Tales of the Shire is built on a wonderfully charming foundation. The game promises a harmonious blend of gameplay elements typically found in cozy life simulators, such as fishing, gardening, foraging, and cooking—activities that seem perfectly tailored to the leisurely life of a Hobbit. Judging by the trailers released so far, developer Weta Workshop is keenly taking advantage of its setting, truly bringing the Shire to life in this engaging narrative.
The story unfolds during the Third Age, specifically in the period nestled between the tales of The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. This chapter of Middle-earth’s history is marked as a tranquil interlude before the ominous events of Mordor threaten peace across the land. Although, should the game earn itself a sequel, exploring a later era might offer a fresh perspective on its cozy themes, albeit with a distinct twist.
Now, imagine stepping into the Fourth Age. It kicks off right after the epic conclusion of The Lord of the Rings, with characters like Frodo, Gandalf, and Bilbo embarking on their journey to the Undying Lands, while Samwise makes his way back to the Shire. The world is still catching its breath after the chaos of the War of the Ring. Amidst this, the Hobbit haven of Bywater—Tales of the Shire’s setting—bears the scars of battle and the aftermath of Saruman’s tyrannical rule. Launching a sequel at the dawn of the Fourth Age could present players with the compelling mission of rebuilding their war-torn home, ushering in the light where darkness had once claimed dominion.
With a new chapter set in the Fourth Age, the game can naturally expand its horizons. Beyond Bywater, players could explore more of the Shire, and even venture into iconic Middle-earth locales. War-torn regions like Rohan and Gondor would welcome the player’s efforts in restoring their ravaged landscapes back to former glory. The sequel could introduce fans to pivotal cameos, like Eomer and Aragorn, as they step into leadership roles, bridging the old with the new as familiar faces join in the monumental task of recovery.
As players unlock new regions, they’d have the freedom to switch between residences in the Shire, Rohan, and Gondor, establishing homes and collecting unique resources each area offers. These resources can then be used to craft custom items that add a personal touch to all three homes. Though initially, the Fourth Age setting might seem a touch gloomier than its Third Age predecessor, there’s a unique satisfaction in piecing a world back together, one step at a time, offering a cozy experience unlike any other.
