Summary
“Home sweet home” - it’s where the heart is, and there’s no place like it. In games, a house has many purposes. It can be a place to rest, for players to dump all of their items, to raise a family, even a safe-haven whose four walls protect the player from whatever lurks outside. It might simply be somewhere for them to show off their interior design prowess.
RPGs and simulators alike benefit from offering players the option to decorate their house. Returning home after a long day working or adventuring is made all the more satisfying when the dwelling has a personal touch. These are some of thebest games that let players customize their house, be it decorating, adding extensions, or changing the layout.
This list focuses on games where the player already has or can purchase a house, rather than survival and sandbox games with house/base-building. Games where DLCs are required to own/decorate a home are not included (such asThe Witcher 3: Blood and Wine).
Based on the tabletop RPG,Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlinesfollows the player’s character -a member of one of seven vampire clans- as they navigate the shady political agendas in modern-day LA. Along the way, they will unlock “havens” which serve as bases to rest up and store items.
Players can’t freely decorate as they might be able to in other games, but collectible items gained from side quests and making certain story choices will appear in the haven. These include fun things likeposters, TV upgrades, and books.
New World: Aeternumis the successor to the 2021 MMONew World, containing all the original content and theRise of the Angry Earthexpansion, but considered its own separate game. With revamped gameplay and story, there is much more of a focus on solo play.
Beyond the supernatural battles and character leveling, players can also pick a house to buy in each settlement. Alongside the variousluxurious furnishingoptions, owning a house also lets playersdecorate the walls with trophiesto reap their buffs, and fast travel home from anywhere (providing they pay the rent).
WhileinZOIhasn’t been out long, it’s already drawn a lot of attention because of its potential to rivalThe Sims. It does have a similar premise, but with overhauled graphics and new features like controllable Zois, driving mechanics, and (perhaps most odd and controversial) AI texture customization options.
One familiar aspect of the game is its house building menu; players can build their own home or choose a preset. With the “3D Printer” feature, players can alsoimport their own images that are turned into 3D objectsin-game for an extra level of personalization. In its early access state,inZOIisn’t perfect, but it’s an exciting addition to the genre with a lot of potential.
Living up to the reputation ofAnimal Crossingis a huge feat to undertake, but somethingHokko Lifebravely attempts, recreating the cozy elements while offering a different, stand-alone experience.Hokkois much more quest-based and the interior design is a lot more hands-on.
The crafting system inHokko Lifeis what really sets the game apart; players cancraft furniture and decorationspiece by piece,painting each partfor full customization. It’s a very satisfying experience to decorate the home from scratch rather than simply placing items.
The Sims 4is one of the most diverse life simulators. After creating their character (a feature which is very in-depth in itself), players are dropped into a world of possibilities. With plenty of careers and hobbies to choose from, it’s easy to sink hours into the game and become invested in the Sims' lives.
When starting a save, players have the option to buy a lot to build their own house on, or a pre-build, the latter being less time-consuming and more money-savvy. From the build mode, however, players are free toredecorate and renovate pretty much every aspect of the house, provided they have the money.
TheSims 4has ahuge roster of expansionsthat give the player more items and opportunities. TheDecorator’s Dreambundle is great for interior design enthusiasts.
Fable 2has no shortage of reasons for remaining an iconic RPG decades after its release, be it its British/fantasy atmosphere, interesting story, or entertaining mechanics. For players who like to avoid the main story for as long as possible, there are plenty of side endeavors, property management being one example.
Players can buy houses to rent out, move into, or set as their marital home if they get married. The decorating system isn’t as advanced, but there are still ways to add that personal touch; in redecorate mode,existing furniture can be swapped outfor pieces (of varying quality) that the player has bought from the market.
Skyrimneeds no introduction as one of Bethesda’s most classic RPGs. It is undoubtedly aged by today’s standards but remains a solid, nostalgic title. With all the fighting and exploring, it only makes sense that the Dragonborn has a place to kick back in and store all of their latest loot.
Houses are available to buy in most of the major cities in Skyrim after getting cozy enough with the Jarl and, once purchased, can be upgraded. Players canchoose the purpose of andfurnish the rooms. Once set up, the player’s, and perhaps their spouse’s, home becomes a space todisplay weaponsand books, sleep, and cook.
With theHearthfireDLC, players can also buy a plot of land to build their own Homestead, with more freedom in decorating. This also allows them to adopt children and keep a dog.
Final Fanstasy 14isone of the franchise’s MMORPG titles. On its first release, the game was a huge flop. However, the reboot fixed a lot of the initial problems, becoming a game complete with all the lore, questing, and skill systems that players expected of the franchise and genre.
Purchasing a private house inFF14is slightly more convoluted than buying an apartment. Players need to be level 50 and a second lieutenant at any Grand Company, enter and win a lottery, and purchase a housing permit. That said, once owned, there is an abundance of ways todecorate the interior and exterior.
Over the past couple of years,Hello Kittyhas had a resurgence in popularity, with merch and branding popping up in lots of stores. Accompanying this return to the mainstream was the release ofHello Kitty Island Adventure, a life sim with a focus on adventuring and puzzles.
The game’s aesthetic lends itself well to house decorating, with the soft pastel visuals leaving ample room for creativity. Players candecorate visitor cabins as well as their ownin cozy styles to suit their preferred vibe. Participating in events may also unlock new items for players to use.
Dragon Age: Inquisitionstill holds up today as a great RPG. Unfortunately, much of its open-world feels underutilized, but there are plenty of side quests and stunning environments to see if players are willing to do a bit of exploring.
Once reaching Skyhold - fortress and Inquisition HQ - players will be able to establish it as their home. Progressing through the main story will allow them torepair parts of the fortress, making them available to customize. More decor and furniture can be unlocked by completing quests, purchasing, or looting.
