The Corsairs of Umbar expansion for The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) has received mostly positive feedback, with players appreciating the new settings, characters, and the return to a more immersive storytelling experience. One of the highlights is the introduction of the southern Umbar region, which presents stunning new landscapes inspired by Mediterranean and North African aesthetics. Players especially enjoy exploring the coastal areas and the city of Umbar, which offers a complex, sprawling metropolis full of rich quests. However, some find the navigation within the city cumbersome due to its dense layout and lack of clear milestones.
The new Mariner class is another significant addition, though opinions on it are mixed. Some players find its balance mechanics intriguing, while others prefer more established classes like the Burglar or Champion.
Critics agree that while the expansion doesn’t drastically change the core gameplay, it refreshes the experience with new fauna (like lions and crocodiles) and well-written quests. However, a minor complaint has been about the pacing of the storyline, as some players feel the build-up to reaching Umbar is too slow.
Overall, Corsairs of Umbar is praised for its ambitious scope, though it does have a few navigational challenges and class balance issues. It’s considered a solid expansion for fans who enjoy LOTRO’s rich world-building and storytelling.
Journey to Umbar
The official description paints a vivid picture of new lands to explore, an innovative playable class known as the Mariner, unseen shores and new stories never before seen in LOTRO.
Unfurl the sails and brace yourself for the intoxicating rush of adventure as you approach the enigmatic shores of Umbar! Feel the sea’s salt kiss your face and the promise of untold tales beckon from the horizon. Here, in the heart of the City of the Corsairs, dark-bannered vessels whisper of legendary raids alongside the Kindred of the Coin’s power plays.
With King Elessar’s mandate in your heart, rally a crew of old friends and newfound allies. Dive headfirst into the dangerous shores of Umbar, find your sea legs with the new innovative Mariner class, and reclaim the spirit of discovery in lands that LOTRO has never ventured before!
– LOTRO.com
When Did Corsairs of Umbar Release?
The Corsairs of Umbar expansion pack released on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
Introducing the Mariner Class
Corsairs of Umbar isn’t just about new lands, it introduces the swashbuckling Mariner class. These sword-wielding melee experts dance gracefully across battlefields, adjusting their combat style seamlessly. Mariners weave individual movements into devastating skill chains. And in fellowships, they lead with inspiring shanties, coordinating allies and crafting strange concoctions to thwart adversaries.
The Mariner’s three specializations are The Shanty-caller, a support role with focus on buffing group damage. The Duellist a melee damage dealer that gains more damage while focuses on damage output and The Rover a group support role similar to the Lore-masters Ancient Master and Burglar Mishief-maker specs, where debuffing and controlling enemies will be their strong skill set.
You can begin playing the Mariner class immediately upon purchase of the new expansion. The Mariner class is available in the LOTRO Store for 1,000 LOTRO Points as of Spring 2024.


New Quests and Lands To Discover
Four new regions from the shores of Outer Gondor to the sunbaked expanses of The Shield Isles, you’ll encounter the looming Kindred of Coins threat in Umbar’s heart, the bustling City of the Corsairs where sunlit coasts and dark sails intertwine.
With 350 new quests you’ll journey through tales of political intrigue, unearth long-lost mysteries, and confront newfound foes while safeguarding the peace painstakingly established by King Elessar and Queen Arwen.
Level Cap Increase
The level cap increased to 150 with new unique end game content, instances, and a new raid.
New Cosmetics with Collector Editions
The Collector and Deluxe Editions for this expansion will include cosmetic outfits, pets, mounts, and consumables, here’s a sneak peak of some items from these packs.

Buying Corsairs of Umbar With LOTRO Points
As of May 2024, the Corsairs of Umbar base edition which includes new regions, missions, and instances will cost 2,995 LOTRO Points.