"Tales of the Shire Release Date Revealed!"

Fans of the *Lord of the Rings* universe are eagerly awaiting *Tales of the Shire*, a new game that promises to immerse players in the ultimate cozy Hobbit life simulation experience. Here's everything you need to know about the 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 shifted it to March 2025, as announced on X (formerly Twitter). However, in February 2025, Wētā further adjusted the timeline, pushing the release to July.

The good news is that both the PC and console versions are expected to launch simultaneously. This simultaneous release strategy is likely why *Tales of the Shire* has faced multiple delays. In their February 2025 statement, Wētā emphasized the need for additional time to perfect the *Tales of the Shire* experience across all platforms. This approach contrasts with another recent Middle-earth game, *The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria*, which had a staggered release, with the Xbox Series X/S version coming out nearly a year after the Windows version.

The staggered release of *Return to Moria* was partly due to scope creep. The console ports were announced late in the development cycle by publisher North Beach Games, suggesting it was initially intended as a PC-only release. This late addition likely strained the resources of developer Free Range Games, leading to delays in the console versions.

In contrast, Wētā and publisher Private Division planned *Tales of the Shire* as a cross-platform title from the start. This foresight should help avoid similar deadline issues, even if it has resulted in multiple delays.

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. The game allows you to personalize your appearance and showcase your best Hobbit attire. Your Hobbit-hole home will also benefit from a "grid-free placement" system, enabling you to arrange furniture and home decor freely.

The game emphasizes 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* will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows on July 29, 2025.

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