In Tales of the Shire, experience the storybook return to Middle-earth’s most inviting region by living life as a Hobbit in the idyllic town of Bywater. Unwind in the breathtaking pastures, visit the townsfolks’ local shops, or even enjoy second breakfast.

Help bring the community together and achieve official village status by throwing the greatest Bywater Festival the Shire has ever seen!

Create and personalize a Hobbit with an array of customization to experience the world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved Middle-earth universe your own way. Settle in and decorate a cosy Hobbit home, choosing from an array of furniture and home décor to create your unique, humble abode. Then head outdoors to Bywater for plenty of cooking, fishing, foraging, gardening, and more relaxing activities in the Shire. Toss your lure to catch trout from the glistening waters of Bywater Pool, gather wild mushrooms, and then use the collected ingredients to bake a succulent pie to serve for luncheon. With a full belly, stroll back outside to explore the Shire and build relationships with the Bywater locals by helping them to build a garden, sharing one of the many daily Hobbit meals, and more.

iam8bit, together with developer Wētā Workshop and publisher Private Division, have announced that Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game will be receiving a physical edition and premium physical release on multiple platforms worldwide.

Pre-orders for the Retail Edition and iam8bit Exclusive Edition physical release start today for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 at $39.99 each, and will be available at retailers simultaneously when digital releases on July 29, 2025. 

Forget The One Ring, as these editions are the ultimate prize. For both the Retail Edition and iam8bit Exclusive Edition, priced at $39.99 each, fans will receive the game on disc/cart, region-free as always, with a beautiful 20” x 16” fold-out map of Bywater, allowing fans to admire the charming surroundings and lush countryside. The iam8bit Exclusive Edition dazzles with an additional pack-in, an idyllic and exclusive book cover O-sleeve. 

Shire-folk who order before second breakfast will receive a gift, an official game soundtrack download code, allowing players to be transported to The Shire whenever they’d like. 

Tales of the Shire is coming to Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) on July 29, 2025.