Released today across PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Netflix Games, Tales of the Shire is a charming life simulation game developed by Wētā Workshop and published by Private Division. It’s a peaceful, non-combat experience set in Tolkien’s Middle-earth, nestled between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
What Is Tales of the Shire?
Set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Tales of the Shire is a non-combat, slice-of-life RPG that focuses on community, comfort, and cozy living. You play as a custom Hobbit helping Bywater become an official village in the Shire. Think Animal Crossing meets Stardew Valley, but with pipeweed and second breakfasts.
Gameplay Overview
The game revolves around four main activities: cooking, gardening, fishing, and socializing. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be doing:
| Activity | Description |
| Cooking | Prepare meals using ingredients you grow or forage. Host dinner parties. |
| Gardening | Plant and harvest crops like onions, pumpkins, and herbs. |
| Fishing | Cast your line in brooks and streams to catch seasonal fish. |
| Socializing | Build friendships through shared meals and help neighbors with small tasks. |
There’s no combat, no timers, and no pressure. Just a slow-paced, immersive experience that lets you live the Hobbit life.
Customization Features
Tales of the Shire offers deep customization options:
- Character Creation: Choose foot-hair styles, clothing, and personality traits.
- Home Decorating: Use a grid-free system to place furniture, lighting, and decor however you like.
- Garden Design: Enhance your outdoor space with daybeds, picnic tables, and decorative items.
You can even expand your Hobbit hole by befriending Willow Took, who unlocks new rooms at friendship levels 3, 6, and 10
Expanded Gameplay Features
Beyond cooking and gardening, the game includes:
| Feature | Details |
| Seasonal Events | Participate in festivals like the Bywater Harvest Fair and Winter Feast |
| Shared Meals | Invite NPCs to dinner; meals unlock new dialogue and friendship levels |
| Foraging & Trading | Collect wild herbs and barter with villagers for rare items |
| Weather System | Rain affects gardening; snow unlocks seasonal recipes |
There are over 100 recipes, each with multi-step cooking mechanics. You’ll chop, stir, and bake—not just press a button. Meals aren’t just for buffs—they’re the heart of community building.
Characters You’ll Meet
The game features a mix of original and canon Tolkien characters:
- Willow Took – A carpenter who helps expand your Hobbit hole. She’s quirky and loves riddles.
- Nora & Fosco Smallburrow – Siblings who run the Bywater Store. Nora collects mathoms (useless but sentimental trinkets), while Fosco is a perfectionist tailor.
- Young Tom Cotton – A cheerful vendor who sells mutton and shares stories about his family’s history in Hobbiton.
- Rosie Cotton – Yes, that Rosie. She’s a cheesemaker here and offers quests involving dairy and baking.
Creative Director Stephen Lambert explained:
“We wanted players to live their idyllic life as a Hobbit. Tales of the Shire is about Hobbit-sized problems in a Hobbit-sized world”.
Lead VFX Artist Simon Baker added:
“The idea was born during the lockdown era. People were craving something relaxing and idyllic… and the Shire felt like the perfect escape”.
Fan Reactions
Fans are already embracing the cozy vibe. Kate Sánchez from But Why Tho? wrote:
“Tales of the Shire has given me joy I can’t explain. It’s cozy, thoughtful, and clearly made with love and reverence for Tolkien”.
Kaitlyn Facista of Tea with Tolkien shared:
“Players have been clamoring for a warm and inviting Lord of the Rings game for years now, and it’s exactly what we’re delivering”.
Pricing & Editions
| Platform | Price (USD) | Notes |
| PC (Steam) | $34.99 | Digital only |
| Nintendo Switch | $39.99 | Physical edition available |
| PlayStation 5 | $34.99 | Also available via iam8bit exclusive |
| Xbox Series X|S | $34.99 | Includes Smart Delivery support |
Special editions with physical goodies (like Hobbit-themed pins and recipe cards) are available via iam8bit, though some are already sold out.
Tolkien Lore Integration
The game is steeped in lore. Bywater is a real location in the Shire, and the developers worked with Tolkien scholars to ensure authenticity. Easter eggs include:
- Mathoms: Collectible items with no use but sentimental value.
- Green Dragon Inn: A visitable location with seasonal drinks and gossip.
- Navigation Bird: A small bird guides you to quest locations—an elegant touch that reinforces harmony with nature.
How It Fits Into the Lord of the Rings Universe
The game avoids epic quests and instead focuses on the everyday joys of Hobbit life—meals, friendships, and seasonal changes. You’ll meet familiar Hobbit families, trade with local vendors, and help Bywater gain official village status.
Wētā Workshop, known for its work on the Lord of the Rings films, brings decades of Middle-earth expertise to the game. Every detail—from the foot-hair styles to the fluffy cakes—is crafted to feel authentic
Final Thoughts
Tales of the Shire isn’t just a game—it’s a love letter to Tolkien’s quieter side. It’s about community, comfort, and the joy of small things. Whether you’re baking pies, planting marigolds, or hosting a dinner party, this game invites you to slow down and savor life.
