During the Hobbit Day Showcase, Private Division and Wētā Workshop revealed the Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game release date. Originally revealed earlier this year, players have just a few more months until they can cozy up in the Shire.
When is the Tales of the Shire: A the Lord of the Rings Game release date?
Tales of the Shire launches March 25, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Netflix Games. Developed by Wētā Workshop, the cozy game based on The Lord of the Rings franchise lets players live the life of a Hobbit. Set in Bywater, created Hobbits will forge fellowships, cook meals, and explore to help the small community become an official village of the Shire.
At the beginning of a new Hobbit’s journey, they are given access to essential items for living including a bedroom, a lounge, and a kitchen. From there, they will eventually be able to expand their home and supplies for fishing, foraging, gardening, and trading. Bywater is home to many shops to buy items like ingredients or decor for the home. One vendor named Old Noakes can even help unlock secret fishing spots.
Cooking seems to be an important facet of Tales of the Shire. Not only does it satiate the Hobbit’s hunger, but also helps the Bywater community bond with each other. Hobbits can satisfy guests with well prepared meals, which have various steps to complete.
Hobbits will also have access to their very fully customizable garden. Not only can it be used to grow useful ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and spices, but Hobbits can place items like a daybed, or a summer table to make it uniquely theirs.
“Wētā Workshop has been trusted with J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth universe for more than 25 years, and over that time we have built up a deep understanding of the lore and a real love of Middle-earth that flows through our creative work across screen, collectibles and now, our cosy sims games,” said Richard Taylor, Co-founder and CEO at Wētā Workshop. “Tales of the Shire allows us to inspire our talents in an entirely new medium and, ultimately, create this game for people just like us – fans of The Lord of the Rings. This is a beautiful way that players who are looking for a quieter, more peaceful time can discover this in a less explored corner of this universe.”
“The Lord of the Rings is an extraordinary world, beloved by hundreds of millions, and people have been clamoring for a game to bring the community, fellowship, and warmth of the Shire to life,” said Eric Correll, Vice President, Head of Marketing at Private Division. “In Tales of the Shire, Wētā Workshop has created the countryside village of Bywater like no one else could do, and we can’t wait for gamers to unwind, relax, and explore.”
In other The Lord of the Rings related news, Amazon recently revealed viewership numbers for The Rings of Power Season 2. Despite viewership trending downward, it continues to be one of Prime Video’s most popular shows.