Merry is the way forward!
LOTRO is launching new 64-bit servers in March 2025. Currently, there is no forced migration to the new servers, so players have to actively transfer there themselves. However, while the old 32-bit servers like Laurelin will continue to operate, SSG will evaluate the status of the old servers later in 2025, after the first round of transfers. Thus, most players figure this marks the end for Laurelin, either later this year or early next year.
Most Laurelin folks we have heard from, both hobbits and members of the wider RP community, are set for the new Meriadoc server. This will be located in the EU (Amsterdam) and has an RP tag. Note that the RP tag simply is a signpost saying that roleplayers should consider moving here. Meriadoc will not have a special RP ruleset like Laurelin had back in the day.
What happens with The Grand Order?
The Grand Order will move to Meriadoc when the servers open in March 2025. Roleplay-wise, we blame Andy Brockhouse for this mess. He lost his ledger over burrow ownership, meaning everyone has to move house...
Given the current timeline for the transfers:
- Sometime on March 3, we'll abandon Songburrow Hall, our kin house. This is a necessity for the kin to be able to transfer.
- Sometime on March 4, the kin leader will transfer to Meriadoc. When this happens, The Order will be disbanded on Laurelin, and remaining members will be kinless here (don't join another kin when this happens, though, see below!)
- March 5, 6PM UK time, the kin leader will log into Meriadoc. When this happens, the The Order will be automatically set up on the new server.
Current member of the Order will automatically re-join the kinship on the new server when they transfer, IF they wait to log into the new server until the kin leader has logged in the first time.
All our events will also move to Meriadoc: Green Dragon Friday (hopefully already Friday March 7), market days, Badgers rehearsals, field trips, lazy hobbit club meets, and more.
All going well, we hope to see yer on Meriadoc in the weeks ahead. Let's make a grand new home there!
Wait, I have questions?
There are several guides covering the details and practicalities of the transfers:
- SSG has written this official transfer guide, with answers to most questions
- MassivelyOP has tips on six ways to prepare for the transfer
- Players have written several guides and checklists too. Here is one
If yer have specific questions related to the Order, please contact us here.