If you’re an avid player of The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO) and find yourself wondering, “What bow drops in Northcotton Farms?” you’re not alone. Northcotton Farms, a 3-man instance in Evendim, is a popular spot for players looking to gear up their characters, especially those wielding ranged weapons like bows. In this SEO-friendly blog post, we’ll dive deep into Northcotton Farms, explore the loot table, identify the bows that can drop, and provide tips to maximize your runs. Whether you’re a Hunter, a collector, or just curious about this iconic instance, this guide has you covered.
What is Northcotton Farms in LOTRO?
Northcotton Farms is a scalable, small fellowship instance located just west of Oatbarton in Evendim at coordinates [22.9S, 68.0W]. Designed for three players, it’s tailored for characters level 65 and up, though its scaling feature allows higher-level players to tackle it as well. Introduced as part of LOTRO’s rich world, this instance combines hobbit-inspired charm with perilous challenges, featuring poison-heavy mechanics and memorable boss fights.
The instance revolves around thwarting the evil plans of Thadúr the Ravager, who’s brewing a poison to taint the Shire’s water supply. Along the way, you’ll face spiders, wolves, boars, goblins, and two main bosses: Legbarthil, a menacing spider, and Thadúr himself. While the story and mechanics are engaging, many players are drawn to Northcotton Farms for its loot—particularly the chance to snag a coveted bow.
Why Bows Matter in LOTRO
Bows are the lifeblood of ranged classes in LOTRO, especially Hunters, who rely on them for damage output. A good bow can significantly boost your DPS (damage per second), making it easier to tackle tough mobs and bosses. In Northcotton Farms, the potential for unique or high-quality bows adds an extra layer of excitement to each run. But what exactly can you expect to find?
What Bow Drops in Northcotton Farms?
Unfortunately, LOTRO’s loot system isn’t as straightforward as a guaranteed “named bow” dropping from a specific boss. Northcotton Farms, like many instances, relies on a randomized loot table that includes weapons, armor, jewelry, and other rewards. However, based on player reports, community discussions, and historical data, here’s what we know about bows in this instance:
1. Random Purple-Quality Bows
Northcotton Farms has a chance to drop purple (rare) quality bows suitable for the instance’s level range (typically level 65 when unscaled). These bows often have generic names like Supple Bow, Swift Bow, or Deadly Defender’s Bow, with stats tailored to mid-to-high-level characters. While not uniquely named, they can still pack a punch with decent DPS and occasional bonus stats like agility or critical rating.
- Level Range: 65 (scalable to your character’s level if higher)
- Quality: Purple (Rare)
- Stats: Varies, but often includes agility, physical mastery, or critical rating
- Drop Source: Chests after defeating Legbarthil or Thadúr, or rarely from trash mobs like the Long-grass Tusker
2. Potential Teal (Epic) Bows
On Tier 2 difficulty or during special challenge modes, there’s a slim chance for teal (epic) quality bows to drop. These are rarer and typically offer superior stats compared to purple bows. While no specific named bow is tied exclusively to Northcotton Farms, players have reported finding teal bows with enhanced damage and unique effects, such as increased critical damage or power regeneration.
- Level Range: 65 (scalable)
- Quality: Teal (Epic)
- Stats: Higher DPS, potential bonus effects
- Drop Source: Final chest after defeating Thadúr on Tier 2 or challenge mode
3. Historical Context: Northcotton Farms Loot
Back in LOTRO’s earlier days (circa 2011–2014), Northcotton Farms was a hotspot for level 65 gear, including bows. Community forums and wikis from that era mention players farming the instance for weapons and jewelry to complement their builds. While updates have shifted the meta, the instance retains its reputation for decent mid-tier loot, making it a viable option for leveling alts or gearing up for Moria content.
Notable Mentions
- No First-Age or Second-Age Legendary Bows: Northcotton Farms doesn’t drop Legendary Items (LIs) like First-Age or Second-Age bows, which are reserved for higher-level raids like Draigoch or Isengard clusters.
- Crafted Alternatives: If you’re after a specific bow, crafting via the Woodworker profession might yield better results (e.g., Polished Black Ash Bow). However, Northcotton Farms offers the thrill of RNG loot.
