Fans of the *Lord of the Rings* universe are eagerly anticipating *Tales of the Shire*, a cozy Hobbit life simulation game that promises a delightful dive into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. Here's everything you need to know about the game's release.
Does Tales of the Shire Have a Release Date?
*Tales of the Shire* is set to launch on July 29, 2025. This marks the game's second release date and third release window. Initially, Wētā Workshop aimed for a 2024 release, but delays pushed it first to March 2025, and then to July 2025. The good news is that both PC and console versions are slated to release simultaneously. Wētā Workshop's commitment to ensuring a polished experience across all platforms has been the driving force behind these delays. This approach contrasts with the staggered release of *The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria* in 2023, which saw its Xbox Series X/S version released nearly a year after the Windows version due to scope creep and late announcements of console ports.
Wētā Workshop and publisher Private Division planned *Tales of the Shire* as a cross-platform title from the start, which has helped them avoid similar release bottlenecks, despite the multiple delays.
What Can You Expect From Tales of the Shire?
When *Tales of the Shire* finally hits the shelves, players can look forward to a rich experience filled with customization options. You'll be able to personalize your Hobbit's appearance and choose from a variety of Hobbit attire. Your Hobbit-hole home will also be customizable, thanks to a "grid-free placement" system that allows for creative arrangement of furniture and home decor.
The game will feature engaging farming and cooking mechanics, allowing you to host virtual dinner parties. Exploration is a key component, with a trading system that lets you interact with iconic characters and familiar Hobbit families.
*Tales of the Shire* will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows, offering fans across various platforms the chance to immerse themselves in the cozy world of the Shire.
This article was updated on February 25, 2025, to reflect the latest information on *Tales of the Shire*.
