Games

What to Expect From Tales of the Shire in 2025

Published

2 days ago

December 30, 2024

The cozy sim genre is due to get a significant addition in 2025 from an unexpected franchise. Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game is slated for official release on March 25, 2025, allowing players to create a unique hobbit, customize a hobbit hole and garden, forage and fish for ingredients, and build relationships with the residents of Bywater. Tales of the Shire looks to be a charming addition to the genre, and a welcome addition to The Lord of the Rings‘ repertoire of video games.

With the release date of Tales of the Shire just a few months into 2025, Weta Workshop may start to market the game to spread awareness of its features. This could be in the form of a new trailer, or an update about the development of the game since it was delayed in 2024. Once released, it will likely also receive support from Weta Workshop as it releases performance updates and possible content additions.

Tales of the Shire Needs Its Own Bilbo, Even If It’s Not Exactly Bilbo

Table of Contents

Tales of the Shire’s cast of characters are mostly a mystery, but introducing its own Bilbo counterpart could be a needed feature.

Tales of the Shire Has a Release Date of Special Significance

The Lord of the Rings Fans Prepare to Build a Life in the Shire

Tales of the Shire originally had a 2024 release date, and was delayed to March 2025. While delays are disappointing, the new release date is auspicious for fans of The Lord of the Rings, as it’s also the day that the One Ring was destroyed. March 25 holds a special place for Tolkien fans as a result, and the Tolkien Society have designated the day as Tolkien Reading Day to celebrate the writer and the world of The Lord of the Rings.

It’s the perfect day to launch Tales of the Shire, which is another way players can come to enjoy the incredible world that Tolkien created. The March release date also means that Tales of the Shire will miss all the other major releases in February. In the months leading up to Tales of the Shire‘s launch, Weta Workshop may release another trailer, or give fans a showcase of the different crafting, customization, and relationship systems they can expect.

Build Relationships and Connect with Bywater’s Residents

Some of the biggest draws to Tales of the Shire are the robust customization options for the character creator and for homesteading. Hobbits living a life in the Shire slots so perfectly into the cozy game genre that the genre appears tailor-made for them, and Tales of the Shire needs to exploit that. With all the features available to players, and where cooking appears to be essential to building relationships in Bywater, players are likely to expect hobbit priorities such as good food and good company to be front and center, with a robust cooking, foraging, farming, and party system to support it.

Post-Release Plans for Tales of the Shire

Tales of the Shire will likely receive post-launch support in the form of patches and small updates, especially as it hasn’t had an Early Access period to get player feedback on performance issues or bugs. It’s unknown at this point if it’ll receive any content updates after release, but similar cozy games such as Stardew Valley received content additions such as new areas, festivals, recipes, dialogue, and so much more. Any post-release plans Tales of the Shire receives may depend on its reviews and sales, with good reviews and a solid player-base for Tales of the Shire more likely to result in post-launch support.

Tales of the Shire - A The Lord of the Rings Game Tag Page Cover Art

From the creative studio, Wētā Workshop, live the cosy life of a Hobbit in the wonderfully serene landscape of the Shire. Discover, decorate, and share in this idyllic corner of Middle-earth. Join friendly Hobbits and familiar faces awaiting your arrival in Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings™ Game.

Create your own Hobbit as you set forth in Bywater. Though not yet established as an official village in Hobbiton, play a part in helping the quaint town flourish. Greet comfort at the door as you decorate your own Hobbit hole, tend to your garden, fish at the clear ponds, forage wild fruits and herbs, or trade with townsfolks. Prepare homemade meals to share with fellow Hobbits and foster relationships.

With much to see and lots more to eat, enjoy days of splendor in the picturesque forests, lakes, and pastures.

Unwind in the place where what matters most are all the little things. Help bring the community together to achieve village status in Bywater. Experience delight in Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings™ Game.

Life Simulation

RPG

Adventure