The cozy life sim game set in the Middle-earth universe, Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game, finally has a release date: July 29, 2025. Originally announced in April 2024, Tales of the Shire was scheduled to launch later that year on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC. In September, developer Wētā Workshop confirmed the game would be delayed and would launch on March 25, 2025, but now it’s delayed once again until July 29, 2025.
While this is disappointing news for players who have been waiting for a cozy life sim set in Middle-earth, it’s probably best for the game. Not only will Wētā Workshop have more time to get the game right, but it will move it out of what’s becoming a busy spring. Monster Hunter Wilds is set to launch on February 28, while March has Split Fiction (March 6), Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition (March 20), Assassin’s Creed Shadows (March 20), Killing Floor 3 (March 25), and Atomfall (March 27), to name a few. Sure, many of these games do not exactly compete in the cozy life sim genre, but we imagine there is some overlap among the player base.
Here’s the full message from Wētā Workshop Game Studio on the new release date.
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 what 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 sliver and get ready for a feast fit for a Hobbit!
Looking forward to welcoming you to Bywater.
– From the folks at Wētā Workshop Game Studio
