Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game is out now. Wētā Workshop’s Hobbit life sim launched on July 29, 2025, for PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. It is set in Bywater and centers on everyday Shire life—not combat-heavy action.
What is Tales of the Shire?
Tales of the Shire is a peaceful, single-player life simulation in which you create a Hobbit and settle in Bywater. Its activities revolve around making a home and becoming part of the community: decorate with grid-free furniture placement, garden, fish, forage, cook meals, trade with townsfolk, and build relationships while helping Bywater become an official village. Wētā Workshop describes it as a “cosy life sim.” Wētā Workshop’s game page and the Steam listing describe the game and its activities.
That makes it a different kind of Tolkien game from an action adventure built around battles: the focus here is food, home, nature, and fellowship. Wētā Workshop Co-founder, Co-CEO and Chief Creative Officer Richard Taylor called it “a beautiful way that players who are looking for a quieter, more peaceful time can discover this in a less explored corner of this universe.”
Is Tales of the Shire out yet?
Yes. The game launched on July 29, 2025. Wētā Workshop Game Studio developed it, and the studio’s current project page names Fictions as publisher. The current Wētā Workshop page lists the launch date and platforms.
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- Welcome Home, Hobbit – Decorate your own Hobbit-home and transform this cosy space with grid-free placement to position furniture and home décor to your liking. Discover the wonders each new day brings to Bywater as you settle into your serene home for much needed rest
- Food Is Love – No Hobbit’s day is complete without food. Fish, garden, and forage to stock up the pantry with the fruits of your labour. Harvest seasonal crops and flowers as time passes in your home. Enjoy the warmth of the kitchen and show off your culinary skills with recipes for mealtimes. Partake in second breakfast or host a dinner party with fellow Hobbits. Share meals with invited guests to create new relationships.
- Explore Bywater – Explore the outdoors to discover secret glades and lost treasures of the Shire. Experience the ever-changing weather that affects daily routines and discover seasonal surprises based on the time of year. Gain rewards through your story progression. Meet iconic characters and familiar Hobbit families to trade for upgrades to skills, clothes, home, and more. Join club missions to complete daily activities and help gain official village status in Bywater
- Bonus Items - Includes a beautiful 20”x16” fold-out map for the quaint village of Bywater and an official game soundtrack download code.
- Languages - English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Spain), Spanish (LATAM), Turkish, and Traditional Chinese
The release date changed during development. The April 22, 2024 unveiling gave a planned window of the second half of 2024; a September 23, 2024 announcement then set a planned date of March 25, 2025. Those were earlier schedules, not the final launch date. The game ultimately arrived on July 29, 2025. The original unveiling and the later date announcement document those plans.
What platforms is Tales of the Shire on?
| Platform | Availability listed by Wētā Workshop |
|---|---|
| PC | Steam |
| Nintendo Switch | Available |
| PlayStation 5 | Available |
| Xbox Series X|S | Available |
The current platform list comes from Wētā Workshop’s project page. A 2024 announcement included Netflix Games among its planned platforms, but that is not on the studio’s current list; the older plan should not be taken as confirmation of present availability there.
Rank #2
- Set in the peaceful village of Bywater, near Hobbiton, players create and personalize their own Hobbit character, engaging in activities such as cooking, fishing, foraging, gardening, and home decorating. The game features a grid-free decorating system, allowing for creative freedom in designing your Hobbit home. With a focus on relaxation and community building, players can build relationships with fellow Hobbits and contribute to the growth of Bywater. The game is set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, offering a tranquil experience without combat or major conflicts.
PC system requirements
Steam lists these Windows requirements for the PC version. Storefront specifications can change, so check the current Steam listing before buying.
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Storage | 3 GB available space | 3 GB available space |
| Listed performance target | 1080p, Very Low, 30 FPS | 1080p, High, 60 FPS |
Can you get a physical copy for PS5 or Switch?
The official Tales of the Shire website announced a physical edition for PS5 and Nintendo Switch. That announcement establishes a physical-edition option, but not whether a particular retailer currently has stock, which regions can buy it, or what is included in the package. Check the retailer listing for your region and confirm the edition before ordering.
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Rank #3
- UK PSN account may be required for any online features
On PC, Steam lists the game as a digital product and also offers an Official Soundtrack and a soundtrack bundle. That listing is not evidence of a physical soundtrack edition.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Die physische Version enthält eine wunderschöne Ausklappkarte des malerischen Dorfes Bywater, sowie einen Download-Code für den offiziellen Spiel-Soundtrack
- Führe ein gemütliches Hobbit-Leben: Spiele als Hobbit aus den beliebten Büchern von J.R.R. Tolkien!
- Willkommen zu Hause, Hobbit: Dekoriere dein eigenes gemütliches Hobbithaus und verwandle sie mit frei platzierbaren Möbelstücken in dein Paradies
- Essen ist Liebe: Ohne Essen fehlt dem Tag eines Hobbits etwas. Angle, gärtnere oder sammle, um deine Vorratskammer mit den Früchten deiner Arbeit zu füllen
- Erkunde Bywater: Erkunde deine Umgebung, um geheime Lichtungen und verlorene Schätze im Auenland zu entdecken.
Rank #4
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX: Meet the Tales Teens Edition Conversation Deck: a curated set of 150 fun and relatable conversation starters designed specifically for teenagers. These prompts help spark authentic discussions, encourage meaningful connections, and inspire teens to open up in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
- SPECIALLY CRAFTED FOR TEENS: This card games deck features questions written with teen life in mind, covering school, friendships, hobbies, goals, and everyday experiences. Each card is created to feel inviting, engaging, and relevant—perfect for encouraging real talks and genuine bonding.
- EASY & VERSATILE TO USE: Whether you're hosting a sleepover, road trip, classroom activity, family dinner, or casual hangout, these cards make it simple to get teens interacting and reducing screen time. Just pull a card and let the conversation flow.
- DURABLE AND PORTABLE DESIGN: Crafted with a compact, durable build, this deck is easy to toss into a bag and take anywhere. It’s a go-to activity for parties, game nights, school events, or on-the-go conversation.
- BUILD CONNECTIONS THAT LAST: In a world full of distractions, these cards help teens slow down and share what really matters. The Teens Edition encourages meaningful conversations, moments of laughter, new discoveries, and stronger relationships with friends and family.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
