The Lonely Mountain Is Lonely No More: Return to Moria’s First Major Expansion Revealed
For two years, players have delved deep into the procedurally generated halls of Khazad-dûm, but the experience has been a solitary one. That’s all about to change. In a surprise announcement on Durin’s Day, developer Free Range Games and publisher North Beach Games unveiled Durin’s Folk, the first major expansion for The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. Launching on November 18, 2025, this massive update promises to fundamentally transform the game by finally filling the long-empty halls with other dwarves.
This isn’t just a small content drop; the expansion adds over 20 hours of new end-game content, new gameplay systems, and a brand-new story chapter that continues the saga of the Dwarves in the Fourth Age.
The Biggest Change: You Can Finally Recruit a Company!
The single most game-changing feature in the Durin’s Folk expansion is the introduction of friendly NPCs. This was the number one request from the community, and the developers have delivered in a big way. The new Recruiting Post mechanic allows you to find and rescue lost dwarves you encounter in the mines. Once rescued, these NPCs will join your settlement and can be assigned roles to help you rebuild Moria. You’ll be able to staff your halls with:
- Blacksmiths
- Miners
- Brewmasters
- Guards
This transforms the game from a pure survival-crafting experience into a settlement management sim. You’ll work with your new company to construct massive “Monuments” and restore the ancient Dwarven kingdom to its former glory. The lonely days are over; Khazad-dûm is about to feel alive again.
New Adventures Await: Expeditions and the World Outside
The expansion adds a wealth of new end-game content centered around a new feature called Multiplayer Expeditions. These are randomized, repeatable dungeons that can be conquered solo or with up to seven other players in co-op. These adventures will be crucial for the updated end-game economy, which introduces new materials, recipes, and a trading system.
For the first time ever, you’ll also be able to venture beyond the mountain’s gates. The expansion adds new buildable spaces outside the mountain, allowing you to create epic bases in the open air. Players can also finally uncover the mystery of Durin’s Tower, a new area teased in the announcement.
Conclusion
After two years of consistent updates and support, the Durin’s Folk expansion looks to be the definitive evolution of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. By addressing the community’s biggest feedback point-the lack of friendly NPCs-and adding a massive amount of end-game content, the developers are providing the perfect reason for veteran players to return and new players to finally delve into the mountain. Get ready to reclaim the Dwarven homeland when Durin’s Folk launches on November 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Durin’s Folk expansion being released?
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria – Durin’s Folk is set to launch on November 18, 2025.
2. Is this a free update or paid DLC?
Durin’s Folk is the game’s first major paid expansion, adding over 20 hours of new end-game content, new systems, and a new story chapter.
3. What is the biggest new feature in the expansion?
The most significant new feature is the ability to rescue and recruit friendly NPCs. These dwarves will join your settlement and can be assigned jobs like blacksmith, miner, and guard, fundamentally changing the game’s dynamic.
4. Was the base game single-player only?
The base game has always supported up to 8-player co-op, but before this expansion, the world itself had no friendly NPC inhabitants, a common design choice in the survival-crafting genre.
5. What new end-game content is being added?
The expansion adds repeatable, randomized dungeons called Expeditions that can be played solo or in co-op. It also adds a new story chapter, new areas like Durin’s Tower, and new outdoor building spaces.
6. What platforms will the expansion be on?
The Durin’s Folk expansion will be available on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the same platforms as the base game.