Developer BioWare has announced that their latest expansion, Galactic Strongholds, will be launching this Winter for Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Previously teased with a very brief trailer, the new expansion brings a kind of player housing to the MMO, known as Strongholds, as well as Guild Flagships - huge flying bases where you can convene. If that wasn't Star Wars enough, the Strongholds can be decorated with acquired trophies and furniture, and even a leaderboard to compete with fellow players on who has the best stuff, called a Stronghold Directory.

In Galactic Strongholds, players can live on multiple planets and customize their prestigious apartments. Players can live in the heart of their faction’s capital world, live in style among the high-rollers of Nar Shaddaa, or even both by owning multiple Strongholds. Hundreds of unique decorations will be available for players to express their own personal style, as well as to boost their Prestige score to compete for top ranking in the Stronghold Directory. Friends can be invited and transported to a player’s Stronghold from any in-game location to socialize. At official launch, Guilds will also be able to launch powerful Guild Flagships where members can meet, plan, and strategize for their next adventure.

As is customary with BioWare's MMO, extra benefits are offered to subscribers as opposed to those on the free-to-play platter, all of which is detailed in full on the game's official splash page.

The expansion will be launching in August, with early access available in July.