Get ready for the ultimate cozy Hobbit life simulation! Wētā Workshop's Tales of the Shire promises to immerse you in the idyllic world of Middle-earth. But when can you start your Hobbit adventure?
Does Tales of the Shire Have a Release Date?
Yes! Tales of the Shire is currently scheduled for release on July 29, 2025. This marks the game's second official release date, following previous announcements targeting March 2025 and originally, a 2024 launch. Wētā Workshop, via an X (formerly Twitter) post, cited the need for further refinement to ensure a polished experience across all platforms as the reason for the delay. This contrasts with the staggered release of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, highlighting Wētā and Private Division's commitment to simultaneous releases across PC and consoles.
The decision to prioritize a simultaneous launch across all platforms, unlike the experience with Return to Moria, likely contributed to the delays. Return to Moria’s console ports, announced late in development, created a significant bottleneck. In contrast, Tales of the Shire was designed from the outset as a cross-platform title, avoiding similar development hurdles.
What Can You Expect From Tales of the Shire?
Prepare for a richly detailed and customizable experience. The official website highlights extensive personalization options, allowing you to create your perfect Hobbit, complete with unique attire. Your Hobbit-hole will be equally customizable, thanks to a grid-free placement system for furniture and décor.
Beyond personalization, expect engaging farming and cooking mechanics, even the ability to host virtual dinner parties! Exploration is key, with a robust trading system involving iconic characters and familiar Hobbit families.
Tales of the Shire arrives on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows on July 29, 2025.
This article was updated on 02/25/25 to reflect the latest release date information for Tales of the Shire.