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There is not enough comparable evidence to establish that Tales of the Shire is one of the worst-rated Lord of the Rings games in history. Metacritic’s game page listed 28 critic reviews in a snapshot accessed October 8, 2026, but a franchise-wide ranking would require comparing titles on the same platform and aggregator, with review counts and dates taken into account. The available evidence supports a narrower conclusion: the game drew a modest number of critic reviews, and its reception should be assessed in the context of its cozy life-simulation design—not treated as a proven all-time franchise ranking.
What the ratings do—and do not—show
Metacritic’s Tales of the Shire summary reported 28 critic reviews in the snapshot accessed October 8, 2026. That is a review count, not evidence by itself that the game ranks among the franchise’s lowest-rated releases. Scores can vary by platform, and a defensible historical claim would require a consistent comparison across Lord of the Rings games using the same aggregator and platform, with each score’s review count and snapshot date made clear.
The comparison is also not limited to one candidate: The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is another poorly reviewed franchise title. Without a like-for-like ranking across the series, calling Tales of the Shire one of the worst-rated in history overstates what the available figures establish.
Why its genre matters to the verdict
Tales of the Shire is a cozy life simulation set in Bywater, built around village life rather than the action-adventure structure many players associate with Tolkien games. Its official Steam listing and PlayStation Store listing present it as a Bywater village-building experience. That distinction matters when deciding whether its reception should affect your own interest: a player looking for a routine-focused, cozy sim is judging a different kind of experience than someone seeking a combat-heavy Middle-earth adventure.
#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
For wider franchise context, GamesRadar’s Lord of the Rings games roundup offers examples of other games in the series, but a roundup is not a standardized ratings table. It cannot, on its own, prove an all-time ranking.
Release timing and platforms
Take-Two Interactive announced a March 25, 2025 launch for PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Netflix Games. That was the planned schedule; Metacritic lists July 29, 2025 as the game’s initial release date. The two dates therefore refer to different things: the announced launch plan and the eventual listed release date.
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.
The game has official Steam and PlayStation Store listings, and Steam also lists an official soundtrack. Current prices, availability, and physical-edition details are not established here, so check the relevant storefront for the platform and region you intend to use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to decide whether the reviews should put you off
- Want a cozy Hobbit-life sim? The game’s Bywater village-life premise is the relevant fit question; a low-ranking claim that has not been established is not a substitute for evaluating that genre.
- Want a conventional action-adventure? Its life-simulation focus may be a mismatch regardless of where it sits in a review aggregate.
- Comparing review scores? Use the same aggregator and platform for each game, note the critic-review count, and date the figures. Do not compare a critic aggregate with a storefront user rating.
- Choosing where to buy? Compare current platform availability and price directly in the official store for your region; the available information does not confirm current prices or physical formats.
A PlayStation Store search-indexed snapshot accessed October 8, 2026 showed a user rating of 4.09 out of 5 from 812 ratings. That is a changeable storefront rating, not a critic score or a representative measure of all players’ views, so it should not be used as a direct counterpart to Metacritic’s critic-review count.
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.
Rank #3
- UK PSN account may be required for any online features
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.
