A sweeping shift is coming with World of Warcraft: Midnight, as Blizzard adds a premium currency dedicated to housing. Called Hearthsteel, it will be used for décor and furnishings while the studio insists the vast majority of items will still be earned through regular play.

World of Warcraft is heading into one of its most anticipated overhauls with Midnight and the long-requested housing system. As part of that rollout, Blizzard is reshaping the MMO’s economy. Get ready for a brand-new premium currency tied specifically to WoW, meant for decorations and furniture rather than general purchases.

Meet Hearthsteel, WoW’s New Tender

Blizzard says the currency is named Hearthsteel and is only available for real money through Battle.net Balance. Its use will be limited to housing items, both via the web shop and in-game storefront. Even so, the developer stresses that the “vast majority” of cosmetics will remain obtainable through normal gameplay, with only “a small portion” sold for Hearthsteel.

Those premium pieces can still be acquired indirectly with gold via WoW Tokens, so they are not hard paywalled. The studio also clarified that Hearthsteel will not apply to other in-game goods like mounts, transmogs, or pets. Iconic racial or class-themed decorations will not be sold either. Despite this, many in the community fear Hearthsteel could open the door to more microtransactions down the line.

Blizzard’s stated goal is to streamline small, repeat buys such as chair sets, candles, or tables, which are tedious to purchase one by one. The explanation has not convinced everyone. On Reddit, numerous players argue that introducing a premium currency to a 20-year-old MMO adds confusion about real costs. Bundled packs could nudge overspending, and we will see soon enough during early December’s early access for expansion preorders.

Source: 3djuegos