There's been no shortage of video games based on the fantastical world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. But many of these games put an emphasis on combat. With Tales of the Shire, developer Weta Workshop set out to do something else entirely.
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game is described as a "cosy adventure" game. With gameplay that can be compared to that of Nintendo's Animal Crossing series, you'll experience the quiet life of a Hobbit in Middle-earth. But what does this mean exactly?
You'll begin by creating your very own unique Hobbit, choosing from a variety of Hobbit-specific features including foot-hair styles and personality moods. Once complete, the adventure begins as you "make your home in sleepy Bywater and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in the Shire."
The simple pleasures include assisting the small and growing community of Bywater. The residents have requested your aid to help place Bywater on the Shire's map as an official village. To do so, you'll need to grow and nurture relationships with other characters. The best way to bond is through a warm meal.
The majority of gameplay involves preparing meals; chopping up home-grown vegetables, sauteing foraged mushrooms, and adding sweet jam to balance the dish. Each meal you prepare has multiple steps to complete in order to earn stars. The more stars you get, the more delighted your guests will be.
When you begin your journey, you'll have access to a bedroom with a cosy lounge, a pantry for your supplies, and a kitchen to prepare your meals. Developer Weta Workshop, the creative studio known for their work on The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, explains:
From these humble beginnings, you’ll soon be able to expand your space and supplies - fishing, foraging, gardening, and trading with your neighbours. This will quickly enable you to establish a well-stocked pantry and upgraded tools for harvesting and cooking. The shops of Bywater are bustling with many vendors who are willing to sell you all kinds of ingredients, as well as decorative items for your Hobbit home. Meet humorous and interesting characters like Old Noakes; while he may seem a bit cantankerous at first, he is a master angler. Not only can he give you tips on improving your own fishing skills, and help unlock secret fishing spots, he trades his daily catches. Nora and Fosco Burrows’ shop is stocked to the brim with adornments for your home as well as other charming items to fill out your wardrobe. There are many other Hobbits awaiting you in Bywater, so be sure to meet and invite them over for a second breakfast!
There's also a bit of exploration to the game. As you wander through the fields and forests scavenging for seasonal items, you'll come across ingredients like berries, which can be used to create a summer tart, or mushrooms to add to a harvest pie. You may also notice butterflies, which can guide you to new discoveries.
At your home, you'll also have the opportunity to tend to your garden. This is a fully customizable area where you can place multiple plots.
Want to place a daybed in your garden? Perhaps you'd like to create a summer table setting? The space is yours to create! Your garden offers a personal touch to your Hobbit life, and here you can grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, spices, and other harvestable ingredients. Just be sure to take proper care by watering and checking on them daily.
“The Lord of the Rings is an extraordinary world, beloved by hundreds of millions, and people have been clamoring for a game to bring the community, fellowship, and warmth of the Shire to life,” said Eric Correll, Vice President, Head of Marketing at Private Division. “In Tales of the Shire, Wētā Workshop has created the countryside village of Bywater like no one else could do, and we can’t wait for gamers to unwind, relax, and explore.
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game will launch on March 25, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (via Steam), Nintendo Switch, and Netflix Games