New Keys, New Lootboxes + Best in Slot Ring

[Knight.]

Hi Devs / Community,

My understanding is there are new lootboxes in Mordor, which can only be opened with new keys (rare drop and available in store).
I have no objection to this and if there are some nice cosmetics or a unique pet as with some other games I can see these doing reasonably well.

However, I came across the below image today which indicates that the best in slot rings will only be available from new lootboxes in RNG.
If so, I think that's a step too far as it directly screws over us min-maxers. In the very least, the BiS slot rings should also be available via Ashes trade in (even if for a very large amount).



As always, would appreciate some feedback.

[Willj119]

Wow, if this is true then that is truly an awul idea for a way to earn endgame BiS gear.

I would be deeply discontented if this hit live like that.

[Valamar]

This triggers an interesting philosophical debate --

Why is anyone ENTITLED to the "Best in Slot" of anything?

Clearly, the capricious ghods of RNG may or may not bestow their favor upon anyone - entitled or otherwise.

[Aedfrith]

This triggers an interesting philosophical debate --

Why is anyone ENTITLED to the "Best in Slot" of anything?

Clearly, the capricious ghods of RNG may or may not bestow their favor upon anyone - entitled or otherwise.

Because in a game that relies on one trying to optimise one's character, it's better to have some sort of path to follow rather than hoping for random grind. This is what made the Ithilien essence system so much better than its previous iterations. With a LOT of work, you could get the rewards.

This new idea also veers dangerously close to pay-to-win.

[Severlin]

There will never be a design that has loot from lootboxes that is statistically better than what you can gain someplace or somehow in game. Finding that loot in game might be hard, but it will be possible. Our overall design philosophy is that loot boxes are not required to reach the best gearing. If players do find some piece of gear that is best in slot and can only be gained through loot boxes then 1.) it is a bug or 2.) it is an oversight and will be fixed or 3.) there was some release timing issue and the loot will be available someplace in game soon.

In this case the intent is that those rings can be purchased from the Ash vendor for an appropriately large amount of Ash.

Sev~

[Knight.]

There will never be a design that has loot from lootboxes that is statistically better than what you can gain someplace or somehow in game. Finding that loot in game might be hard, but it will be possible. Our overall design philosophy is that loot boxes are not required to reach the best gearing. If players do find some piece of gear that is best in slot and can only be gained through loot boxes then 1.) it is a bug or 2.) it is an oversight and will be fixed or 3.) there was some release timing issue and the loot will be available someplace in game soon.

In this case the intent is that those rings can be purchased from the Ash vendor for an appropriately large amount of Ash.

Sev~

Thank you Severlin, appreciate the fast reply & clarification.
I'm glad we are on the same wavelength.

[Willj119]

There will never be a design that has loot from lootboxes that is statistically better than what you can gain someplace or somehow in game. Finding that loot in game might be hard, but it will be possible. Our overall design philosophy is that loot boxes are not required to reach the best gearing. If players do find some piece of gear that is best in slot and can only be gained through loot boxes then 1.) it is a bug or 2.) it is an oversight and will be fixed or 3.) there was some release timing issue and the loot will be available someplace in game soon.

In this case the intent is that those rings can be purchased from the Ash vendor for an appropriately large amount of Ash.

Sev~

This is wonderful to hear!

[RANA01340]

Awkward moment when these actually aren't the BiS rings for some classes, as the BiS for tanks will be from the Pelargir Big Battle -_-

[siipperi]

If this is true not only is this total bull#### but I also forecasted this months ago that lotro is trying to pull of some major bull#### with lootbox drops tied to store in style of SWTOR.


I hope these drop from instances as well on ok rate. Though awarding golden items now is like totally breaking Vastins gear philosophy which makes me questioning that request for these p2w items comes from higher end and devs can't but accept on making that p2w into the game.

I would vote to nerf every golden item that has light stat on it to be only teal at this point...

[Mercho]

Because in a game that relies on one trying to optimise one's character, it's better to have some sort of path to follow rather than hoping for random grind. This is what made the Ithilien essence system so much better than its previous iterations. With a LOT of work, you could get the rewards.

This new idea also veers dangerously close to pay-to-win.

I think the original T8 essence system was the best. I liked having a two step process without any RNG involved. Also, the essences were not bound.

[Macdui]

When I saw the hundreds of new keys on the AH last night my conclusion was: either they not in this build or there is some other mechanic for obtaining them outside the game world.

[Schinderhannes]

Can someone pls provide the name or even better, a screenshot from the new key?

