When Does Tales of the Shire Come Out?

Upcoming Lord of the Rings game Tales of the Shire offers fans a charming, cozy simulation experience centered around Hobbit life. Here's everything you need to know about its release date and what to expect.

Recommended Videos Does Tales of the Shire Have a Release Date?

Tales of the Shire is officially scheduled for release on July 29, 2025—marking its second announced release date and third projected launch window. Initially planned for 2024, developer Wētā Workshop later updated fans via X (formerly Twitter), announcing a new March 2025 release. However, in February 2025, another delay pushed the title further back to July.

The good news? The revised timeline ensures a simultaneous global release across both PC and console platforms. According to Wētā’s official statement from February 2025, the extra time was necessary to refine the Tales of the Shire experience “no matter where [players] play.” This approach contrasts with The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria, which faced a staggered rollout due to late-stage console porting decisions.

Delays like those seen with Return to Moria were partly due to scope creep, as its console versions were only announced near the end of development. In contrast, Tales of the Shire was designed from the start as a cross-platform title, helping avoid similar pitfalls—even if it meant multiple reschedules.

What Can You Expect From Tales of the Shire?

When Tales of the Shire finally launches, players will be able to enjoy a richly detailed life simulation set in the idyllic world of the Shire. As a Hobbit, you'll craft your own unique identity, with deep customization options allowing you to personalize your appearance and outfit yourself in authentic Hobbit attire.

Your Hobbit-hole home will also offer extensive decoration freedom thanks to a flexible "grid-free placement" system, enabling seamless arrangement of furniture and décor.

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

Beyond aesthetics, the gameplay emphasizes peaceful living through farming, cooking, and socializing—with features like virtual dinner parties adding a personal touch. Exploration also plays a key role, enhanced by a robust trading mechanic that lets you interact with familiar faces, including iconic characters and well-known Hobbit families.

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

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