Fans of *The Lord of the Rings* are eagerly anticipating *Tales of the Shire*, a new game that promises to immerse players in the cozy, heartwarming world of Hobbit life. Here's the latest on when you can expect *Tales of the Shire* to hit the shelves.

Does Tales of the Shire Have a Release Date?

*Tales of the Shire* is now set to launch on July 29, 2025. This marks the game's second scheduled release date and third release window. Initially, Wētā Workshop had aimed for a 2024 release, but this was later shifted to March 2025, as announced on X (formerly Twitter). A further delay was announced in February 2025, moving the release to July.

On a positive note, both the PC and console versions are planned to be released simultaneously. The multiple delays appear to be due to Wētā's commitment to ensuring a polished experience across all platforms. In a February 2025 statement, Wētā emphasized the need for more time to fine-tune the game "no matter where [people] play." This approach contrasts with the release of another recent Middle-earth title, *The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria*, which saw staggered releases across platforms, with the Xbox Series X/S version launching nearly a year after the Windows version.

*Return to Moria*'s disjointed release schedule was reportedly due to scope creep. The console ports were announced late in the development cycle by publisher North Beach Games, suggesting an initial focus on a PC-only release. This left developer Free Range Games struggling to meet console deadlines.

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 issues, even if it has led to multiple delays.

What Can You Expect From Tales of the Shire?

When *Tales of the Shire* finally arrives, players can look forward to a rich experience filled with customization options. The game allows you to personalize your appearance and choose from a variety of Hobbit attire. Your Hobbit-hole home will also be customizable, featuring a "grid-free placement" system for arranging furniture and home decor.

The game will also include engaging farming and cooking mechanics, where you can even host virtual dinner parties. Exploration is a key component, 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, offering a seamless experience across all platforms.

This article was updated on February 25, 2025, by the original author to include the latest information about *Tales of the Shire*.