Fans of *The Lord of the Rings* have a delightful treat on the horizon with *Tales of the Shire*, a game promising the ultimate cozy Hobbit life simulation experience. If you're eagerly awaiting this immersive journey into the heart of the Shire, here's what you need to know about its release.
Does Tales of the Shire Have a Release Date?
*Tales of the Shire* is set to enchant players on July 29, 2025. This marks the game's second confirmed release date and its third announced window. Initially, Wētā Workshop aimed for a 2024 launch, but delays pushed the release first to March 2025, and then further to July 2025. The good news is that both PC and console versions will launch simultaneously, a decision that has contributed to the delays. Wētā's February 2025 statement emphasized the need for additional time to perfect the *Tales of the Shire* experience across all platforms, a contrast to the staggered release of *The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria* in 2023. Wētā and publisher Private Division planned *Tales of the Shire* as a cross-platform title from the start, which should help avoid similar release issues.
What Can You Expect From Tales of the Shire?
When *Tales of the Shire* finally graces our screens, players can look forward to a rich array of 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 offer the freedom of a "grid-free placement" system, allowing you to arrange furniture and home decor to your heart's content.
The game also emphasizes farming and cooking mechanics, where you can even host virtual dinner parties. Exploration plays a significant role, featuring 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 a comprehensive and seamless experience across all these platforms.
This article was updated on February 25, 2025, to reflect the latest information on *Tales of the Shire*.