Lord of the Rings Online sends players to the Black Gate with today’s Update 20

The path of Lord of the Rings Online has always pointed, inevitably, toward Mordor. Update 20, live today in the epic MMORPG, brings players within striking distance by adding three new zones (Dagorlad, the Slag-hills, and the Noman-lands) with quests and storytelling bringing players to the Battle of the Black Gate. It’s about leading the charge to Sauron’s very doorstep, and you’re going to be taking part in it. And it’s probably not going to end with chuckles over drinks as Sauron reveals this was all a big misunderstanding.

Players will also be able to help supply the Host of the West for battle and explore two new resource dungeons in both solo and group mode while moving through volume IV, book 8 of the game’s epic story. There are also plenty of quality-of-life improvements and UI improvements to make your trek to the very doorstop of evil that much more pleasant.

Massively OP’s Justin Olivetti trekked into LOTRO this past weekend and produced a guide on what to expect from the update — get caught up before you log in!