Lord of the Rings games have always offered plenty of options for fans of fantasy action. However, the newly revealed Tales of the Shire offers an option for those who just want to live in Tolken’s world. Launching on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch this year, the upcoming game lets players live out a cozy hobbit fantasy.
Lord of the Rings cozy game Tales of the Shire coming to PC and consoles
Publisher Private Division and developer Weta Workshop revealed Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game on Monday. The game lets players create a custom hobbit avatar and build a life in the idyllic village of Bywater. Players can explore the town, fish, garden, gather plants and mushrooms, and decorate their hobbit holes.
The Tales of the Shire game features weather and changing seasons, which affect what crops and forage players can grow and find. Tales of the Shire players can also unlock rewards by progressing the game’s story. They can also join clubs and complete missions to gain village status, though Weta Workshop isn’t entirely clear about what that means.
Meanwhile, familiar Lord of the Rings characters and Hobbit families offer skill, home, and clothing upgrades for players to unlock. These iconic characters include the wizard Gandalf, who appears briefly near the end of the trailer.
The initial response to the trailer has been mixed. While there is enthusiasm for Tales of the Shire’s concept, a few commenters were critical of the game’s visual design. However, the game is still in alpha, so much may change between now and it’s still unconfirmed release date.
