Tales of the Shire Release Date Revealed

The upcoming *Lord of the Rings* game, *Tales of the Shire*, is poised to offer fans an immersive and cozy Hobbit life simulation experience. Here’s everything you need to know about the eagerly awaited release of *Tales of the Shire*.

Does Tales of the Shire Have a Release Date?

*Tales of the Shire* is now 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, as announced on X (formerly Twitter). However, in February 2025, Wētā further adjusted the timeline, pushing the release to July.

On a positive note, both the PC and console versions are set to release simultaneously. The multiple delays seem to stem from Wētā's commitment to fine-tuning the *Tales of the Shire* experience across all platforms. In their February 2025 statement, Wētā emphasized the need for more time to ensure a seamless experience "no matter where [people] play." This approach contrasts sharply with another recent Middle-earth title, the 2023 survival-crafting game *The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria*, which had a staggered release, with the Xbox Series X/S version arriving nearly a year after the Windows version.

The staggered release of *Return to Moria* was reportedly due to scope creep. The game's publisher, North Beach Games, only announced the console ports late in the development cycle, suggesting it was initially intended as a PC-only release. Consequently, developer Free Range Games likely lacked the resources to complete the console versions on time.

In contrast, Wētā and publisher Private Division envisioned *Tales of the Shire* as a cross-platform title from the start. This foresight has seemingly helped them avoid similar deadline issues, even if it resulted in multiple release date adjustments.

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 array of customization options. The official website highlights the ability to "personalise your appearance and brandish your best Hobbit attire." Similarly, Hobbit-hole homes will feature a "grid-free placement" system, allowing for creative furniture and home décor arrangements.

The game will also include robust farming and cooking mechanics, where players can even host virtual dinner parties. Exploration plays a significant role, enriched 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, offering a comprehensive gaming experience across multiple platforms.

This article was updated on 02/25/25 by the original author to include the latest information about *Tales of the Shire*.