When Does Tales of the Shire Come Out?

The highly anticipated *Lord of the Rings* game, *Tales of the Shire*, is set to offer fans an immersive experience into the cozy life of a Hobbit. Here's a detailed look at when you can expect to dive into this delightful simulation.

Does Tales of the Shire Have a Release Date?

*Tales of the Shire* is now scheduled for release on July 29, 2025. This marks the game's second confirmed release date and third release window. Initially, Wētā Workshop aimed for a 2024 launch, but they later revised this to March 2025 via an announcement on X (formerly Twitter). However, in February 2025, Wētā pushed the release date back once more to July.

One positive aspect is that both the PC and console versions are set to launch simultaneously. The repeated delays appear to be a result of Wētā's commitment to ensuring a polished experience across all platforms. In their February 2025 statement, Wētā emphasized the need for additional time to refine *Tales of the Shire* "no matter where [people] play." This approach contrasts sharply with the release strategy of another recent Middle-earth game, *The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria*, which had a staggered release, with the Xbox Series X/S version launching almost a year after the Windows version.

The staggered release of *Return to Moria* was reportedly due to scope creep. North Beach Games, the publisher, announced console ports late in the development cycle, suggesting it was initially planned as a PC-only game. This late addition likely stretched Free Range Games' resources thin, leading to delays in the console versions.

In contrast, Wētā and publisher Private Division envisioned *Tales of the Shire* as a cross-platform title from the outset. This foresight should—and appears to—help them avoid similar scheduling conflicts, despite the multiple delays.

What Can You Expect From Tales of the Shire?

When *Tales of the Shire* finally hits the shelves, it promises a rich array of features. The game's official website highlights extensive customization options, allowing players to "personalize your appearance and brandish your best Hobbit attire." Your Hobbit-hole home will also benefit from a "grid-free placement" system, enabling you to arrange furniture and decor to your heart's content.

Farming and cooking mechanics are central to the gameplay, with the added fun of hosting virtual dinner parties. Exploration is another key element, featuring a trading system where you can 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 cross-platform release ensures that fans across various gaming ecosystems can enjoy the serene life of a Hobbit.

This article was updated on 02/25/25 to reflect the latest information on *Tales of the Shire*.