In Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, J.R.R. Tolkien's epic Middle-earth saga continues in the Fourth Age. The game follows a clan of Dwarves who set out on a quest to retrieve ancient Dwarven relics, including the legendary Durin’s Axe, from the ruins of Moria.
Durin I, also known as “The Deathless,” was the first of the Dwarves to awaken and discover the kingdom of Khazad-dûm, later known as Moria. He founded the line of Dwarves called Durin’s Folk, who originally inhabited this ancient kingdom until they were expelled by the Balrog in the middle of the Third Age. The father of Dwarves left behind a lasting legacy embodied in Durin's Helm and Durin's Axe. This article will guide players on how to get their hands on the first fragment of Durin's axe in LOTR: Return to Moria.
Where to Find the First Fragment of Durin’s Axe in Return to Moria
When the Balrog overran Khazad-dûm, the Axe of Durin I was broken into five pieces scattered throughout the mines of Moria. The journey to acquiring the fragments of Durin’s Axe begins when players reach Ori’s Camp and stumble upon a journal containing information about the lost pieces of the axe.
The Book of Mazarbul states that when Balin set out on an expedition to re-establish the Dwarf’s presence in Moria, he discovered Durin’s Axe and Durin’s Helm and claimed them as his own. He took the title of “Lord of Moria” and ruled over the Dwarves for five years. The Axe was lost once again when the Dwarf colony was destroyed. Players can also find clues to the lost fragments of Durin’s Axe within this journal.
The first fragment of Durin's Axe can be found deep within Moria, in The Western Halls beside Durin’s Highway. The exact area where players can find the first fragment is known as Westgate. Westgate features ruined buildings, with multiple levels and a prominent destroyed statue.
While navigating The Western Halls, players should keep an eye out for a unique icon on their map, resembling a diamond with an axe through it. This icon marks the location of the first fragment of Durin’s Axe.
As players explore Westgate, they will come across a building with two staircases. Using either of the staircases, players can ascend to the second floor of this building. Here, the missing fragment of Durin’s Axe stands out distinctly among the other objects in the room due to its long, red handle.
The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria
- Released
- October 24, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Free Range Games
- Publisher(s)
- North Beach Games
- Franchise
- The Lord of the Rings
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Survival
