Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Turbine announced today The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan, the next expansion to the award-winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG), will launch Autumn 2012 in the UK. Players can pre-purchase Riders of Rohan and gain special benefits starting today by visiting its official website.

Kate Paiz, Executive Producer of The Lord of the Rings Online, Turbine said:

“Riders of Rohan is our biggest expansion yet, and raises the bar technically and artistically much like Mines of Moria did in 2008. We’re introducing the largest area we’ve ever built and a combat system unlike anything that has been built before in MMOs. We’re excited for players to be able to continue the epic story as players immerse themselves in Rohirrim culture and support King Théoden himself as they strive to keep the eyes of Mordor distracted from the Ringbearer’s task.”

THE LORD OF THE RINGS ONLINE: RIDERS OF ROHAN FEATURES:

· Introducing Mounted Combat — Ride into Combat atop your loyal War-steed as you defend the people of Rohan from the forces of Isengard and Mordor. Customize your War-steed’s armor and level its skills over time to aid you in mounted defense of King Théoden’s lands. Mount your steed and gather your fellows to fight against Warbands, contingents of roving wargs and orcs that have been scouted all over the Plains of Rohan! It falls to you to head off and defeat this new threat before they over take the land.

· Explore Largest Landscape Yet! — Nearly three times as large as Moria! Join with the Rohirrim and ride across the sprawling Eastern Plains of Rohan. Raise high your sword to fight for honor and glory in the name of Théoden King! Experience hundreds of new quests, earn new favor, gear, deeds and more!

· The Epic Story Continues — The Fellowship is on the move once again and must achieve their task at all cost. It falls to you to clear the path and turn the Eye of the Enemy away from their progress as you aid the Rohirrim in their own struggle close by. Witness the breaking of the Fellowship at Amon Hen; forge alliances with the Ents of Fangorn; and aid Éomer, nephew of Théoden, as he seeks to protect his homeland from the growing Shadow.

· Advance to Level 85 — Learn what it means to be Rohirrim as you face new challenges throughout the Riddermark on your journey to level 85. Continue your legend as you grow in power with new skills and deeds and earn new armor and gear to aid you in the battles to come.