SummaryTales of the Shire is launching for Xbox Series X|S on March 25, 2025.Get insights from Wētā Workshop, development team behind the game, in how they built the narrative for this cosy life-sim.Tales of the Shire is based upon The Lord of the Rings books from J.R.R. Tolkien.
Hullo Hobbits! Exciting news: Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of The Rings Game will launch for Xbox Series X|S on March 25, 2025. In this coy life-sim, you create your very own Hobbit to experience the quiet life in the Shire. Based upon the legendary book series by J.R.R. Tolkien, Tales of the Shire ventures to take the path less travelled by providing a rich story with a focus on food, fellowship, and good neighbours.
In the world of Middle-earth, Hobbits are a kind, modest group. They are fond of cooking, comfort, and community. While there have been many tales of bold adventurers outside the confines of the Shire, our game takes a small step back to focus on the relaxing day-to-day activities of these hairy-footed people. Isn’t it time you took a moment to bask in the summer sun, settle by a babbling brook, and relax over a home-cooked meal with a couple good friends? We thought so, too.
To gather around the table, you must first create your own Hobbit, with a variety of very Hobbit-esque choices: face shape, personality, hair-foot style, etc. After character creation, your story begins in Bywater.
This small, growing community is home to a delightful cast of residents, who will request your aid in placing Bywater on the Shire’s map as an official village. A familiar grey bearded steward kindly drops you off at your new home, and, from here, you’ll complete tasks for the many townsfolk. As the name suggests, Tales of the Shire is full of many stories!
There are many Hobbit characters (and even a few non-Hobbits) to meet and help. Perhaps your neighbour needs help mending a fence. Or the elderly Hobbit down the lane asks you to satiate their appetite with a homemade pie. Pay attention as many of the characters come from well-known families such as “Brandybuck”, “Cotton” or “Took.” Completing a task for a character grows your friendship. A big part of just being a Hobbit is building bonds with your neighbours! Through these connections and conversations, you will learn the individual likes, quirks, and tastes of the characters of Bywater.
This knowledge is very helpful when, inevitably, you host a dinner party. Perhaps you’re aware that Marigold, the chatty innkeeper of the Ivy Bush Inn, is fond of sweet, delicious dishes. And, over time, you’ve built a strong friendship with Orlo, the mail carrier of the town. You may discover he’s partial to some fragrant herbs in his dishes. To make a memorable evening for both your friends, you must balance their palates when creating dishes in your kitchen. Impress your guests and they might help you learn more skills or share secret locations only the locals would know.
To make all these delicious meals, you’ll need a bunch of produce. Forage the fields and forests with Delphi, Bywater’s passionate herbalist, and learn where to find mushrooms, berries, and wild grown herbs. Learn how to harvest wild honey or raise chickens with the help of the Cotton family, all providing marvellous ingredients to fill your colourful pantry. Plant a wild country garden with seasonal vegetables and fruits, and customize it with trinkets, decorations, and furniture. You carry out these relaxing activities, and more, at your own pace.
If you’ve perhaps forgotten to plant enough carrots or beans, don’t worry – down in the market, Farmer Cotton and Young Tom Cotton sell an overflow of produce and meats, Sandyman the Miller can be coaxed into making another order of flour, and cantankerous Old Noakes (who has a secret heart of gold) will show you the best spots to find fish. Traders who visit far off lands can offer interesting spices and unusual items not often found in the Shire – only for the experienced home cook looking to expand their repertoire!
Surprise your fellow Hobbits with their favourite dishes, and they’ll likely give you something in return – or expand their available wares for their special customers! Trading is a huge part of the community culture, and a well thought out meal will always invite a gift in return. Hobbits love gifts, and as you embed yourself further in the community, you’ll find yourself overflowing with beautiful items to decorate your home and garden with.
If you’d prefer some shopping, the Burrows’ General Store is always stocked with the finest of Hobbit garments for you to customise your look. Willow, the local builder, is always happy to help you renovate and expand the home – with the help of her precocious daughter, Daisy!
After a peaceful day pottering about the Shire, cosy up in your Hobbit-sized bed for a good night’s sleep. Life moves slowly, but there’s always much to do and see tomorrow!
In the end, there are so many bonds to build in Tales of the Shire and so much to do. While we touch on a few aspects here, stay tuned for more news, details on other game features, and more. We hope you join us for your own Hobbit adventure in Bywater on March 25, 2025. See you then!