LoTRO's Third Expansion Detailed, Trailered

MMORPG Lord of the Rings Online may have gone free to play, but that doesn't mean Turbine have to stop making pay-for expansion packs. The third, Rise of Isengard, now has a date- September 27th. It'll bring with it three new areas (Isengard, Dunlan and the Gap of Rohan), a level cap increase up to 75, a new 24 player raid and more.

I'm continually impressed by the deviousness of games developers. Check this out: As an extra bonus if you buy Rise of Isengard now, you're immediately granted access to in-game benefits ranging from a 25% XP boost to new mounts. Genius. I'm also not sure I've ever seen Base, Heroic and Legendary editions of an expansion pack before. A trailer as well as a full list of both Rise of Isengard's features and the pre-order benefits awaits after the jump.

Watch on YouTube

“Our journey through Middle-earth is now taking us to one of its most iconic locations,” said Aaron Campbell, Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online, Turbine. “The new regions are going to be truly epic in scale, story, and challenge. In addition to the wealth of features and content coming in September, players who pre-purchase the expansion will be able to use their bonus items immediately as they prepare for the launch of Rise of Isengard.”

THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE: RISE OF ISENGARD FEATURES:

Explore Three New Regions! -- The time has come for you to turn eastward, toward the vale of Isengard. Where ancient forests once flourished, a corrupted waste of metal and wheels suffers under the thrall of the traitorous wizard Saruman. Here, in the shadows of the tower of Orthanc, gathers an army of Orcs and Uruk-hai, toiling to make ready for war. Forge ahead into these devastated lands and uncover new quests, skills, and traits as you strive to thwart Saruman’s ambition.

* Dunland – Adventure amidst the bright forests in the foothills of the southern Misty Mountains. Beware the Dunland Clans, rugged warriors tempted by the dark promise of power.
* Gap of Rohan – Battle over the legendary pass between Eriador and the plane of Rohan. This key strategic point must be defended against the ambitions of Sauron.
* Isengard – Explore Orthanc, one of the iconic Two Towers as it rises over the once beautiful Isengard valley. The once beautiful vale now desecrated beyond imagination by the Wizard Saruman the betrayer.

Advance to Level 75!

* Face new challenges and continue to forge your own legend in Middle-earth with all-new epic quests, skills, and deeds as you fight new enemies on your journey level 75!

Master the Legendary New 24-Player Raid!

* Face the ancient evil of Draigoch, one of the most powerful creatures in Middle-earth! Prepare for the ultimate challenge where nothing less than the strength of an entire force of 24 heroes stands the chance of victory.

Starting today, players can take can take advantage of three special pre-purchase offers to celebrate the release of the third major expansion to LOTRO:

Rise of Isengard Base Edition – Includes the full Rise of Isengard expansion plus:

* Steed of the Gap, a new in-game mount with matching red cosmetic cloak for every character on your account
* In-game title – Guard of the Isen
* 25% XP boost for all characters on an account up to level 65

Rise of Isengard Heroic Edition – Includes the full Rise of Isengard expansion plus:

* 1,000 Turbine Points for use in the LOTRO Store
* Steed of the Gap, a new in-game mount with choice of matching cosmetic cloak and armor in your choice of red, white or green for every character on your account
* In-game title – Guard of the Isen
* 25% XP boost for all characters on an account up to level 65

Rise of Isengard Legendary Edition – Includes the full Rise of Isengard expansion plus:

* 1,000 Turbine Points for use in the LOTRO Store
* All three Steeds of the Gap, new in-game mounts with matching cosmetic cloak and armor in all three colors for every character on your account
* In-game title – Guard of the Isen
* 25% XP boost for all characters on an account up to level 65
* Access to the Path of the Fellowship Quest Packs including Trollshaws, Eregion, Moria, Lothlorien and Mirkwood

Players will have access to all of the bonus items including the new mount, cosmetic cloak and armor, in-game title and XP boost immediately after purchase. The Rise of Isengard expansion itself will be available to play on September 27, 2011. These special offers will only be available for a limited time.