While we are counting the days until Lotro Free-to Play start up, I'm also waiting for an e-mail saying my accounts is now a VIP account. (It's an e-mail you've probably got along with the announcement of F2P). But I didn't get the e-mail saying I was a VIP! My first thought was - Start searching the forum for an answer. And I have dug it up.

You are a VIP member even if your email didn't arrive!  [Patience]

P.S. Make sure you're checking the right account! Don't forget to check your junk mail /spam folder if you have one.

If I'm a lifetime subscriber do I automatically get into the beta?
No. It means that your name is already on the list of potential beta testers. [Sapience]

Will there be a Free-to-Play Beta and when will it start?
Beta starts June 16th on Bullroarer server. You can sign up for beta at www.lotro.com/betasignup! [Sapience]

Is there a specific date for beta invites? Has anyone already got the beta invite?
They have not been sent yet. We're still receiving applications and sorting through current players. Don't worry! Beta starts in 9 days. We'll have the first round of invites out in plenty of time for you to download and patch the Beta client. Also, don't be discouraged if you don't get one of the first invites! We'll be sending out invitations throughout the Beta process. Just because you didn't get one at the start doesn't mean you were blacklisted or excluded. [Sapience]

Can Beta invitation expire?
Invitations do not expire. At least, not until beta is over. [Sapience]

I’m a new or returning player. How do I sign up for Beta?
Start by registering at www.lotro.com/betasignup. Turbine’ll select entrants from that list once beta starts.

I’m an existing customer. How do I sign up for the Beta?
Existing subscribers do not need to register to apply for the beta –Turbine’ll randomly invite subscribers who have been active in the last 30 days and have an account in good standing throughout the beta. If you wish to register at www.lotro.com/betasignup that will count as an extra entry and may increase your chance of being selected for participation.
If you sign up you get into both the subscriber and the sign up pools. So you get an extra 'entry'.

Is there any way to increase my chance of getting into the beta?
Sure! Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook! We’ll give out special beta entry codes to our fans via social media - so give yourself the best chance of getting in and make sure to keep an eye on Twitter and Facebook for updates.

Are we under NDA during the beta?
Yes. What happens in beta stays in beta! Once you receive your invitation and apply your beta key to your account, you will have access to the private beta forums. This is the only place to discuss anything you see or do in beta. Remember, the first rule of beta is you do not talk about beta!

Do we have new  area in beta?
Beta includes both Free-to-Play and the Enedwaith region. [Sapience]

Questions about Wardrobe System (feature coming with Lotro Free-to-Play model) and number of the character slots are the most often asked questions. We have collected some official forum answers to these questions and made a list of Wardrobe System and Character slots FAQ.

Wardrobe System:

1. What is the "Wardrobe System"?
Wardrobe is a special storage for your cosmetic items. That way they don't take up inventory, bank, vault, or housing storage. [Sapience]
It's expandable to 50 slots, much like shared storage, in 10-slot increments. It's account level, so you buy it once and each character will have their own wardrobe.[Patience]
It is 20 storage slots that holds cosmetic items. There are several things you can do with the items once in storage and some very cool tricks it can do, but you'll need to wait for the dev diary for the full details. [Sapience]

2. Does it save full outfits together or does it let you swap them out into your outfit panels instead of having to drag and drop each item individually?
Sorry, but no. [Sapience]

3.Will current VIPs have to purchase the wardrobe?
VIPs get the wardrobe for cosmetic items included in their subscriptions. [Patience]
The wardrobe is included with VIP subscription, but is also purchasable. [Patience]

Character slots:

1. Will I lose character slots if I maintain my paid subscription?
The benefits and features of the Adventurer's Pack will remain available to you. Whether you are a VIP, Premium player, or Free player, you will get to keep your 2 extra character slots and shared storage bank. Additionally, Mines of Moria and any other added slots will be maintained.

2. Will I lose characters if I downgrade from premium to unpaid, VIP?
Other previously created characters will be visible but not accessible unless you unlock more character slots.

3.What is the maximum amount of character slots achievable?
At any point, you can purchase more character slots in the LOTRO Store, up to 11 character slots per server.