I wanted to update the wiki a bit: https://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Ite...-bound_Lootbox

[Elflord410]

Somewhat off-topic, I was unable to find a vendor in build 5 that had anything to barter ash for that wasn't for level 115. Iirc in build 1 and 2 they were level 106 and up items that ash could be bartered for?

[Scirocco]

Can someone pls provide the name or even better, a screenshot from the new key?

I wanted to update the wiki a bit: https://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Ite...-bound_Lootbox

Black Steel Key

No screenshot, sorry

[Schinderhannes]

Black Steel Key

No screenshot, sorry

Thank you!

[Knight.]

The Gold Rings have now been added to barter for 2750 ashes; However the level is only 300 and does not match up with screenshots we saw earlier where the level was 328?
Have the loot boxes been adjusted also or does the barter have the incorrect level item on it?


Beta Test #6 - available for 2750 ashes



Previous Stats - Level 328 Ring from Lootboxes

[Scirocco]

The Gold Rings have now been added to barter for 2750 ashes; However the level is only 300 and does not match up with screenshots we saw earlier where the level was 328?
Have the loot boxes been adjusted also or does the barter have the incorrect level item on it?


Beta Test #6 - available for 2750 ashes



Previous Stats - Level 328 Ring from Lootboxes

I bought one of the ilvl 300 rings, put an essence in it, and tried it out. Worse than the ilvl 300 Tower or Last Alliance ring. The price for these Gold Rings should be 50 Ash, not 2750. For 2750, I expect the ilvl 328 versions.

[Hallandil]

As of Build #6 - A new daily has been added at 115 that rewards a key.

"Allegiances: Daily Expedition: ______ & _____"

This daily rotates between 2 zones of the game. So far it has been Talath Urui & Udun and as of 10am servertime its now Agarnaith & Lhingris

[Knight.]

Can someone pls provide the name or even better, a screenshot from the new key?

I wanted to update the wiki a bit: https://lotro-wiki.com/index.php/Ite...-bound_Lootbox

[Scirocco]

As of Build #6 - A new daily has been added at 115 that rewards a key.

"Allegiances: Daily Expedition: ______ & _____"

This daily rotates between 2 zones of the game. So far it has been Talath Urui & Udun and as of 10am servertime its now Agarnaith & Lhingris

Moderately easy. Just 4 quests needed between the two zones. You can do some relatively simple kill quests or the like to complete.

[Knight.]

The Gold Rings have now been added to barter for 2750 ashes; However the level is only 300 and does not match up with screenshots we saw earlier where the level was 328?
Have the loot boxes been adjusted also or does the barter have the incorrect level item on it?


Beta Test #6 - available for 2750 ashes



Previous Stats - Level 328 Ring from Lootboxes

The live version of this ring when trading for ashes is level 325. Is this correct or should it still be 328?
Has the loot box ring also been changed to match?

[Knight.]

Did some further testing:

After opening an insane amount of loot boxes using Black Steel Keys from store (rest assured my wallet is hurting....) I managed to confirm on live the difference between Turca Ring from lootboxes versus Turca ring from 2750 ashes barter.

Lootbox (opened at level 115)


From 2750 Ashes - High Enchanter Barter (bartered at level 115)


Bearing in mind the following from Sev I believe the ring from 2750 ashes needs to be increased to level 329.

There will never be a design that has loot from lootboxes that is statistically better than what you can gain someplace or somehow in game. Finding that loot in game might be hard, but it will be possible. Our overall design philosophy is that loot boxes are not required to reach the best gearing. If players do find some piece of gear that is best in slot and can only be gained through loot boxes then 1.) it is a bug or 2.) it is an oversight and will be fixed or 3.) there was some release timing issue and the loot will be available someplace in game soon.

In this case the intent is that those rings can be purchased from the Ash vendor for an appropriately large amount of Ash.

Sev~

[Aedfrith]

Glad about the daily allegiance thing rewarding a key.
I'm not even 106 yet and I have 4 of these damn boxes.
I can't open the Gorgoroth crafting boxes or the black box I got from somewhere on landscape yet.
In short, my inventory is filling up with cr@p...

[Mandura]

Glad about the daily allegiance thing rewarding a key.
I'm not even 106 yet and I have 4 of these damn boxes.
I can't open the Gorgoroth crafting boxes or the black box I got from somewhere on landscape yet.
In short, my inventory is filling up with cr@p...

I feel your pain, i had 3 gorgoroth, 6 anorien and around 80 crafting lootboxes at the end of todays playing session. Anorien ones went to the bin and my crafters will be happy for a while i guess

But to get back on topic, it's pretty bad that the rings from lootboxes are better. Should be the same although I don't even like that there are any golden items at all right at launch...

[Knight.]

see below - updated.