Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart of the Shire with the upcoming *Lord of the Rings* game, *Tales of the Shire*, which promises fans an enchanting 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 set 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 updated their timeline on X (formerly Twitter) to March 2025. In a further update in February 2025, Wētā pushed the release date back to July, citing the need for more time to perfect the game across all platforms.

The good news is that both the PC and console versions of *Tales of the Shire* will be released simultaneously. This unified launch strategy contrasts with the staggered release of another Middle-earth game, *The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria*, which saw its Xbox Series X/S version released almost a year after the Windows version. The delays for *Tales of the Shire* seem to stem from Wētā's commitment to delivering a polished experience "no matter where [people] play."

*Return to Moria* faced challenges due to scope creep, with console versions announced late in development, hinting at an initial PC-only focus. This led to resource constraints and delayed console releases. In contrast, Wētā and publisher Private Division planned *Tales of the Shire* as a cross-platform game from the start, which likely helps avoid similar delays, despite the multiple postponements.

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. You'll be able to personalize your Hobbit's appearance and choose from an assortment of Hobbit attire. The game also offers a "grid-free placement" system for arranging furniture and home décor in your Hobbit-hole, allowing for unique and personal touches.

Beyond aesthetics, *Tales of the Shire* will immerse players in farming and cooking mechanics, where you can even host virtual dinner parties. Exploration plays a significant role, with a trading system that lets you interact with iconic characters and familiar Hobbit families.

*Tales of the Shire* is set to launch on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows on July 29, 2025, offering fans a comprehensive and unified gaming experience across multiple platforms.

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