How to Farm Bows in Northcotton Farms
To increase your chances of snagging a bow, you’ll need a solid strategy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to farming Northcotton Farms efficiently:
Step 1: Assemble Your Team
- Group Size: 3 players (tank, healer, DPS recommended)
- Classes: A Hunter (for DPS and bow synergy), a Guardian or Warden (tank), and a Minstrel or Rune-keeper (healer) work well.
- Level: Ideally 65+; higher levels make it easier due to scaling.
Step 2: Understand the Mechanics
- Poison Clouds: Both bosses use poison effects (clouds, auras) that can’t be dispelled—move out of them quickly.
- Legbarthil: Tank her at the back wall to avoid poison clouds. Destroy egg sacs (spawned at 80%, 45%, and 15% morale) to prevent spiderlings from healing her.
- Thadúr: Watch for his callouts (e.g., “Poisonous vapors shall grant me strength”) and remove corruptions. Designate an area for the player with “Thadúr’s Eye” to drop poison clouds away from the group.
Step 3: Choose Your Difficulty
- Tier 1: Easier, with standard purple loot drops.
- Tier 2: Harder, with a chance for teal items and better rewards. Completing the challenge mode (e.g., preventing Thadúr from poisoning the well) may boost loot quality.
Step 4: Loot the Chests
- Chests spawn after defeating each boss. The final chest after Thadúr is your best bet for a bow drop.
- Trash mobs like boars occasionally drop loot, so don’t skip them—especially the Long-grass Tusker, which ties into a side quest.
Step 5: Rinse and Repeat
- Northcotton Farms is repeatable, so run it daily or as often as your group can manage. The more runs, the better your odds of landing a bow.
Tips for Maximizing Your Runs
- Bring Poison Resistance: Foods or potions that boost poison resistance can mitigate damage from clouds and auras.
- Coordinate with Your Team: Clear communication (e.g., calling out egg sacs or Thadúr’s abilities) ensures a smooth run.
- Check the Instance Finder: Use the Instance Finder to queue up and find groups quickly.
- Save Loot for Alts: Even if a bow isn’t ideal for your main, it might suit an alt character.
- Combine with Quests: Pick up related quests like “A Little Piece of Home in Evendim” (requires boar meat from the instance) for extra rewards.
Alternative Sources for Bows in LOTRO
If Northcotton Farms doesn’t yield the bow you’re after, consider these alternatives:
- Crafting: Woodworkers can craft high-quality bows like the Polished Black Ash Bow (level 65, crit version with fire damage).
- Skirmishes: Skirmish camps offer bows for marks and medallions, often with customizable stats.
- Moria Instances: Higher-level instances like the Grand Stair drop better bows for characters progressing beyond 65.
- Auction House: Check the AH for player-crafted or instance-dropped bows.
Why Northcotton Farms is Worth Running
Beyond the chance for a bow, Northcotton Farms offers a fun, compact experience that’s perfect for small groups. Its hobbit-themed setting, poison-centric challenges, and quick completion time (20–30 minutes with a skilled team) make it a refreshing break from larger raids. Plus, the loot—while not top-tier—can bridge the gap for characters leveling through Evendim or preparing for Moria.
Community Insights: What Players Say
LOTRO’s community has mixed feelings about Northcotton Farms loot. On Reddit and forums, some players fondly recall farming it for gear back in the day, while others note that modern updates have shifted focus to higher-level content. A 2011 forum post even mentioned a player sporting a Northcotton Farms bow alongside Stoneheight jewelry—proof of its historical value. Today, it’s seen as a nostalgic run with decent rewards for the effort.
Conclusion: Should You Farm Northcotton Farms for a Bow?
So, what bow drops in Northcotton Farms in LOTRO? The answer is a randomized purple or (rarely) teal bow, with no specific named weapon guaranteed. While it won’t net you a legendary First-Age masterpiece, it’s a solid option for mid-tier ranged gear, especially for Hunters leveling through the 60–70 range. Pair it with a good group, a poison-resistant build, and some patience, and you might just walk away with a bow worth bragging about.
Ready to take on Thadúr and his minions? Gather your fellowship, head to Evendim, and let the loot hunt begin. Have you scored a great bow from Northcotton Farms? Share your experience in the comments below—we’d love to hear your tales from Middle-earth!
