Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game release date set for March [update: delayed again]

September 22: In celebration of Hobbit Day, the release date for Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game was just announced. The game heads to Switch on March 25, 2024.

Today’s news follows the recent delay announcement that came in a few days ago. After it was originally slated for this year, the title was pushed back to early 2025. Now we have a proper date.

Here’s an overview of the game:

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.

Key Features

• Welcome Home, Hobbit – Play as a Hobbit, directly out of J.R.R Tolkien’s beloved books! Personalise your appearance and brandish your best Hobbit attire with an array of customisations. Decorate your own Hobbit home and transform the cosy space with grid-free placement to position furniture home décor to your liking. Discover the wonders each new day brings to Bywater as you settle into your serene homestead 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 for seasonal crops and flowers as time passes in your homestead. Enjoy the warmth of the kitchen and show off your culinary chops 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 affect daily routines and seasonal surprises based on 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.

Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game received its release date during a Hobbit Day showcase. You can find that archive in full below.

A Hobbit Day Showcase

We’ll have more coverage on the game going forward here.

February 20: Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game has been delayed, and is now coming on July 29, 2025. This isn’t the first time that’s happened. It was previously planned for 2024 before being moved to 2025.

Below is the full statement:

A good Hobbit feast takes time, and so does Tales of the Shire! We’re taking a little longer to ensure that every Hobbit, on every platform, can enjoy the same cosy experience. The game will now launch on 29th July 2025.

We want this game to feel like a warm hug from Middle-earth, and we are making sure that no matter where you play, you’ll feel right at home in The Shire. From foot-hair styles to the fluffiest cakes, every detail will be just right.

We appreciate your patience and cannot wait for you to experience life in The Shire this summer. In the meantime, arrange the table, polish your silver and get ready for a feast fit for a Hobbit!