The upcoming cozy life-sim Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game is bringing the peaceful charm of Middle-earth to physical shelves. Developer Wētā Workshop and publisher Private Division have partnered with merchandiser iam8bit to release exclusive physical editions for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, offering fans the chance to own a tangible piece of the Shire.
Slated for launch on July 29, 2025, Tales of the Shire will also be available digitally across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. The physical versions, however, come packed with special collector’s items, designed for fans who love to display their favorite games.
🎁 Two Editions with Hobbit-Worthy Bonuses
Players can choose between two physical editions:
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Retail Edition (available at select retailers and iam8bit):
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Physical game copy (Switch or PS5)
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Collectible map of the Shire’s village of Bywater
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Pre-order bonus: digital download code for the game’s official soundtrack
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iam8bit Exclusive Edition (available only on iam8bit.com):
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Includes everything from the Retail Edition
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Exclusive “book cover” o-sleeve, styled to resemble a vintage Hobbit tome
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These editions will release the same day as the digital versions, making launch day extra special for physical media collectors.
📺 New Trailer Highlights Physical Bonuses
A new trailer showcases the lovingly designed game cases, detailed map, and the exclusive sleeve—offering a sneak peek at what fans will get with their purchase. It also gives a closer look at the game’s cozy aesthetic, from bubbling cooking pots to relaxing fishing scenes.
🧙 Staying True to Tolkien’s Vision
Tales of the Shire promises a wholesome, peaceful life-sim experience set in Tolkien’s beloved world. Rather than focusing on epic battles, the game invites players to fish, garden, cook, and befriend fellow Hobbits in the quiet village of Bywater. The developers have emphasized their commitment to staying true to the tone and heart of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, offering fans a relaxed alternative to traditional fantasy games.
🛒 Pre-Order Details
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Pre-orders for all digital versions and the iam8bit Exclusive Edition are now live.
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Pre-orders for the Retail Edition will be available soon through select retailers.
🎉 A Must-Have for Collectors and Tolkien Fans
Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game is shaping up to be a standout title for fans of cozy games and J.R.R. Tolkien alike. With the added charm of physical editions packed with meaningful extras, July 2025 can’t come soon enough.