Introduction
Lord of the Rings Online offers a vast and immersive experience within Middle-earth, inviting players to become heroes in a world steeped in rich lore and thrilling adventures. Beyond epic quests and battling fearsome foes, LOTRO also features a wealth of smaller, more nuanced activities that add depth and character to the gameplay. Among these delightful diversions are Food Deeds, a unique collection of achievements that task players with indulging in various culinary delights across the land.
These Food Deeds, often viewed as a completionist’s dream (or a completionist’s nightmare, depending on your perspective), present a surprisingly engaging way to explore the world, uncover hidden corners, and even delve into the cultural nuances of different regions and races. While seemingly simple on the surface, these deeds can quickly become a rewarding pursuit, offering titles, deed completion points, and a deeper connection to the world of Middle-earth. This guide aims to demystify the world of LOTRO’s Food Deeds, providing the knowledge you need to locate the right food, discover the necessary locations, and ultimately, unlock the gluttonous glory that awaits.
What are LOTRO Food Deeds?
Essentially, Food Deeds are a series of quests that involve eating specific types of food in particular locations throughout Middle-earth. These deeds are generally tiered, meaning you’ll need to consume the designated food multiple times (often ten, twenty-five, or even more) in the specified area to fully complete the deed. This repetitive process might sound tedious, but it often serves as a clever way to encourage exploration and highlight interesting, sometimes overlooked, areas of the game world.
The core purpose behind Food Deeds extends beyond simple achievement hunting. They serve as a method to integrate lore elements into gameplay, allowing players to literally “taste” the cultures and traditions of different regions. They encourage players to visit remote areas they might otherwise ignore, leading to discoveries of hidden quests, stunning scenery, and unique encounters. Moreover, for players striving to complete every deed in the game, mastering the art of Food Deed completion is an unavoidable, and ultimately rewarding, challenge. The potential for frustration arises when you don’t know what food is needed, where to get it, and most importantly, where to consume it. That’s why this guide exists – to alleviate that frustration and streamline your path to Food Deed mastery.
Delving into Food Deed Categories
The myriad Food Deeds in LOTRO can be broadly categorized by the regions in which they occur or by the type of food that is the focus of the deed. This section breaks down some of the key categories, providing specific details to help you on your culinary quest.
Shire Deeds: A Hobbit’s Delight
The Shire, the idyllic homeland of the Hobbits, is naturally a prime location for Food Deeds. These deeds often revolve around the simple pleasures of Hobbit life, including pipe-weed, mushroom pie, and sweet blackberry tarts.
- Key Foods: Pipe-weed (various types), Mushroom Pie, Blackberry Tart, Honey Cakes, Jug of Ale.
- Locations: The Green Dragon Inn in Bywater, Hobbiton, The Brandywine Bridge. Eating pipe-weed is often location-specific in certain Hobbiton areas.
- Obtaining Foods: Many Shire foods can be purchased from vendors in Hobbiton and Michel Delving. Mushroom Pie can be crafted by cooks who have the proper recipe. Ingredients are usually found easily in the Shire.
Bree-land Deeds: Provisions for the Journey
The bustling town of Bree and the surrounding Bree-land offer a range of Food Deeds that reflect the region’s role as a crossroads of travelers and adventurers. You’ll find deeds involving local delicacies and practical provisions.
- Key Foods: Bree Cheese, Honey Cakes, Ale, Bread, Travel Rations.
- Locations: The Prancing Pony in Bree, The Forsaken Inn, outside the walls of Bree.
- Obtaining Foods: Bree Cheese and Honey Cakes can be purchased from vendors in Bree. Travel Rations are often found as loot or can be crafted.
Ered Luin Deeds: Dwarven Delicacies
Venture into the rugged mountains of Ered Luin, home to the Dwarves, and you’ll encounter Food Deeds that cater to their hardy tastes. These deeds often feature hearty, filling foods that reflect the Dwarven lifestyle.
- Key Foods: Dwarf Bread, Ale, Travel Rations.
- Locations: Thorin’s Hall, The Silver Deep Mine. Locations outside the Hall around the edges of the lake are often needed.
- Obtaining Foods: Dwarf Bread can be purchased from vendors in Thorin’s Hall. Travel Rations are often found as loot or can be crafted.
Lone-lands Deeds: Sustaining Survival
The desolate Lone-lands present a more challenging environment for Food Deeds, with a focus on basic survival rations and whatever sustenance can be scavenged in the wilderness.
- Key Foods: Travel Rations, Dried Fruit, Hard Biscuits.
- Locations: Ost Guruth, various camps and ruins throughout the region.
- Obtaining Foods: Travel Rations are often found as loot or can be crafted. Dried Fruit and Hard Biscuits are also common loot drops.
Evendim Deeds: Lakeside Refreshments
The scenic region of Evendim, with its serene lake and ancient ruins, features Food Deeds that revolve around the bounty of the water and the history of the area.
- Key Foods: Lake Fish, Ale, Travel Rations.
- Locations: Annúminas, various locations along the shores of Lake Evendim.
- Obtaining Foods: Lake Fish can be caught by fishing in Lake Evendim. Travel Rations can be looted or crafted. Vendors in the area sometimes carry the fish.
Essential Tips for Food Deed Mastery
To efficiently complete Food Deeds, consider these valuable strategies:
Strategic Planning
Before embarking on a Food Deed spree, create a checklist of deeds you intend to complete. This will help you stay organized and track your progress. Inventory space is limited, so be sure to only carry what you need.
Food Acquisition Tactics
Familiarize yourself with the vendors who sell the key foods for each region. Some foods are only available from specific vendors or require crafting. For craftable foods, gather the necessary ingredients in advance. Recipes are often vendor-sold. Check the auction house if you are short on time.
Optimal Location Strategies
Plan your routes to maximize efficiency. Group deeds that are located near each other to minimize travel time. Utilize Milestone skills to quickly travel between regions and return to vendors or crafting stations. Some locations are very small areas, so look carefully.
Community Utilization
Leverage the knowledge and experience of the LOTRO community. Online forums, wikis, and kinship members can provide valuable tips, locations, and strategies. Many players are happy to share their knowledge and help others complete Food Deeds.
Rewards: A Taste of Triumph
Completing Food Deeds grants a variety of rewards, including:
- Deed completion points that contribute to your overall progress.
- LOTRO Points, which can be used to purchase items and services in the LOTRO Store.
- Titles, such as “Pie Eater,” “The Glutton,” or “Master Chef,” which add character and prestige.
- Cosmetic items, though less common, can sometimes be earned as rewards.
- Reputation gains with certain factions, unlocking access to unique items and quests.
These rewards offer a tangible incentive to pursue Food Deeds, enhancing your character’s progression and adding to your overall enjoyment of the game.
Advanced Culinary Challenges
Some Food Deeds are more challenging than others, requiring rare or hard-to-obtain foods, or specific locations that are difficult to reach. These advanced deeds often require a more strategic approach and may necessitate collaboration with other players. Certain instances may need to be completed to get specific types of food or drinks. Be patient and persistent. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your kinship or other players.
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey Through Middle-earth
Completing Food Deeds in LOTRO is more than just ticking off items on a list. It’s a journey of exploration, a celebration of the game’s rich lore, and a testament to your dedication as a player. While the task may seem daunting at first, with proper planning, resourcefulness, and a little help from the community, you can unlock the rewards and titles that await. Embrace the challenge, savor the experience, and enjoy the culinary delights that Middle-earth has to offer. So, gather your provisions, consult your maps, and embark on a quest to conquer LOTRO’s Food Deeds. Happy feasting! Now, tell us in the comments what your favorite food deed is!
