The next installment of downloadable content for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been announced, called Hearthfire. It is a name that has been doing the rounds in the rumour mill for a while now, as to what it could entail (It was registered as a trademark prior to Dawnguard’s release) but now we know.
Releasing next week (September 4) on Xbox Live for 400 Microsoft Points, Hearthfire will give Skyrim players the ability to buy a plot of land and build a house on it from the ground up. The DLC will offer three plots of land to the player described as; The saltmarches of Hjaalmarch, the forests of Falkreath and the vast tundra of the Pale. Players won’t be restricted to only buying one of those plots of land to develop their house on however; as they’ll be able to build on all three (if you’ve got the moolah!).
Players can construct something as simple (and cozy) as a one room cottage all the way up to a sprawling compound. You can expand your home with a variety of room combinations including; an armoury, alchemy tower, kitchen, trophy room and more. For the gardeners among us, you can buy a greenhouse and grow your own garden. Ever thought Skyrim was lacking in Slaughterfish? Buy a fish hatchery and cultivate some! No compound would be complete without a stable, mill and smelter though.
Hearthfire also adds new interactions and objectives to Skyrim, primarily centered around the house building feature. You’ll have to guard your real estate from would be kidnappers, bandits, skeever infestations and even the odd giant (probably a dragon too). Almost any follower you have access to, can be brought on as your personal steward to improve and protect your home. You will also be able to hire your own carriage driver and bard, as well as adopt children.
Missed the trailer for Hearthfire? Here you go.