With the release of Siege of Mirkwood™, adventurers of level 30 and higher have been called to help defend Middle-earth from the ever lengthening Shadow in the East. With the new Skirmish system, players can now jump into instant-action combat from anywhere in the world and earn a variety of rewards. But how, exactly, do you get started? Listen up, Recruit: Skirmish Training 101 starts right now!

Where to Start

You will be able to participate in Skirmishes once your character reaches level 30, and you’ll also earn the title of Skirmish Recruit. You’ll probably notice that you’ve also got some new mail, so head to the nearest mailbox to pick it up and read it over. Make sure you read everything you receive or quests you’re given regarding Skirmishes; there’s a lot of information to be had, and you’ll need all of it to make the most out of your Skirmish experience.

The mail will direct you to seek out a Skirmish Camp and speak to the Skirmish Captain. There are a number of Skirmish Camps throughout Middle-earth:

• Angmar – Aughaire
• Bree-land – Just outside the South Gate
• Eregion – Near Gwingris
• Evendim – At the South-eastern corner of Tinnudir
• Forochel -- East of the Sûri-kylä main gate
• Lone-lands – Ost Guruth
• Lothlórien – Echad Andestel
• Moria – The 21st Hall
• North Downs – Just past the Western Gate of Esteldin
• Rivendell – Near the stables
• The Shire – Brockenborings
• Thorin's Gate – Outside of the entrance to Thorin's Hall

The Skirmish Captain will give you the Orders of War quest. Head out to a level appropriate area and start taking out agents of the Enemy (like Orcs, goblins, or Hillmen) until you’ve collected 10 Orders of War. You’ll need to be sure the enemies you’re killing aren’t grey to you; if they are too low-level, you won’t receive the drops, so aim for someplace where your opponents are close to your level. Ost Cyrn in the Lone-lands is a great option for those in the level 30-32 range. You’ll find plenty of enemies just a little under your level and perfect for the task at hand.

Once you round up your Orders of War, check your quest log again! You’ll find you have a new objective: Collect the Target List. You can pick this item up off the same enemies you’ve been killing for the Orders.

Now that you have your Orders and the List, head to a Skirmish Camp and speak with the Skirmish Captain again. You don’t have to go back to the same camp to turn in the quest; any Skirmish Camp will do, so just head for the closest one.

When you turn in the Orders of War quest, the Skirmish Captain will explain the dire situation facing Middle-earth. He’ll also send you to Second-watcher Heathstraw to start your first Skirmish. Whenever you’re ready, just speak with the Captain again and choose “Travel Now”.