Tales Of The Shire Has Been Delayed Again, Needs "A Bit More Simmering"

Fans will have to wait a bit longer to experience the cozy vibes of Tales of the Shire, as the game has been officially delayed until this summer. The title will focus on the everyday lives of the Hobbits of Middle-earth, instead of adventuring and action. This gives fans of both LOTR and cozy gaming something to look forward.

The cozy game set in the Lord of the Rings universe was originally scheduled for release on March 25, 2025. However, the game has been officially delayed, according to an X post on the game's official . Tales of the Shire's new release date will be July 29th, 2025.

Tales Of The Shire Devs Cite Wanting To Make Sure Every Detail Is "Just Right"

This Is The Game's Second Delay

According to the announcement, the delay is meant to give developer Wētā Workshop a chance to really get the game right. Tales of the Shire, says the notice, "needs a bit more simmering." Taking a bit more time perfecting the title will help to make sure that, "from foot-hair styles to the fluffiest cakes, every detail will be just right."

A group of hobbits, with one eating an apple, in a row from Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game.

Tales Of The Shire Release Date, Characters, Story, & Gameplay Details

Lord of the Rings: Tales of the Shire is the latest game in the LOTR franchise, and it’s offering fans a cozy life sim experience that’s coming soon.

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The delay is a bit worrying, as this is the second time Tales of the Shire failed to launch in its anticipated release window. The game was originally scheduled to release sometime in 2024, but was delayed in September 2024 via another announcement on X. Fans are beginning to worry that a second delay means the game is further behind schedule than indicated in the new announcement.

Our Take: Tales Of The Shire Will Be Worth The Wait

A Delay Hopefully Means Fewer Bugs On Launch

Tales of the Shire Key Art showing the title and hobbits picnicing on rolling green hillsides by a river, one is fishing in it.

Developers have to walk a fine line between releasing games in a timely manner and having polished titles on launch. Another delay is disappointing, of course, but I'd rather the devs take as long as they need to make a game that feels more polished right out of the metaphorical box.

Tales of the Shire will let players take a slower approach to the LOTR franchise, by letting players help establish a small town in the Shire. This means crafting, decorating, gardening, and other cozy gaming staples. As a fan of cozy games, I can't wait to get my hairy little Hobbit feet into the idyllic town of Bywater.

Source: Tales of the Shire/X (1, 2)