Introduction
The concept of player housing in “The Elder Scrolls Online” (ESO) serves multiple purposes, constituting both a personal sanctuary for players and a strategic feature within the game. Player housing allows you to establish a home in Tamriel, offering you a unique space for customization, storage, and social interaction. Many players enjoy the aesthetics and creativity involved in designing their homes, while others find practical benefits, such as enhanced storage for collectibles and crafting materials. Moreover, player houses can serve as social hubs, where guild members and friends gather. Essentially, player housing enriches the ESO experience by providing a multifaceted environment that balances both functional utility and personal expression.
Understanding Player Housing in ESO
Player housing in ESO is an innovative feature that allows players to acquire, customize, and decorate their own homes within the expansive world of Tamriel. Introduced in the “Homestead” update in February 2017, this feature has significantly transformed how players interact with the game, offering a depth that goes beyond traditional gameplay.
Types of Player Houses
ESO offers various types of player houses, each varying in size, location, and cost. Homes range from small apartments to sprawling estates, allowing players to choose based on their preferences and in-game currency (gold or Crowns). Homes are categorized as:
- Small Houses: Perfect for minimalists, these cozy spaces offer a quaint environment.
- Medium Houses: These provide ample room for decoration and storage.
- Large Houses: For those who love to show off their collections, these homes allow for extensive customization.
Benefits of Owning a Player House
Owning a player house provides numerous benefits that enhance gameplay:
- Customization: Players can decorate their houses with various items, including furniture, trophies, and displays of trophies that capture in-game achievements.
- Storage Options: Houses offer a secure place to store items, freeing up inventory space for other activities.
- Social Spaces: Homes can serve as social hubs for guild members and friends, creating a sense of community.
- Crafting Stations: Some houses even come equipped with crafting stations, which can be beneficial for players who want to create items without heading back to a city.
- Costume and Outfit Stations: Players can customize their character’s appearance directly from their homes.
Exploring Player House Customization
Customization is one of the most exciting aspects of player housing in ESO. From the moment you acquire your home, you can begin designing it to suit your tastes. You can choose from a myriad of decorations, furniture styles, and themes.
Buying and Acquiring Decorations
Players can acquire decorations through various means, including:
- In-Game Vendors: These sellers provide a range of furnishings and decorations for purchase.
- Furnishing Recipes: Players can collect recipes to craft unique items tailored to their design vision.
- Achievements: Many decorative items are rewards for completing specific in-game tasks or events.
- Events and Promotions: Limited-time items can often be obtained during special events, adding a layer of exclusivity to your home.
Themed Home Designs
Many players enjoy creating themes for their homes, reflecting their interests and roles in the game. For example:
- Crafting Centers: Players can turn homes into functional crafting stations filled with all necessary tools.
- Cozy Retreats: Some players opt for warm, inviting designs that make a home feel like a true sanctuary after a long day of adventuring.
- Guild Halls: Guilds can collaborate on shared homes that serve as meeting points and social spaces for members.
Social Interaction and Community Building
Player housing serves as a pivotal element for fostering community within ESO. The ability to invite friends, set up gatherings, and even host events marks a shift in how players connect. Social gatherings in player houses can range from casual meet-ups to organized events like contests for the best home design.
Guild Houses
In ESO, guilds can invest in houses that members can use collectively. This is particularly effective for guild meetings, hosting events, or showcasing member achievements. Guild houses enhance teamwork and collaboration, serving as a shared space for planning group activities.
Gameplay Enhancement through Player Housing
While player housing might seem purely aesthetic, it provides vital gameplay advantages. Accessing crafting stations from your home streamlines the process of making gear and potions, giving players an efficient option to complement their adventure. Moreover, player houses can act as a form of storage for treasured items and collectibles without cluttering your inventory, allowing you to manage your resources better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I acquire a player house in ESO?
To acquire a player house in ESO, you can purchase it using in-game gold or Crowns from various vendors in cities or directly through the Crown Store.
2. Can I decorate my house in any way I want?
Yes, you can decorate your house extensively, choosing from various furniture items and decorations that fit your desired aesthetic or theme.
3. Are all furniture items available for purchase?
Not all furniture items are for sale; some can only be earned through in-game achievements or special events, adding a collectible aspect to housing.
4. Can I visit other players’ houses?
Yes, you can visit other players’ houses if they have set them to be accessible. Some players may even host open house days.
5. Is there a limit to how many houses I can own?
While there are limits to how many houses can be owned, you can purchase and own multiple homes; however, only a certain number can be decorated and customized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the point of player housing in ESO transcends mere personalization; it enhances gameplay, fosters social interaction, and provides a unique space for creativity and community. With diverse options for customization and significant community-focused benefits, player homes enrich the overall experience of “The Elder Scrolls Online.” Whether you’re an avid collector, a socializer, or simply looking for a tranquil escape after questing, your player house plays a pivotal role in your journey across Tamriel.
