Guide to Bywater: Embracing the Hobbit Life in Tales of the Shire

Sure thing, here’s a reimagined take on that article:

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So here we are, folks. Picture it: pies chillin’ on the sill, garden lookin’ spiffy, tea almost ready — real Hobbit vibes. This new game, Tales of the Shire, is dropping on July 29 for Xbox Series X|S. Yup, just in time to escape to Bywater, a chill spot far away from the chaos of Middle-earth’s big adventures. You kinda arrive there thanks to this old dude with a serious beard. Feel like a Took yet? Yeah, I don’t really know what that means either, but it just sounds cool, right? Anyway, let’s walk through this with some tips.

Imagine this: your own Hobbit-hole, needing a bit of TLC. You got it from a nice old relative who, for reasons I can’t quite fathom, nailed a few rooms shut. More manageable that way, maybe? Or maybe she just got old and cranky. Anyway — while you’re making friends in the neighborhood, you’re also unlocking doors, quite literally. Dust off those cobwebs, open up new spaces, and get those neglected gardens growing.

Now, if you love books, you might just build yourself a library. A loom? Oh, why not. You do you. In Decoration Mode, time kind of hits the snooze button, letting you fiddle around with stuff longer than anyone should probably admit. Get cozy with your carpets, floors, and maybe visit Willow Took, who’s the town’s go-to handyman. You’ll have that home looking like something outta a Hobbit magazine in no time.

Cooking is a thing here, too. Turns out, you can bribe your neighbors with their favorite meals, and they’ll give you stuff in return. Makes sense, right? Delicious eats for decorations. That’s life in Bywater for ya.

Don’t even get me started on the gardens. They’re totally customizable. Not the green thumb sort? There’s still time. Grow a ton of veggies and flowers, and on rainy days, Mother Nature even helps out with the watering (thanks, sky!). You can plop down your stuff wherever you want. Maybe an outdoor snooze spot?

Speaking of random items, Bywater’s market is bustling. Clothes, food, random trinkets — oh, and let’s not forget Nora Smallburrow. She’s into collecting what she calls mathoms, AKA random objects you can’t let go of. Plus, you’ve got Tom Cotton with his mutton (not sure why, but “Cotton’s Mutton” just sounds like a band name). And remember, bartering’s big here, so build those friendships.

The place is surrounded by fields and forests. Who knew, right? Gather nuts, berries, herbs — and those mushrooms that look super shady but fun. There’s Delphinium Brandybuck, an herbalist who knows her plants and more. And if you’re lost, butterflies might just guide you. Somehow.

Fishing! Oh yeah, make friends with Old Noakes for that — he’s the crusty fisherman who will teach you to reel the big ones in. Get him to like you, and maybe you’ll get a handy trophy for your best catch. Sounds rewarding, until you realize it involves befriending Noakes. Love a challenge?

What is it about Hobbits and food? Bigger question — why haven’t we all moved to Bywater yet? There’s this thing about feeding your neighbors and scoring big with their ratings. Use your garden and every cooking skill you’ve got. Cake, biscuits, fancy bites. Hit one out of the park? Expect a nice gift. Forget to invite someone? Well, expect to hear about it, too.

Anyway — wait, where was I? Oh, right, Bywater. It’s small, friendly, and soon enough, feels like you’ve been there forever. Hobbits and their tiny, food-filled world — there’s so much more to discover. July 29 though, yeah? Kettle’s on, folks. Don’t miss out.