The Dwarves Return: Durin’s Folk Expansion Announced for The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
Free Range Games and North Beach Games have recently pulled back the curtain on a new chapter for The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, announcing the upcoming Durin’s Folk Expansion. This news should certainly pique the interest of anyone who has play the original game or is a fan of The Lord of the Rings.
For those of you who have been following the journey with us at MetaForge.app, you’ll recall our initial look into the game when it first launched. We created many guides and videos to help players who may have got stuck or just wanted to see how we managed to progress through the mines! You can visit our Return to Moria page here.
The Durin’s Folk Expansion is currently slated for a Q4 2025 release, which means we’ll have to wait a bit longer to get our hands on it. However, the details provided so far suggest it will be worth the wait. The expansion promises to expand the end-game story, which is good news for those who have already spent considerable time rebuilding and delving deep into Moria. An expanded narrative means more lore to uncover, more challenges to overcome, and likely more of that classic dwarven resolve that defines the game.
Beyond the story, the developers are also teasing “exciting new game mechanics” and “many unrevealed secrets.” What these mechanics might entail is, as of now, open to speculation. Could it be new crafting systems, different combat approaches, or perhaps innovative ways to interact with the environment of Moria? The base game already offers a robust crafting and survival experience, so any additions here could significantly deepen the gameplay loop. The idea of “unrevealed secrets” also suggests there will be plenty for players to discover on their own, encouraging further exploration of the vast underground realm.
A brief teaser trailer accompanied the announcement, featuring familiar voices speaking of the dwarves’ future and the enduring legacy of Khazad-dûm. Lines such as “The forge’s fire is no longer cold” and “Khazad-dûm is the home of Durin’s folk” certainly evoke a sense of resurgence and determination, which aligns well with the ongoing theme of reclaiming and restoring Moria. It’s a good reminder of the core spirit of the game – a fight to bring light back to the shadows.
It’s clear that Free Range Games and North Beach Games are committed to continuing the story and evolution of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. With previous content updates like the Ent-craft, Rohan, and Yule-tide packs adding various cosmetics, items, and building options, the game has steadily grown since its initial release. The Durin’s Folk Expansion seems to be a significant step in expanding the core gameplay experience.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on further announcements regarding the Durin’s Folk Expansion and will bring you more details as they emerge. It’s an exciting time for anyone keen on returning to Moria and aiding Durin’s Folk in their grand endeavor.