The Hobbit pinball rules and strategy
The Strategy
The Hobbit uses character shots to qualify Book Modes, the left ramp to select one, and the right ramp to start it. Shoot the left ramp before any other qualifier so The Resurgence of Sauron is the only lit mode, spell L-O-C-K, then shoot a green orbit to store a Mode Ball. At the right ramp, press the Ring button to postpone the Smaug lock and start Resurgence with the stored ball.
The goal
Store a A green-orbit lock stores a ball for the next selected mode. Later Mode Ball locks can require separate L-O-C-K completions. before starting Switches build the current value. A left-ramp collect scores it and adds the displayed time. Making mode progress relights the larger time award., or spell L-O-C-K and use the right ramp for Three right-ramp locks start the multiball. Lit major shots score Jackpots. The ARKENSTONE shot collects the Super Jackpot. Later levels add harder Jackpot and Smaug-damage stages..
How to start a mode
Shoot the left ramp before another mode qualifier so Switches build the current value. A left-ramp collect scores it and adds the displayed time. Making mode progress relights the larger time award. is the only lit mode. Spell L-O-C-K, then shoot either green orbit to store a A green-orbit lock stores a ball for the next selected mode. Later Mode Ball locks can require separate L-O-C-K completions.. At the right ramp, press the Press the Ring button at a lit lock to postpone the lock and take the other available award. to postpone the Smaug lock and start Resurgence with the stored ball.
Recommended mode: The Resurgence of Sauron
Its switch value and left-ramp collects can be built while the stored ball remains in play.
How to play it
Make switch hits to build the value, then shoot the left ramp to raise and collect it while adding time. Keep at least two balls in play until the mode times out to begin It is the Book Mode victory phase. Each red shot scores a percentage of the completed mode value. It ends when one ball remains..
Start Smaug Multiball
On the first Multiball at default settings, spell L-O-C-K once to light all three locks. Shoot the right ramp three times; the third lock starts Three right-ramp locks start the multiball. Lit major shots score Jackpots. The ARKENSTONE shot collects the Super Jackpot. Later levels add harder Jackpot and Smaug-damage stages..
Alternative route: Beast Frenzy
Use this to learn the first Beast Frenzy qualification.
- Roll through each return lane to light its Beast hurry-up, then hit the raised Beast before the hurry-up ends. Defeating Warg, Orc, Goblin, and Spider starts Beast Frenzy.
Need to know
- Main route
- Shoot the left ramp to qualify only Switches build the current value. A left-ramp collect scores it and adds the displayed time. Making mode progress relights the larger time award..
- Long goal
- Complete one Book mode, start Three right-ramp locks start the multiball. Lit major shots score Jackpots. The ARKENSTONE shot collects the Super Jackpot. Later levels add harder Jackpot and Smaug-damage stages., complete Super Spinners, start Beast Frenzy, and start Collected Dwarves build a switch-frenzy value. The feature runs with other rules when qualified. to earn the five Arkenstone runes.