4. Which char's do I lose when I am dinged down to five slots as an automatic VIP?
If you already have 9, you won't lose the extra 4 you already paid for. Whenever someone has more characters than slots, they're asked which characters they wish to put in those slots (one time - you can't change your mind later), which characters get locked is up to you. You never lose your characters. If you don't have enough slots, they'll still be available to put into any slots you choose to purchase. Premium accounts have access to 3 slots, plus any they have purchased with Moria, the Adventurer's Pack, or from the LOTRO Store when it launches.

5. Will my account be disabled if I don't log in for certain period of time?
Characters are never deleted. Your account will never be downgraded for inactivity.[Patience]

There will be three Lotro account tiers once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available: Free player, Premium player, and VIP. All the details about the features and benefits of Free players, Premium players, and VIPs are listed here.

What is a Free player? How will I become one?
Anyone can join the game for free when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. To get started, simply download the game for free at www.lotro.com. No payment or credit card is required.

1. As a Free player, how much free content can I access?
   As a Free player, you have access to Middle-earth, the greatest fantasy world ever created, and you can play LOTRO's award-winning Epic Story up to level 50! In addition, you have access to the 4 races and 7 standard classes, major game systems, and a lot more options detailed here. And glory is its own reward: as you explore Middle-earth and advance your Hero through quests and achievements in the game, you will earn free Turbine Points that you can redeem in the LOTRO Store to access more options that will enrich or extend your free play.

   At any time, you may also want to purchase Turbine Points in the Store and redeem them to access new items and options to immediately enhance your experience. What matters most with Free-to-Play is your play style and the type of gamer you are. With Free-to-Play, you really play your way.

What is a Premium player? How will I become one?
You are automatically upgraded from Free player to Premium player status with your first purchase of Turbine Points in the LOTRO Store. LOTRO grants all Premium players 2 extra character slots, extends the maximum amount of gold you can carry from 2 gold to 5 gold, and provides you with a higher login priority, more mail and chat options, full access to all of LOTRO's Community features, and 30 days of full customer service from the time of your last purchase.

1. I am a former subscriber to LOTRO. What will Free-to-Play mean for me when I come back to play when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available?
   As a former subscriber to LOTRO, you are always welcome back to join the fight. You will, by default, be awarded the status and privileges of a Premium player, and you can join the game and play for free. You can also visit the new LOTRO Store to browse through a wealth of new items and a la carte options to enhance your gameplay!

   You may also consider becoming a VIP to receive 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and gain access to other unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.

2. I purchased and played LOTRO in the past, but never subscribed to the game. What will Free-to-Play mean for me when I come back to play when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available?
   You will, by default, be awarded the status and privileges of a Premium player and you can join the game and play for free as a Premium player. You can also visit the new LOTRO Store to browse through a wealth of new items and a la carte options to enhance your gameplay! You may also consider becoming a VIP to receive 500 Free Turbine Points automatically every month and gain access to other unique privileges. You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available.
3. I am currently a subscriber to LOTRO. What will happen if I decide to unsubscribe before or after the launch of LOTRO Free-to-Play? What will happen to my characters?
   If you feel the VIP program is not meeting your play style and needs as a gamer and decide you don't want the benefits and features of being a VIP, you will be automatically downgraded to Premium player status when your subscription lapses. You can continue to play the game for free with all the benefits offered to Premium players

What is a VIP? How will I become one?
For a monthly fee, the VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having unlimited access to all game content and features. VIP players also receive 500 Turbine Points per month and exclusive benefits like priority access to servers, 5 character slots per server, a 20-slot wardrobe for cosmetic items, full customer service, and much more! You can upgrade to VIP at any time by visiting https://myaccount.turbine.com once LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. If you are already a subscriber, just maintain your active subscription to be automatically upgraded to VIP!

