In a thrilling new survival-crafting game, “The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria,” players embark on an epic journey to restore the lost city of Moria. Set in the Fourth Age of Middle-Earth, after the fall of Sauron, the game revolves around six diverse Dwarven clans scattered across the realm, each with a unique history and connection to different parts of Middle-Earth.
Following the devastating defeat of Moria, also known as Kazad-dum, by a fierce Balrog in the Third Age, the Dwarves were forced to disband and establish new clans across the land. Now, in the Fourth Age, the hero Gimli Lockbearer has sent out a call for the clans to reunite and reclaim Moria’s former glory.
Players assume the role of Dwarves hailing from one of six origin locations, representing different parts of the Dwarven diaspora. Among these clans are:
1. The Glittering Caves Clan: Nestled behind the Hornburg in Rohan, the Glittering Caves are a significant site from “The Lord of the Rings” series. Gimli, along with Legolas, retreated to these caves during the Siege of Helm’s Deep. After the fall of Sauron, Gimli helped establish a new Dwarven colony here, using it as an outpost to aid in the restoration of Gondor and Rohan.
2. The Iron Hills Clan: Located to the east of Erebor, the Iron Hills served as a refuge for Dwarves displaced by Smaug’s invasion of Erebor. This clan shares a close kinship with Erebor’s King Under the Mountain, and their connection remains strong even after Erebor’s reclamation.
3. The Coastal Mountains Clan: Situated far south of Gondor, the Coastal Mountains Clan is the southernmost Dwarven clan in Middle-Earth. Despite their isolation, they re-established connections with their Red Mountains counterparts after the fall of Sauron and the return of Aragorn to the Reunited Kingdoms.
4. The Blue Mountains Clan: Located in the western portion of Eriador between the Gulf of Lune and the Shire, the Blue Mountains Clan was established as a refuge for Dwarves displaced from Erebor by Smaug. Although many returned to Erebor, a thriving clan still resides here in the Fourth Age.
5. The Red Mountains Clan: Situated in the far northeast corner of Middle-Earth, the Red Mountains Clan was long isolated due to Sauron’s occupation of Mordor and eastern Middle-Earth. Following Sauron’s fall, these Dwarves have finally reunited with other clans.
6. The Lonely Mountain Clan: Erebor, also known as The Lonely Mountain, houses the largest clan of Dwarves in Middle-Earth and is ruled by the King Under the Mountain. Despite aiding in the establishment of other clans after the Sack of Erebor, it remains the seat of the King of Durin’s Folk. Their prosperity in the Fourth Age has allowed them to aid in the rebuilding of Gondor and Rohan.
“The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria” is currently available on PC, with the PS5 version set to launch on December 5 and the Xbox Series X/S version scheduled for an early 2024 release. Players can immerse themselves in the rich lore of Middle-Earth as they lead their chosen clan on a quest to reclaim the lost city of Moria, forging alliances and battling challenges along the way.
