World of Warcraft: new housing exterior costs $40

Blizzard Entertainment has unveiled a new, attractive exterior for player housing in the latest World of Warcraft expansion, Midnight. The new housing exterior takes the form of an enchanting treehouse and is available in two colors: spring green and cherry blossom pink. However, this cosmetic item costs $40, making it the most expensive item in the housing shop.

Details of the housing exterior

The new exterior for housing in World of Warcraft can be obtained by purchasing 4000 Hearthsteel. Hearthsteel can only be bought in specific amounts: 2500 for $25 or 5000 for $50. That means it effectively costs almost $50 to get this exterior. In addition to the standalone purchase, there is also a $75 bundle available that includes the housing exterior along with a set of interior decorations.

Current housing options in the game

Blizzard has long offered real-money cosmetic items such as mounts, pets, and transmogs in its shop. The introduction of this new treehouse exterior feels especially disappointing, particularly because it is the first genuinely appealing new exterior since Midnight launched. At the moment, there are only four other housing options available, and no new ones have been added since the expansion.

Horde players currently have limited housing exterior choices, with options including an ugly wooden plank hut and an elaborate red-and-gold building. Unlike Horde players, Alliance players have access to a cozy human cottage and a nature-inspired elf house, but these are not available to Horde players.

Community reaction

The announcement of the treehouse exterior has sparked mixed reactions within the community. While some players like the look of the new exterior, others are disappointed by the high cost, especially compared with what they could get in-game for the same price. For the same $40, for example, you could buy a three-month subscription to the game.

This development shows Blizzard's continued focus on offering premium cosmetic items within its games. Player feedback will no doubt play a role in the company's future decisions about expanding its cosmetic shop.