Changes to housing implemented with Aion update 3.0 

NCsoft and Gameforge have released some extra details regarding update 3.0 for Aion free-to-play, starting with the MMO's housing areas which will be influenced by the seasons.

According to the developers, a new construction handcrafting feature being implemented which will allow the interior and exterior of homes to be customized - some of which offer buffs.

Apartments are available to every player who has completed the required quest from level 21. No rent has to be paid, and the interior can be customized. Players can own one apartment in a studio per character.

For those who want a larger abode, there are four different types of detached houses, which differ in size and available space for furnishing: the house, the mansion, the estate and the palace. There's only a limited amount of each house type available per server and faction, and they are auctioned off at a set time and date and cost the player a monthly rent of in-game currency.

Players can customize the exterior of the houses with plants such as Hearthbloom and Guestbloom, to receive various buffs or items. You can even use a special orb to access other characters' homes in order to marvel at their decorating prowess.

The housing areas will also be influenced by the seasons which are based on the real world calendar. Rainfall adapts according to the season, and various monsters will also appear and they drop valuable house decorations, items and crafting ingredients.

It sounds like an interesting take on the MMO housing system, and you can find out more information on Aion through the official US and UK websites.