httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gXwNVpDmfo

 The first downloadable content expansion for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim released almost two months ago for the Xbox 360 as part of Bethesda's timed-exclusivity deal with Microsoft and earlier this month, became available for PC players as well. While problems still hold back PS3 players from playing Dawnguard, Xbox 360 players will be able to download the second set of Skyrim DLC next week.

Bethesda confirmed today that Hearthfire will be available on Xbox 360 on September 4th, adding quite a few features we've seen modders add into the PC version of Skyrim via the Steam Workshop.

Back in May, buried in the background behind the unveilings of both The Elder Scrolls Online and the Dawngaurd DLC for Skyrim, was news that ZeniMax Media (the parent company of Bethesda) had filed trademarks for "Hearthfire" which we believed was the next planned DLC for Skyrim. The name itself meant two things to us: the ninth month in the calendar in the world of Tamriel - a time we figured it would release (and it is!), and a reference to a pair of skill books found in the last three games of the series.

Skyrim Hearthfire DLC

We can now officially say that Hearthfire is indeed DLC planned for September, but it's not focusing on magic or dragons. Instead, the content pack brings a little more life for the Dragonborn protagonist. Players can construct their own home and start a family.

With this official add-on to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you can purchase land and build your own home from the ground up - from a simple one-room cottage to a sprawling compound complete with an armory, alchemy laboratory, stable, garden, and more. Use all-new tools like the drafting table and carpenter's workbench to transform quarried stone, clay, and sawn logs into structures and furnishings. Even transform your house into a home by adopting children.

Check out the video up top for the new features in action. The family, kids and house crafting are all features that the PC community has already managed to build into the game via the officially released modding tools. That's something we at Game Rant always highlight as something more publishers (read: EA) should include with their games.

Where Dawnguard cost players 1600 Microsoft points ($20), Hearthfire is available for one-quarter that price at 400 points ($5).

 

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Hearthfire releases on Xbox LIVE on September 4, 2012 for 400 Microsoft Points.

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