Codemasters Online has confirmed that The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) will be free-to-play across Europe on Tuesday 2nd November 2010.

Introducing a new pricing model, players will be able to download the game and play for free as well as purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services à la carte from the new LOTRO Store opening on Tuesday 2nd November 2010.

This major new content update includes Volume III, Book 2: Ride of the Grey Company which extends the game’s story and expands the world of Middle-earth with the new region of Enedwaith.

Highlights of the latest update to LOTRO will include:-
Volume III, Book 2: The Ride of the Grey Company - Having sworn to protect the heirs of Isildur, the Dúnedain responded with all haste to the urgent message from Elrond. Players will join the newly-formed Grey Company in Rivendell as they depart on their journey far from the relative safety of that hidden valley into the new region of Enedwaith. Book 2 consists of fifteen solo-able chapters full of exploration, exciting combat and a healthy dose of mystery.

The LOTRO Store is Now Open for Business! - 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.

The Return of the Harvest Festival - When the days shorten and the nights begin to cool, it’s time to celebrate the bounty of the harvest. All the races of Middle-earth celebrate this time and gather at the Bree festival grounds for the Harvestmath events that include bobbing for apples, pumpkin picking and much more. This year’s festival features a brand new event located in the new Haunted Burrow, a haunted hobbit Fun-house!

This latest update also introduces the Wardrobe, a new storage system for cosmetic items that’s available for free to VIP players or can be purchased a la carte from the LOTRO Store, an updated character creation system, a revamped new player experience, the update and addition of “classic” instances featuring repeatable, scalable content, and much more!