Hearthsteel, a Virtual Currency for Housing in WoW

Written By Moudi .

Blizzard’s latest blue post introduces Hearthsteel, a new virtual currency launching with the World of Warcraft: Midnight expansion. The post outlines their philosophies regarding the shop, the new currency, and how players will acquire housing items.

What is Hearthsteel?

  • Hearthsteel is a virtual currency exclusive to World of Warcraft, debuting with the Midnight expansion.

  • Purchased with real money via Battle.net balance.

  • Used specifically to buy Housing items in both the Battle.net and in-game shops.

Blizzard’s Philosophy & Player-Friendly Principles

  • Most Housing Items Are Earnable In-Game:

    • The vast majority of housing decorations can be obtained through gameplay.

    • Only a small portion will be shop-exclusive, similar to the ratio of in-game vs. shop mounts.

  • No Core Fantasy or Iconic Housing in Shop:

    • Items tied to player race/class themes or existing Azeroth decor won’t be sold for Hearthsteel.

  • Transparent and Simple Purchasing:

    • All shop items are available individually; bundles are limited-time.

    • No fear of missing out—players can buy what they want, when they want.

    • Hearthsteel-to-cash ratios are clear and fixed, so players understand exactly what they’re spending.

  • User-Friendly Shop UI:

    • The shop interface is straightforward and easy to navigate.

  • Seamless Integration with WoW Token:

    • Players can use in-game gold to buy WoW Tokens, converting them into Battle.net Balance, and then into Hearthsteel for housing items.

  • Hearthsteel’s Scope:

    • Only for housing decor—not for Trading Post, mounts, transmogs, or pets.

Why Introduce a Virtual Currency?

  • Efficiency for Small Purchases:

    • Many housing items are inexpensive and often bought in multiples (e.g., chairs, candles).

    • Using Hearthsteel streamlines buying several small items at once, avoiding repeated real-money transactions.

  • Financial Protection:

    • Virtual currency can offer better safeguards for both Blizzard and players, compared to direct cash purchases.

Housing Catalog: Preview and Plan Your Home

  • Housing Catalog in UI:

    • View all housing items (earnable, purchasable, promotional) in one place.

    • Preview decor in your virtual home before earning or buying it.

Feedback & Future Updates

  • Blizzard encourages ongoing player feedback on Housing and Hearthsteel.

  • More details and features will be revealed in the coming weeks and months.

Quick Takeaways

  • Hearthsteel is WoW’s new virtual currency for housing, designed to be clear, fair, and player-friendly.

  • Most housing decor remains earnable; only a small share is shop-exclusive.

  • The system is designed for convenience, transparency, and integration with existing WoW economic systems.

Moudi .
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