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Tales of the Shireis a life-sim game set inThe Lords of The Ringsuniverse, but unlike many of its predecessors, this game is all about having a laid-back life in one of the most dreamy places that has ever sprouted from Tolkien’s imagination.
So, for those who are ‘not so ready’ for an adventure and want to live the Hobbit life, this game offers a ton of hours of relaxed fun. But the thing is: What to do first? Players can take a look at this list of their top-prioritythings to doinTales of the Shire,so that they can get a clear idea of how to kickstart their life in the dreamy Hobbit village of Bywater.
Learn How To Cook
The Way To A Hobbit’s Heart
While players will learn the basics of Cooking as they go through the introductory quest inTales of the Shire, Cooking is more than just dropping ingredients into the pot. There are 120 recipes to be found, and dozens of ingredients to be found around, fished, or cultivated in the garden.
Learning how these different ingredients can be combined and how they alter the final product is key to developing good relationships with other Hobbits. Some of them like Spicy food, others Sour, Sweet, etc. The quality of the meal depends on players following the recipe’s instructions, so keep that in mind. Better recipes grant more reputation with the neighbours, and inviting them to a Shared Meal is the way to earn their respect and build solid relationships that will help players throughout the adventure.
Learn How To Fish
An Essential Skill For Every Respectable Hobbit
The Fishing Mini Game can be unlocked early during the adventure, and after players acquire their first Fishing Rod, they can start lurking around the Ponds of Bywater to catch some fish to add to their pantries.
It is essential that players learn that there are sizes and qualities of the fish they can catch, and releasing them back into the water is always a good option when they are only small pieces. Checking the encyclopedia can help players learn what goes into the pantry and what goes back into the pond.
Fix Your Garden
A Good Garden Is A Steady Source Of Crops
One of the first things players will discover with Old Ruby’s Place is that the garden is a mess. There are broken fences, overgrown ivy covering all, and there’s not much space to build a good place to plant, grow, and harvest crops. But once players get their Watering Can and unlock the ability to customize their home, they can start planting and harvesting crops. The quest ‘From Small Things’ will guide them through the process, but it doesn’t stop there.
Gardening is an essential part of the game, so the newcomer Hobbit needs to fix the fence, the broken door, and everything else in their garden to expand their harvesting operations. Minding the seasons is also an important part of the Hobbit lifestyle, and an empty pantry in winter is the worst enemy inTales of the Shire.
Gather Ingredients (Foraging)
Get Lots Of Them, Fill Your Pantry
There are lots of ingredients lying around, and players can gather them as long as they have space in their backpacks. Roaming around the Shire and collecting resources is a must-have every season, since it’s a good way to fill the pantry and get a surplus to trade with the neighbors, as well as key ingredients for cooking the best recipes.
Foraging is also a good way to know how to move around Bywater and the nearby areas of the Shire, and an excellent excuse to go on adventures and meet new people. Some of the quests and tasks offered by other Hobbits will require players to gather certain Ingredients, so it’s accurate to say that roaming around harvesting items is mandatory. To search for ingredients, follow the Butterflies, since they are the best indicators of useful items available for forage.
Meet Your Neighbors
Building Bridges Will Take You A Long Way
Every Hobbit in Bywater is a step towards becoming a resident, andTales of the Shireis all about connecting with new and interesting characters. It is a cozy game by definition, so mostplayers who are used to titles like Mirthwoodor Stardew Valley will catch the drill right away.
Meeting new folks, listening to their stories, learning their daily routines, and inviting them for one of the seven meals a Hobbit eats per day is a fantastical way to earn their trust. The more players attempt to be polite and build a relationship with their neighbors, the better. Sometimes they will be able to earn special items as a thank you gift for hosting meals, and there’s also a chance to unlock new recipes and customizations for their Hobbit-holes.
Learn How To Customize Your House (Hobbit-Hole)
Get Yourself As Comfortable As Possible
Tales of the Shireis a game that allows players to fully customize not only their Avatar (Hobbit) but their own Houses (also known as Hobbit-Holes). The whole point of moving to Bywater is to make players feel at home, and what better way to accomplish this than to do some light remodeling?
From changing the old windows with new and beautiful circular ones, to constructing a new path around the house, and even setting up a nice plant garden to cultivate tons of veggies to fill the pantry: The game will let players create their dream Hobbit House, as long as they have enough unlocked pieces to refurnish Old Ruby’s Place.
