Tales of the Shire Release Date Revealed

Upcoming Lord of the Rings game Tales of the Shire promises fans the ultimate cozy Hobbit life simulation experience. Here’s what you need to know about when Tales of the Shire is coming out.

Does Tales of the Shire Have a Release Date?

Tales of the Shire is set to launch on July 29, 2025, marking the game’s second official release date and third announced release window. Initially, Wētā Workshop aimed for a 2024 release, but later shifted the launch to March 2025. In February 2025, the studio announced another delay, pushing the release to July to ensure a polished, cross-platform experience.

The good news is that both PC and console versions are still on track for a simultaneous release. Wētā Workshop emphasized in their February 2025 update that they need more time to refine Tales of the Shire “no matter where [people] play.” This commitment to a unified launch contrasts sharply with the staggered rollout of The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, where the Xbox Series X/S version arrived nearly a year after the PC release.

The delayed release of Return to Moria was partly due to scope changes—its console ports were announced late in development, suggesting it began as a PC-only title. This likely left developer Free Range Games scrambling to adapt the game for consoles.

In contrast, Tales of the Shire was designed from the ground up as a multiplatform experience by Wētā Workshop and publisher Private Division. This early cross-platform vision appears to have prevented similar technical hurdles, even if it has led to multiple date adjustments.

What Can You Expect From Tales of the Shire?

When Tales of the Shire finally launches, players can look forward to a rich, immersive life-sim set in the heart of the Shire. The game invites you to step into the furry feet of a customizable Hobbit, complete with personalized appearance and iconic Hobbit attire.

Your Hobbit-hole is fully customizable using a flexible “grid-free placement” system, allowing you to arrange furniture and décor exactly how you like—no constraints, just cozy creativity.

Farming and cooking are central gameplay pillars. Grow your own crops, harvest ingredients, and whip up delicious meals. Better yet, host virtual dinner parties with fellow Hobbits and celebrate the simple pleasures of Shire life.

Exploration is also a key component, offering opportunities to travel across scenic landscapes, meet familiar faces, and trade with both iconic characters and beloved Hobbit families. Whether you're bartering for rare seeds or picking up a new recipe, the world feels alive and interconnected.

Tales of the Shire will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows on July 29, 2025.

Related: Is Tales of the Shire Coming to Nintendo Switch?

The above article was updated on 02/25/25 by the original author to include new information about Tales of the Shire.