LOTRO's Siege of Mirkwood: Small But Mighty?

We look back at Lord of the Rings Online's second expansion, Siege of Mirkwood, and ask if its smaller scope was a letdown or a hidden gem.

Remember when Lord of the Rings Online dropped the massive Mines of Moria expansion, and then followed it up with something that felt... smaller? If you were there, you might recall the mixed feelings when Siege of Mirkwood arrived. Was it a serious downgrade, or did it have its own charm? Let's dive into the past and see.

First off, let's be honest: Siege of Mirkwood was objectively a much smaller expansion than its predecessor. Moria was a sprawling underground kingdom with tons of new systems, while Mirkwood felt more like a bite-sized adventure. Many players immediately labeled it a letdown, and it's easy to see why. After the epic journey through Moria, the thought of a smaller map and fewer features was a tough pill to swallow.

But here's the thing: smaller doesn't always mean worse. Siege of Mirkwood might have been lean, but it was focused. It introduced the skirmish system, which let you and your friends jump into instanced battles anytime, anywhere. That was a game-changer for endgame content back then. Plus, the new instances and the raid—The Battle for Erebor—offered some serious challenges for hardcore raiders.

And let's not forget the atmosphere. Mirkwood itself, with its dark, foreboding forests and the looming presence of Dol Guldur, was dripping with lore. If you're a Tolkien fan, stepping into that region felt like walking into the pages of The Hobbit. The epic story quests there were pretty engaging too, even if the overall content volume was less.

So, was Siege of Mirkwood a downgrade? In terms of sheer scale, yes. But for many, it was a tighter, more polished experience that kept the flame alive between major expansions. It's a classic case of quality over quantity, and it's worth remembering that even a 'small' expansion can leave a big impact.

What's your take on Siege of Mirkwood? Did you enjoy it back in the day, or were you hoping for something grander? Let us know in the comments below!