'The Elder Scrolls Online' Homestead expansion release date, news: Players can become homeowners in Tamriel with new Homestead DLC

Just before the much awaited Morrowind expansion hits the shelves, "The Elder Scrolls Online" will be treating avid gamers with the gift of home in the land of Tamriel with the upcoming Homestead expansion.

The said update has already been released for PC and Mac users, and it will reportedly launch for both the PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Xbox One consoles later this month. Homestead is a free add-on that gives players the opportunity to put down virtual roots in Tamriel by becoming proud homeowners.

Players can choose their own personal lodging space among 39 uniquely designed houses that range from a small room at the inn to expansive manor estates with lush outdoor areas. For the more reclusive type who wants a little more privacy, there is also an option to buy one's own island paradise.

Aspiring homeowners are advised not to worry about competing with other players just to secure a plot of land since homes in Tamriel will be instanced. This means that each housing space is a special area that generates a new copy for a certain number of players that enters it. Therefore, there is no need to race against the clock or fight over a particular space when choosing one's lodging in Tamriel.

Each of the houses is designed around one of the Elder Scrolls' 10 races, but this does not put any restrictions on who can buy which one. Players can also own more than one housing space, but only one of each type. The purchased lodging can be shared across the player's account and can even be personalized using the in-game house editing tools, which offers 2,000 individual home furnishings and decorations to choose from.

Acquiring one's first house in Tamriel is easy, and it can be done in one of two ways. Furnished or unfurnished houses are available in the Crown Store for a price, while a free room at an inn may be obtained by going through the Homestead tutorial quest, "A Friend in Need."

In order to get the tutorial quest started, the player must first seek out Canthion, the Wood Elf Housing Broker, by looking for the "Housing Brochure" inside the bank in every major non-DLC zone city.

"The Elder Scrolls Online" Homestead expansion is already available for free download on PC and Mac and is scheduled to hit PS4 and Xbox One consoles on Tuesday, Feb. 21. A first look video of the said expansion has been previously released by Bethesda.