Why Tales of the Shire's Release Date Might Just Be a Sweet Spot

Officially announced back in September 2023, Tales of the Shire debuted its first trailer at a tough time for the Lord of the Rings franchise, with the infamous Gollum having launched only a few months prior. But Tales of the Shire had a much stronger premise than Gollum. The concept of a cozy Hobbit life-simulator in a similar vein to games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley was an enticing one, and one that took the franchise in a welcome new direction.

Early impressions of Tales of the Shire admittedly weren’t too positive. Following some rough-looking trailers, previews for early builds of Tales of the Shire started to hit the internet, and it met with notable criticism. Just a few weeks ago, it was announced that Tales of the Shire would no longer be launching this year, but rather in March 2025. While some fans might be disappointed by this news, it’s undoubtedly a good thing, giving its developers more time to polish the game, and lining it up for a potentially perfect launch date.

Tales of the Shire Has The Perfect Release Date

Tales of the Shire Is Releasing After a Surge of Anticipated Games

Though 2024 still has a few big releases lined up, it’s nothing compared to the onslaught that will be coming in February 2025. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is set to kick the month off with a bang on February 11, the same day as Civilization 7. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is now set to launch just a few days later, on February 14. Don’t Nod’s Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is releasing on February 18, right alongside Obsidian’s Avowed. And finally, Monster Hunter Wilds and Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii are both ending the month in style on February 28.

February might be one of 2025’s biggest months in terms of video game releases, and there’s already virtually no room to breathe. Thankfully, Tales of the Shire is avoiding this February crunch completely, instead releasing on March 25, 2025. After such a busy month filled with huge AAA RPGs and grand strategy games, Tales of the Shire can act as a refreshing breeze of much lighter air, hopefully delivering a cozy, nostalgic, and uncomplicated experience.

Tales of the Shire Might Be Able to Sneak In Before The Next Wave

But February isn’t going to be the only busy period for games in 2025. If every game that’s currently confirmed for 2025 makes its release window, it could easily end up being the greatest year in video game history. Long-awaited sequels like Borderlands 4, Metroid Prime 4, Death Stranding 2, Fable, and the recently announced Ghost of Yotei are all currently set for release next year.

Experimental franchise spinoffs like 2XKO, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Pokemon Legends: Z-A are also on their way. And of course, Grand Theft Auto 6 is finally set to hit consoles next year, which could end up being the biggest event in gaming history in its own right.

2025 is quickly shaping up to be a very dense year for video game releases, and Tales of the Shire has seemingly found itself a sweet spot. Tales of the Shire is managing to avoid the initial February surge, while also likely avoiding the heavy hitters that are probably coming soon after its launch in March.

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.

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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.

Released

2024

Developer(s)

Wētā Workshop

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