode now offers a more seamless experience with simplified navigation, increased resources like gold and Ubasam wood, and various gameplay adjustments to enhance the exploration and building experience. Notably, the Sandbox generation has been tweaked to improve the flow of gameplay, and several new features have been added to keep players engaged, such as new recipes and improved discoverability of key areas.

Updated Environments and Biomes

The Golden Update brings a host of visual and environmental improvements, particularly in newly generated worlds. The ruined biomes have been revamped to better reflect the devastation caused by the Balrog, and new hidden tombs and areas have been added to both campaign and sandbox modes. The update also introduces more variety to Elven biomes and urban locations, ensuring a fresh experience for veteran players.

Gold and Treasure Enhancements

As the name suggests, gold takes center stage in this update. Players can now mint coins, smelt gold ingots, and discover new treasure hoards throughout Moria. The game also introduces golden variants of several armor sets and new decorative golden building materials, making your base as grand as the halls of Erebor.

New Weapons and Armor

A fresh array of weapons and armor has been added, catering to both early and late-game players. Among these are the Oakenshield, inspired by Thorin, and several new armor sets available in Sandbox mode. Additionally, new variants in white and black have been added to existing armor sets, offering more customization options for your dwarf.

Shadow Prevention and New Scavenging Mechanics

The mysterious shadow vents have been overhauled, with new rewards for players who repair them, including a crystal known as Mahal’s Gift. Durin’s Lamps, crucial for keeping the shadows at bay, can now be crafted earlier in the game. The update also introduces Abakhs, consumables that offer temporary buffs, and new scavenging mechanics that make exploration more rewarding.

Improved Cooking and Gameplay Tuning

Cooking in Return to Moria has been revamped, with meals now categorized by time of day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) and providing specific buffs. The Roasting Pit, an essential cooking tool, is now accessible earlier in the game. In addition, various gameplay elements have been fine-tuned, from UI improvements to enhanced crafting and building options.

Audio, Music, and Additional Bug Fixes

The update also includes a variety of audio and music improvements, such as better mixing of sound effects, extended music tracks, and fixes for various sound-related issues. Numerous bugs have been squashed, improving stability and the overall player experience.

Known Issues

Despite the vast number of fixes and improvements, a few known issues remain, such as lighting inconsistencies in major locations, some erratic enemy movements, and visual glitches with certain items like Mahal’s Gift. These will be addressed in future patches.

The Golden Update is a major step forward for Return to Moria, offering new content, enhanced gameplay, and broader accessibility through crossplay and additional platform support. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned dwarf, there’s never been a better time to return to Moria and explore the depths of this legendary dwarven kingdom.

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