Free Range Games has launched Durin’s Folk, the major expansion for The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, which significantly broadens the late-game structure by adding NPC dwarves, new locations tied to Moria’s history, and an expanded trading system. The developers describe this expansion as a direct answer to requests for more dwarves in the open world and a continuation of the story.

Several additions appear before players reach the Dimrill Gate. Survivors from Gimli’s original company can now be found throughout early areas, allowing players to gather up to four of them and form a small companion group that assists with basic tasks. Another early sequence centers on the Endless Stairs and leads to the discovery of Durin’s Tower on the peak of Zirakzigil, a pre-built but fully destructible structure designed to serve as a substantial base location. Five new songs have been added to tavern rotations and appear at specific story moments.

Most of the new content unlocks after the Dimrill Gate. A recruitment camp appears outside the Doors of Durin, where dwarves arrive seeking work in the effort to reclaim Moria. Each recruit has defined skills—such as masonry, brewing, cooking, guarding, or metalworking—and can be hired by paying their wages upfront. Recruited NPCs are housed in Delvings, new player-built structures that determine where dwarves sleep, work, and contribute to the settlement. These spaces support a functional routine: dwarves craft, patrol, build, and repair during the day; gather for meals in the evening; and socialize at night, often drinking ale produced by the brewmaster if the player supplies the necessary ingredients.

Company progression is tied to constructing Great Monuments, which require large quantities of resources and dedicated workers. Each completed monument raises the Company’s level, unlocking additional Delvings, expanded upgrade tiers, and more advanced settlement options. The system gradually shifts the gameplay toward managing a structured workforce while still maintaining the survival and exploration loop.

Trading becomes more prominent through a camp located just outside Moria. Traders exchange requested goods for specialized resources, unique crafting and meal recipes, and two new building material sets—Sandstone and Marble. Reputation with each trader influences which items become available. The expansion also introduces an Expedition Table, allowing short missions into newly generated areas that contain rare resources, lore, and new enemies tied to the post-game storyline.

The narrative continues beyond the original ending, revealing more about the surviving dwarves, the aftermath of the Balrog’s emergence, and preparations for Durin’s eventual return. Completing the expansion grants new cosmetic rewards, and both players and NPCs gain access to additional outfits and hats.

Having already finished the base game, I can’t wait to delve back into Return to Moria once again! If, like me, you’re interested in this DLC, you can check it out on Steam.