How to level housing wow

Overview

The concept of 'leveling housing' in World of Warcraft (WoW) can be a bit ambiguous, especially when considering the current state of the retail game. Unlike many MMORPGs that offer extensive player housing systems where you can purchase, decorate, and upgrade your own personal abode, World of Warcraft's approach has been more nuanced and varied across its history.

In the most literal sense, a persistent, player-owned, and upgradable housing system, akin to what you might find in games like Final Fantasy XIV or Elder Scrolls Online, does not exist in the current retail version of World of Warcraft. However, the desire for such a feature has been a long-standing community request, and Blizzard has implemented systems that provide elements of player customization and base-building in various forms throughout the game's expansions.

Details

Past Implementations: Garrisons and Beyond

The closest WoW has come to a widespread player housing system was the Garrison in the Warlords of Draenor expansion (2014). While not 'housing' in the traditional sense of a personal home, the Garrison was a player-controlled base that could be upgraded and customized. Players chose between two architectural styles (human or orcish) and could build various structures, such as barracks, stables, farms, and profession buildings. Each building offered unique abilities, quests, and ways to progress. The 'leveling' aspect here involved upgrading the Garrison itself to a larger size and unlocking more building plots and advanced functionalities. Players could assign followers to work in these buildings, manage resources, and complete missions, making it a significant part of their gameplay experience.

Before Warlords of Draenor, there were smaller, profession-specific instances. For example, Engineers could create certain utility items and even small, interactive structures for their personal use or for groups. However, these were not integrated into a cohesive housing system.

Current Retail WoW: What Exists?

In the current retail version of World of Warcraft, there is no direct equivalent to the Garrison or a traditional player housing system. The closest players can get to personalized spaces are:

• Order Halls: Introduced in the Legion expansion (2016), Order Halls are unique class-specific sanctuaries. While players cannot freely customize them or upgrade them in the way a house might be leveled, they serve as a central hub for class-specific quests, followers, and transmog displays. They offer a sense of personal space and progression tied to class identity.
• Professions: The Engineering profession, in particular, has always had items that allow for interactive elements and cosmetic additions that could be considered 'housing-like'. Examples include various mounts, decorative items, or even portable vendors and repair bots. While these don't form a 'house' you level, they add personal utility and flair.
• Special Events and Content: Occasionally, special events or content might offer limited-time cosmetic housing items or player-influenced environments, but these are not persistent or upgradable player housing.

Private Servers and Older Versions

It's important to note that the concept of 'leveling housing' might stem from discussions or experiences on private servers or older versions of World of Warcraft that might have implemented custom housing features. Some private servers, in an effort to cater to player demands, have developed extensive player housing systems that do allow for upgrades, decoration, and progression. If you've encountered the term 'leveling housing' in relation to older versions or private servers, the mechanics would likely involve acquiring blueprints, materials, and currency to gradually improve a designated player home.

The Community's Desire

The player base has consistently requested a full-fledged player housing system for retail WoW. Many believe it would add significant long-term engagement, provide a sink for in-game currency, and offer a more personalized experience. While Blizzard has not committed to a full system, they have acknowledged the requests and continued to explore ways to give players more personalization options, albeit often tied to specific expansion themes or professions.

What Does 'Leveling Housing' Mean in Practice?

If you encounter the term 'leveling housing' in the context of WoW, it generally implies one of the following:

• Garrison Upgrades (Warlords of Draenor): The process of upgrading your Garrison buildings and the Garrison itself.
• Order Hall Progression (Legion): Unlocking new features and upgrades for your class Order Hall through quests and mission tables.
• Profession-Based Customization: Using crafted items, particularly from Engineering, to add functional or cosmetic elements to your gameplay experience that mimic personal space.
• Private Server Features: Interacting with custom-built housing systems on private servers that allow for gradual improvement and decoration.

Ultimately, while a true, persistent player housing system that you 'level up' like a character is not a feature of current retail World of Warcraft, the game has offered elements of base building, customization, and personal sanctuary throughout its history. Understanding the context of when and where these features appeared is key to understanding what 'leveling housing' might refer to for different players.