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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game launched on July 29, 2025. It is no longer an upcoming release. The developer’s official pages give the calendar date but do not publish a launch time or time zone, so this article does not state a clock time.
Release date
Wētā Workshop’s current project page lists the launch date as July 29, 2025. Older coverage often shows March 25, 2025 instead, because that was the original plan. The two dates compare as follows:
| Milestone | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Planned launch date announced | March 25, 2025 | Take-Two Interactive Software announcement, September 23, 2024 |
| Actual launch date | July 29, 2025 | Wētā Workshop current project page |
Why March 25, 2025 still appears
Take-Two’s September 23, 2024 announcement gave March 25, 2025 as the planned launch date. The developer’s later listing shows July 29, 2025 as the launch date, so March 25 is superseded. The official pages do not explain why the date moved, so any stated reason would be speculation. If you find March 25 cited as the release date, treat it as the earlier plan.
Platforms at launch
The developer’s current page lists four platforms:
#1 Best Overall
- 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
- PC via Steam
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
The September 2024 publisher announcement also named Netflix Games among the planned platforms. The current developer page omits it, so Netflix availability should not be treated as confirmed.
Release time and time zone
Neither the 2024 publisher announcement nor the developer’s current page gives a launch hour, a time zone, or a regional unlock schedule. The answer that can be cited with confidence is the calendar date, July 29, 2025.
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.
What the game is
Wētā Workshop describes the game as “a cosy life sim where you can live as a Hobbit in Bywater.” The official gameplay details include:
- Home customization
- Gardening
- Fishing
- Foraging
- Cooking
- Relationships with the residents of Bywater
The creative lead’s view
Richard Taylor, Co-founder, Co-CEO and Chief Creative Officer at Wētā Workshop, said: “Tales of the Shire allows us to inspire our talents in an entirely new medium and, ultimately, create this game for people just like us — fans of The Lord of the Rings. This is 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.”
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Rank #3
- UK PSN account may be required for any online features
Buying the game
The official pages support the four platforms listed above, but they do not establish a physical edition, a current retailer listing, or a price. Before buying, check the storefront for your platform, confirm whether the version you find is digital or physical, and confirm that it is listed for your region.
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.
