The Housing System of the Elder Scrolls Online is Coming Soon

Player housing represents one of the most anticipated features in modern MMORPG gaming experiences. The Elder Scrolls Online community has consistently ranked this functionality among their top requested additions since launch. The development team at Zenimax responded to this demand with Homestead, a comprehensive free update scheduled for early 2017 that will transform how adventurers interact with Tamriel.

After extensive dungeon crawling and world exploration, having a personalized sanctuary becomes essential for character development and storage management. Homestead, as The Elder Scrolls Online‘s dedicated housing system, arrives in February 2017 across all platforms. This guide covers everything from property acquisition methods to advanced crafting techniques for creating your ideal living space.

The Homestead update introduces not just basic housing but an extensive furniture creation system with deep customization possibilities. Players can select from nearly four dozen distinct property types and utilize over two thousand decorative elements to craft truly unique personal spaces. This system integration represents a significant evolution in how players establish their presence within the game world.

Platform availability includes simultaneous release on PC/Mac, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. PC players interested in early access can participate in the Public Test Server (PTS) during January to provide feedback and help identify potential issues before the official launch.

The official trailer showcases various property types and demonstrates the full capabilities of the Housing Editor tools. Every environment displayed results entirely from player-accessible decoration systems, demonstrating the creative potential awaiting dedicated homeowner enthusiasts.

Home Ownership in Tamriel

The dream of possessing your own corner of Tamriel becomes reality with Homestead’s February 2017 deployment. Players can choose from approximately forty distinctive properties scattered throughout the game world. Initial access begins with completing the introductory Homestead questline, rewarding adventurers with a basic inn room. As your resources and ambitions grow, upgrade options include everything from compact tree dwellings in Greenshade to expansive manor estates located in The Rift region.

Architectural styles reflect the game’s ten playable races, available in both pre-furnished and empty configurations. Most properties remain accessible regardless of character faction alignment, with one significant exception: Imperial-style homes require ownership of the Imperial Edition (available as a 2,100 crown upgrade). Once acquired, any character can purchase Imperial properties regardless of racial background.

For players with nomadic tendencies, the system supports multiple property ownership simultaneously. There’s no limitation on acquiring every available home if desired. All housing purchases apply account-wide, ensuring every character on your account gains access to all owned properties.

Acquisition methods divide into two primary pathways. After tutorial completion, most additional properties become available for in-game gold purchases. All unfurnished gold-purchasable homes also offer Crown Store acquisition options. Pre-decorated versions designed by Tamriel’s premier interior designers available exclusively through the Crown Store. Furnished home decorations remain fully customizable, allowing rearrangement or replacement according to personal preferences. Future updates will introduce Crown Store exclusive properties, including premium island getaway locations.

Mastering the housing system requires understanding several advanced mechanics. Furniture crafting represents a dedicated profession with its own skill line, recipes, and material requirements. Efficient decoration involves strategic placement to maximize both aesthetic appeal and functional utility for crafting stations, storage, and social spaces.

Common mistakes include overspending on cosmetic items before securing essential functional furniture. New homeowners frequently underestimate the gold requirements for larger properties, leading to unfinished projects. Prioritize acquiring basic crafting stations and storage containers before investing in purely decorative elements.

Optimization strategies involve selecting properties based on your primary activities. For crafters, locations near resource nodes and crafting hubs prove most beneficial. Social players should consider properties with ample space for group gatherings and entertainment areas.

Time investment varies significantly based on ambition level. Basic home setup requires approximately 5-10 hours, while elaborate customizations can demand 50+ hours of dedicated effort. Plan your decoration projects around your available playtime to avoid frustration.

Property management across multiple homes becomes more efficient with organized approaches. Designate specific functions for each property—one as primary residence, another as crafting hub, and additional ones as thematic showcases. This approach mirrors the strategic thinking required in our BF6 Class Selection Guide where role specialization determines effectiveness.

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