When Does Tales of the Shire Come Out?

The highly anticipated Lord of the Rings game, Tales of the Shire, promises a charming Hobbit life simulation experience. Here's an update on its release date and what to expect.

Release Date Update:

Tales of the Shire is now scheduled for release on July 29, 2025. This marks the game's second official release date, following previous delays from a 2024 target and a subsequent March 2025 announcement. Wētā Workshop, the developer, cited the need for additional time to polish the cross-platform experience as the reason for the postponement. This contrasts with the staggered release of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, which highlights the benefit of planning for simultaneous PC and console launches from the outset.

The decision to ensure a simultaneous release across platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, appears to be the primary reason for the delays. Unlike Return to Moria, which suffered from scope creep and a late decision to port to consoles, Tales of the Shire was designed from the start as a cross-platform title, avoiding similar development hurdles.

Gameplay and Features:

Tales of the Shire offers extensive customization options, allowing players to personalize their Hobbit appearance and decorate their homes using a flexible, grid-free placement system for furniture and décor. Farming, cooking, and throwing dinner parties are key gameplay elements. Exploration is a significant part of the experience, featuring a trading system involving iconic characters and familiar Hobbit families.

This article was updated on 02/25/25 to reflect the latest information regarding Tales of the Shire's release date.