Part 33

When merging units, ranged units are automatically moved to the rear, protecting them from close assault. Melee units within the merged group will engage attackers targeting the archers.

Avoid merging Ranger units with others if woods are present, as they lose their auto-stealth ability in wooded areas.

Do not typically merge Gondorian Knights, as their speed and trample abilities are lost when merged.

Merge Rohan peasants and yeoman archers together, as they are otherwise vulnerable.

Generally, do not create an archer unit without an accompanying melee unit, unless garrisoning towers or already using many merged units for extra ranged firepower.

When garrisoning archers, do not upgrade them with banners or armor. Only upgrade them with flaming arrows, as the tower will gain +15 damage and flaming attacks.

Garrisoned towers fire faster than any other ranged unit or structure in The Lord of the Lord of the Rings Online. A fire arrow garrisoned tower can quickly slaughter basic infantry.

Gandalf's abilities work against structures, except for Word of Power. His lightning sword is effective against structures or tough units, often destroying structures with a few hits.

Gimli has 2000 hit points even at level 1. Use Gimli, Aragorn, and Legolas together: Legolas snipes, enemies approach, Gimli blocks and tanks, and Aragorn attacks.

Units gain experience when near another unit or a tower. Park a unit next to a garrisoned tower with the elven cloak on to gain experience passively.

Boromir, Saruman, Faramir, Legolas, and Theoden's top-level abilities grant free experience to nearby units, making them good for base defense and quickly leveling recruits after banner upgrades.

Boromir's Horn of Gondor can keep enemies at bay, allowing towers to attack and reinforcements to arrive.

Isengard ballistas deal good damage at a good range, though less than Mordor catapults. Two ballistas can batter down a gate quickly.

For attacking, use 4 Isengard ballistas in two control groups, with a high-level Lurtz (and Saruman if Nazgul or Eagles are present) in the middle of merged Uruk warriors and Uruk crossbowmen. Place mines and berserkers (with lit torches) on the flanks.

Against Rohan, use hordes of merged pikemen and crossbows instead of Uruk warriors. This forces the enemy to attack or be shot.

After destroying gates and outside towers, send mines to each side of the gate and blow the front wall out. All 4 ballistas focusing on a target can destroy most structures (except the citadel/keep) in one or two salvos. Treat them like catapults and trebuchets.

Siege ladders can be merged with Uruk berserkers. The berserker is deposited on the wall immediately when the ladder hits it, allowing 2-4 berserkers to clear the wall of enemies.

Place mines between buildings you wish to destroy for maximum damage due to the large explosion radius.

Trolls picking up a rock gain a ranged attack. Picking up a tree is permanent, reduces damage, but increases area of effect (e.g., 75 damage to 6-10 units instead of 150 to 1-2).

If a Troll picks up a tree, it cannot heal by eating an orc or pick up a rock; it is stuck with the tree, which does little damage to buildings.

Use the tree for Trolls against infantry, archers, or pikemen. For siege units, cavalry, heroes, and buildings, do not pick up the club, as they do more damage without it.

When infantry and Knights of Gondor attack a unit simultaneously, the footmen draw the brunt of attacks, preventing knights from taking damage from pikes and allowing them to avoid the trample disadvantage.