Tales of the Shire: Platforms, gameplay, setting, trailer, more

Tales of the Shire is the cozy new entry in the Lord of the Rings universe, drawing heavily from games like Disney Dreamlight Valley and Animal Crossing to let you live like a Hobbit. Here’s everything we know about Tales of the Shire, from the platforms it’ll be available on to all the release info so far.

The popularity of games like Stardew Valley and Disney Dreamlight Valley has encouraged many players to swap the competitive world of online shooters for more laidback life sims. Now, Tales of the Shire is bringing the genre to Middle Earth, finally giving the Lord of the Rings fans the chance to live out their Hobbit fantasy.

Unsurprisingly, it’s already become one of the most anticipated games of 2024, so here’s everything you need to know about Tales of the Shire.

• Is there a Tales of the Shire release date?
• Platforms
• Setting
• Gameplay
• Trailer

Is there a Tales of the Shire release date?

No, there is no official release date for Tales of the Shire, but developers Private Division have confirmed it will arrive in 2024. This was announced in the game’s first reveal trailer on April 22, although no exact date was shared.

Tales of the Shire platforms

Tales of the Shire will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch when it arrives later in the year. There is currently no word on a release for last-gen consoles, as it appears the devs are concentrating on the current generation of hardware.

However, if the game takes off and there is a high enough demand, it’s too early to rule out a PS4 and Xbox One version later down the line.

Tales of the Shire setting

As you’d expect Tales of the Shire takes place in the titular home of the Hobbits, in a village called Bywater just a mile away from Bag End in Hobbiton. Fans of the books will know this location as the backdrop for a major battle that ends the Scouring of the Shire.

Tales of the Shire gameplay

Tales of the Shire draws plenty of inspiration from cozy games like the Disney Dreamlight Valley and Stardew Valley, as players are let loose with the goal of helping Bywater hit village status. The first thing to do is decorate your own Hobbit Hole, with new furniture and other decor.

Bywater is also home to several relaxing activities, such as fishing, gardening, and foraging for rare resources. There is also a cooking system, letting you develop relationships with the other residents by preparing them meals.

The devs have also teased that “iconic characters and familiar Hobbit families” will appear, so you could easily end up living alongside the Baggins, Gamgees, or Tooks.

Tales of the Shire trailer

There has only been one Tales of the Shire trailer so far, but it does give fans a glimpse at the customization on offer and plenty of the activities. Check it out below:

That was everything we know about Tales of the Shire so far. For more on the biggest upcoming games, check out our other guides:

Grand Theft Auto 6 | The Division Heartland | Marathon | Wolverine | Elder Scrolls 6 | Stellar Blade | Black Myth: Wukong | Star Wars Outlaws | Prison Architect 2 | V Rising