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Tales of the Shire: Release Date, Platforms, Editions, PC Specs, and Everything You Need to Know

A market scene from Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings video game with a girl in a pink dress talking to a boy by a cow and sheep. Stalls with produce, flowers, and trees in the background.
Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings marketplace (image credit: Wētā Workshop)

Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game is finally arriving on July 29, 2025, bringing a cozy slice of Middle-earth to fans across multiple platforms. After a series of delays, the relaxing Hobbit life sim from Wētā Workshop and Private Division is ready for its global debut.


Here's a complete breakdown of everything you should know before launch—including supported platforms, PC system requirements, editions, and gameplay features.


Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game All Details

Release Date & Platforms

The official release date for Tales of the Shire is July 29, 2025, and the game will be available on:

  • PC (via Steam)

  • PlayStation 5

  • Xbox Series X|S

  • Nintendo Switch


While it will be available on all major platforms, there's no version for Xbox One or PS4, and as of now, no special release for Switch 2 has been confirmed. However, it is expected to be backward compatible on future Nintendo hardware.


Digital versions across all platforms are expected to go live globally at 11 AM ET, while physical editions will be available based on local delivery schedules or retail opening hours.


PC System Requirements

The system requirements for Tales of the Shire lean surprisingly high for a cozy game. Still, its lightweight storage footprint makes it relatively accessible.


Minimum (1080p, 30 FPS, Very Low):

  • OS: Windows 10

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-7600K / AMD Ryzen 3 1200

  • GPU: NVIDIA GTX 770 / Radeon R9 270X / Intel Arc A580 (4–8 GB RAM)

  • RAM: 16 GB

  • Storage: 3 GB available space


Recommended (1080p, 60 FPS, High):

  • OS: Windows 11

  • CPU: Intel Core i5-10600 / AMD Ryzen 5 8400F

  • GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti / AMD RX 6750 XT (8–12 GB VRAM)

  • RAM: 16 GB

  • Storage: 3 GB available space


Despite the stylized visuals, the GPU requirements for high settings are unexpectedly demanding. Players targeting 1440p or 4K may need to wait for further optimization or settings guidance.


According to SteamDB, the estimated file size for Tales of the Shire on PC is:

  • Download Size: 2.27 GB

  • Installed Size on Disk: 2.72 GB


Game Editions and Pre-Orders

Tales of the Shire comes in several editions catering to both collectors and digital-first players.


Retail Edition (PS5, Switch):

  • Physical copy of the game

  • 20” x 16” fold-out map of Bywater

  • Pre-order bonus: Download code for the official game soundtrack

  • Price: Yet not listed

  • Availability: Pre-orders listed as “coming soon”


iam8bit Exclusive Edition (PS5, Switch):

  • Everything in the Retail Edition (physical game, fold-out Bywater map, soundtrack download code).

  • Exclusive book cover-style O-sleeve, designed to resemble a weathered Hobbit tome

  • Price: $39.99

  • Shipping starts: Pre-orders began on May 6, 2025, via iam8bit and Black Screen Records, but this edition has sold out for both platforms as of the latest updates. Shipping begins on July 29, 2025, though delivery may not be on launch day


Digital Edition (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch):

  • Available on all platform stores

  • Contents: Base game only; no pre-order bonuses or additional items currently announced for digital versions.

  • Price: Not yet confirmed


Physical pre-orders are available through major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, although some players have reported delayed shipping dates on Amazon extending into August.


Gameplay Overview

Set in the peaceful village of Bywater, Tales of the Shire is a cozy, combat-free life simulator that focuses on daily Hobbit routines. Players can:

  • Create a custom Hobbit

  • Farm, fish, cook, and forage

  • Decorate their Hobbit hole with clutter-core aesthetics

  • Interact with iconic Hobbit families

  • Explore the Shire’s changing seasons and hidden glades


A unique bird-based navigation system replaces traditional markers, and cooking plays a central role in building community and unlocking upgrades.


No Multiplayer or Game Pass Support

As confirmed through official store listings and trailers, the game is strictly single-player—there’s no co-op or multiplayer mode, either local or online. This may be a letdown for fans expecting a social experience similar to Animal Crossing.


Additionally, Tales of the Shire will not launch on Xbox Game Pass. As per the current Xbox Game Pass July 2025 announcements, the game was not included, and no future plans for its inclusion have been revealed.


Final Thoughts

After multiple delays and mixed early impressions, Tales of the Shire is finally making its way to players worldwide. While it may not support Game Pass or multiplayer features at launch, it promises a wholesome and immersive experience in Tolkien’s world—without the usual dangers of Middle-earth. Whether you're in it for the cozy décor, meaningful NPC interactions, or simply want to live your best Hobbit life, this title could be the warm escape many fans have been waiting for.


Prepare your pipeweed and pumpkin soup—your Hobbit journey begins July 29.

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