In addition to ending its Epic Games Store exclusivity on PC, the game from Free Range Games and North Beach Games is also coming to Microsoft’s next-gen console.

Previously available only in beta through the Epic Games Store version of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, the full launch of Sandbox Mode allows players on all platforms to experience independent exploration and experimentation throughout the mountain. This non-linear mode unleashes the full potential of the procedural generation system, and the game world is generated with a variety of random seeds, meaning that each playthrough can vary significantly in layout and difficulty. Due to its inherent unpredictability and minimal tutorials, this mode is recommended for players familiar with The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria or other survival games.

Sandbox Mode includes recipes for 14 new weapons and armor, including the Wolfskin Hat, Gondorian Shield, Khazad Halberd, and Barôkamlut. Though only discoverable in Sandbox Mode, players can bring the new items into Campaign Mode as long as their dwarf is equipped with them when they transfer. Exploring the Mines of Moria with friends just got easier! Any player on PC via Steam or Epic Games Store, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5 can now host games for anyone to join. Just like non-cross-play games, Steam players can host 8-player sessions, regardless of the platform of the joining players.

Players can spruce up their bases with over 100 new building items, including new cosmetic decorations such as light fixtures, rugs, banners, home furnishings, tables, and chairs. Restoring Moria is now easier than ever with changes to the stability system and improved object snapping. The various buildings throughout Moria are now stronger than ever, expanding the player’s ability to build expansive bases wherever they choose.

To improve the solo player experience, offline players can now pause the game by pressing “Escape” on their PC or by opening the Settings menu. By popular demand, an ambient music soundtrack has been added to accompany the dwarves’ adventures through Moria. Players can now fine-tune the difficulty of various aspects of the game, including enemy aggression, combat, horde, siege, and patrol frequency, world and mining drops, and survival.

The Golden Update for The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, as well as the Xbox Series and Steam versions, will be released on August 27. The update will also be available on PlayStation 5 and the Epic Games Store on PC.

Source: Gematsu