The highly anticipated housing feature in World of Warcraft has finally arrived, and it's causing quite the stir, especially among Horde players. The struggle is real, my friends, as they grapple with an aesthetic dilemma that's got them scratching their heads.
While the new housing system offers an exciting opportunity to create elaborate homes, Horde players, in particular, are facing a unique challenge. You see, their default house exteriors are, well, let's just say they're not everyone's cup of tea. If you're an orc enthusiast, you might appreciate the spikes, flames, and haphazard metal plates, but for many, it's a bit too grunge for their taste.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Alliance players, on the other hand, have it a bit easier with their standard, inoffensive cottage designs. However, both factions are limited in their exterior customization options until the full launch of the Midnight expansion. You can tweak roof colors and chimney styles, but that's about it for now.
Some players, like myself, are embracing the challenge and getting creative with outdoor decorations. My humble hut, for example, hides a cozy Shaman retreat inside, complete with a magical library, a cozy kitchen, and an elemental stone altar. It's all about making the most of what you've got!
And this is the part most people miss... Horde players are getting incredibly inventive in their attempts to disguise their spiky huts. Blizzard's decoration tools are incredibly precise, allowing players to ignore collision and get really creative. Some are covering their huts with rocks, transforming them into caves, while others are going for a more Blood Elf-inspired look. It's a battle against the default aesthetic!
Check out these impressive creations: Reddit posts showcasing the community's ingenuity.
However, there's a catch. The outdoor decor limit is a real pain point for many players. Covering up those orc turrets with rocks or other objects eats up a significant portion of the decor allowance. Players are pleading with Blizzard to increase the exterior decor cap, and the developers have acknowledged the issue and are working on a solution.
So, what's the verdict? While it's not a massive issue right now, it's fascinating to see the lengths players will go to in order to express their creativity within the game's limitations. Just imagine the masterpieces that will emerge once they have more freedom with their outdoor decor!
World of Warcraft: Midnight is set to launch on March 2, 2026, and if you can't wait to get your hands on the housing feature, pre-ordering the expansion is your ticket in. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jesse Kurlancheek, the housing lead and principal game designer, and Joanna Giannullis, senior UX designer, about the housing feature and their vision for Midnight.
Written by Rebekah Valentine, a senior reporter for IGN. If you've got a story tip, feel free to reach out at rvalentine@ign.com.