1. I have a lifetime subscription to LOTRO. What will Free-to-Play mean for me?
   As a lifetime subscriber to LOTRO, you will keep all of your membership privileges and are automatically upgraded to VIP status. You will receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, but you do not have to pay a monthly fee since you are a lifetime member. All you have to do is keep playing the game and visit the LOTRO Store to spend your free points and enjoy the wealth of new a la carte items and options to enhance your game experience.
2. I am a LOTRO Founder. What will Free-to-Play mean for me?
   As a LOTRO Founder, you automatically become a VIP and will keep all of your membership privileges as long as you pay your monthly fee. You will automatically receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, and you can spend the Turbine Points at your leisure in the LOTRO Store to enhance your game experience and keep playing the way you want.
3. I am a regular subscriber on a monthly or multi-month subscription plan. What will Free-to-Play mean for me?
   As a subscriber to LOTRO, you are automatically upgraded to VIP status. You will keep all your membership privileges as long as you keep paying your monthly fee. You will automatically receive 500 Free Turbine Points every month like the other VIPs, and you can spend the Turbine Points at your leisure in the LOTRO Store to enhance your game experience and keep playing the way you want.
4. Why should I become a VIP? What do I get that a Free player does not?
   As a VIP, you get full access to all of the game's original content and features along with numerous special benefits, such as a higher number of character slots (5 per server), 20 slots of wardrobe storage for cosmetic clothing, full customer service access, priority login, 500 Free Turbine Points every month that you can redeem in the LOTRO Store, and much more, all detailed here. For a monthly fee, the VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having access to it all.

Lotro Free-to-Play model will go live with the release of Volume 3, Book 2 this autumn. Volume 3, Book 2 will continue the Volume 3 Epic Story as the Rangers head south. An all new area, Enedwaith, will be available as well as some exciting new features and many updates to the game including DX11 support. The question is how much will Volume 3 Book 2 cost? Will it be a free content update or will it be, like Mirkwood, another opportunity to pay for new land Enedwaith?

[A-Patience] For VIPs it will be free. Honestly, I don't know which parts, if any at all, will be Store-only for Premium accounts.

[Q] I was just wondering if the lottery will be discontinued once Lotro F2P starts up. From reading post about the DDO store, a lot of what we get in the lottery is stuff that we will have to buy in the future.

[A-Patience] Lotro's lotteries will continue.

You have probably visited Lotro beta free-to-play sign-up page, but if you haven't noticed additional information about free-to-play benefits, we think that you should read this:

Anyone can join the game for free as a Free player when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available. You will automatically be upgraded from Free player to Premium player status with your first purchase of Turbine Points in the LOTRO Store.

And for a monthly fee, LOTRO's VIP program offers the best value and the most options for players who like the convenience of having unlimited access to all of LOTRO's game content and features. If you are already a subscriber, just maintain your active subscription to be automatically upgraded to VIP!

Here are all the benefits you get when LOTRO Free-to-Play is available:

* Purchasers of the Mines of Moria expansion get access to the Mines of Moria region and content, premium classes (Rune-Keeper and Warden), legendary items feature, Tier 6 crafting feature, 2 extra character slots and a level cap of 60. Purchasers of the Siege of Mirkwood expansion get access to the Siege of Mirkwood region and content, a level cap of 65 and the Siege of Mirkwood skirmishes.
** Purchasers of the LOTRO Adventurer's Pack get 2 extra character slots and 20 slots of shared bank storage across all characters on the same servers.

[Source]

To qualify for the Special Offers, NA Non-Lifetime Membership Subscribers to LOTRO must maintain a paid subscription from June, 30th 2010 to the launch of LOTRO Free-to-Play (currently scheduled for Fall 2010). Lifetime Membership Subscribers must have at least one active play session per month during the Special Offers Eligibility Date. Only subscribers who meet these requirements are eligible for these offers.

