The highly anticipated *Lord of the Rings* game, *Tales of the Shire*, is set to immerse fans in the ultimate cozy Hobbit life simulation experience. Here’s everything you need to know about its release:
Does *Tales of the Shire* Have a Release Date?
*Tales of the Shire* is scheduled 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 later shifted it to March 2025 via an announcement on X (formerly Twitter). The timeline was revised again in February 2025, pushing the release to July.
On a positive note, the PC and console versions are set to launch simultaneously. This unified release strategy explains the delays, as Wētā Workshop mentioned needing extra time to perfect the *Tales of the Shire* experience across all platforms. This approach contrasts with another recent Middle-earth title, the 2023 survival-crafting game *The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria*, which had staggered releases with the Xbox Series X/S version arriving nearly a year after the Windows version.
The disjointed launch of *Return to Moria* was attributed to scope creep. Publisher North Beach Games announced console ports late in the development cycle, suggesting it was originally intended as a PC-only release. Consequently, developer Free Range Games likely faced resource constraints in completing the console versions on time.
In contrast, Wētā Workshop and publisher Private Division planned *Tales of the Shire* as a cross-platform title from the outset. This foresight should prevent similar deadline issues, despite the multiple delays.
What Can You Expect From *Tales of the Shire*?
When *Tales of the Shire* finally arrives, players can look forward to extensive customization options. You'll be able to personalize your appearance and don your finest Hobbit attire. Your Hobbit-hole home will also offer creative freedom with a "grid-free placement" system for arranging furniture and decor.
The game will feature robust farming and cooking mechanics, allowing you to host virtual dinner parties. Exploration is a key component, enhanced by 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.
This article was updated on 02/25/25 by the original author to reflect the latest information about *Tales of the Shire*.