• Eligible Subscribers will automatically receive 500 free Turbine Points for each completed calendar month they remain eligible. This limited point grant starts on  June, 1st 2010 and continues until the first day of the month that LOTRO Free-to-Play becomes available to the general public.
• In addition, Eligible Subscribers will receive 500 free Turbine Points at launch of LOTRO Free-to-Play for each LOTRO anniversary (April 24) that has elapsed since they first joined LOTRO, up to a maximum of 1,500 Turbine Points.
• Eligible Subscribers who opted for the Founders program at the original launch of LOTRO will receive an additional 500 free Turbine Points.
• Eligible Subscribers who are Lifetime members will also receive an additional 1,000 free Turbine Points.
• Free Turbine Points will be automatically credited into the player’s account and will be made available for use in the LOTRO Free-to-Play Store after the launch of the LOTRO Free-to-Play service.
• Points associated with the Special Offers have no cash value, are not transferrable, and are awarded at Turbine’s sole discretion.
• Any points earned are accrued monthly, cannot be pro-rated, and will only be delivered to Eligible Subscribers with accounts in good standing after LOTRO Free-to-play Launches.

Today Warner Bros. has announced an important news that this fall LOTRO will begin offering a Free-to-Play option. Free-to-Play will go live with the release of Volume 3, Book 2 this autumn. Players will be able to download the game and adventure in Middle-earth for free. With Free-to-Play comes the addition of the LOTRO Store, where players will have immediate in-game access to a wide variety of special items, account services, and convenience items.

Official Press Release

BURBANK, CA – June 4, 2010– Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced today that Turbine, Inc. will unveil a major update this fall, making The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO) free-to-play for everyone.  Extending its award-winning story, LOTRO delivers the ultimate adventure featuring a massive world with state-of-the-art graphics and gameplay, and a rich set of features that until now could only be found in premium subscription-based online games.

Launching this fall across North America and Europe, with Codemasters operating the game free-to-play in Europe, LOTRO will introduce Turbine’s innovative new pricing model that allows players to download the game and play for free, purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services a la carte from the new LOTRO Store, or join the VIP program to get unlimited access to all of the game’s content for one low price.  Players interested in getting a sneak peek of the new LOTRO can sign up for a chance to participate in the Beta program which begins June 16, 2010 at http://www.lotro.com.

"Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is bringing quality games based on The Lord of the Rings to multiple platforms, and the franchise’s expansive adventure story lends itself perfectly for LOTRO free-to-play, giving a wide range of players the opportunity to experience the game,” said Jeff Junge, Senior Vice President Online Games and Digital Games Platforms, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "We are focused on expanding our game franchises onto new digital platforms to maximize quality experiences for gamers worldwide and LOTRO’s new model is a great leading example of this."

"Turbine's Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited was the world’s first truly premium free-to-play online game that ushered in a new era of choice for online gamers seeking quality entertainment," said Jim Crowley, President and CEO of Turbine. "The popularity of DDO validated the extraordinary demand by gamers for quality entertainment they can experience at their own pace and within their budget. Extending free-to-play to LOTRO will offer another premium game to a broad spectrum of fans."

"Having successfully taken two titles free-to-play in the past we are very pleased to be doing the same with The Lord of the Rings Online in Europe," said David Solari, Vice President and General Manager of Codemasters Online. " It's a fantastic, award-winning game with a wonderfully realized world and this step will only broaden its appeal and increase its player base."

LOTRO will offer players unlimited choice!

• Free means Free! Players will download LOTRO by visiting www.lotro.com and join with millions of other adventurers as they explore the most complete and authentic recreation of Middle-earth ever created and participate in LOTRO's award-winning epic story up to level 50 for free.
• Visit the new LOTRO Store! The LOTRO Store is loaded with thousands of convenience items as well as expansion packs, premium content, additional character slots, potions, character customization and more! The LOTRO Store is seamlessly integrated into the game and lets the player identify new and exciting ways to enhance and customize their experience using points which can be purchased in the store or earned through gameplay.
• Be a LOTRO VIP! Players who elect to become a LOTRO VIP will have unlimited access to all premium content, receive priority server access, 5 character slots, a shared bank slot, and a monthly allotment of points to spend in the new LOTRO Store.

The Lord of the Rings Online is the ultimate adventure. This award-winning massively multiplayer online role-playing game delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most famous fantasy of all time. From the picturesque surroundings of the Shire to Moria, the most fearsome underground realm ever imagined, players will soon experience the world of Middle-earth for free! For more information, visit www.lotro.com