Simulating reality is one of the most important aspects of a game, that's why one of the most loved aspects of MMORPGs is housing. Owning a house in an MMORPG enables players to express their creativity and to getomeself a beatifull haven toe enjoy in the game. While World of Warcraft is a Blockbuster in the gaming arena, it does come out short in thes dept of owning a house in the game. There are numerous other MMORPG games that have above par housing systems where classic housing is not only offered, but even advanced housing systems are implemented. In this article, I will go over 5 of these MMORPGs that have the best housing system in 2025.

• Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR)
• New World
• The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)
• FFXIV
• Ultima Online (UO)
• Conclusion

↖ Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR)

Genre: Science Fiction | Developer: Bioware | Platform: PC | Release Date: December 20, 2011 | Model: Free-to-play

Housing aspects:

• Enabling purchase of instanced Strongholds on Level 15, the housing system of SWTOR was added in 2014.
• Customizable spaces referred to as Strongholds are provided with unlockable rooms which increase as time passes.
• Decorations can be added on various specific hooks which can be rotated freely for more imagination layouts.
• Purchase from the in-game store, unlock via achievements or crafted decoration can be placed freely.
• Shared spaces for guild members provided by gilded Strongholds.

Gameplay enhancements:

Legacy-wide bank account storage access.

Why Play SWTOR?

Narrative driven MMORPG, SWTOR is based on the world of Star Wars and offers great stories with quests integrated with meaningful decisions by the player to enhance the gaming experience. It stands out due to the combination of usual MMO game features and sci-fi cinematic storytelling making it a fantastic game for Sci-fi and Bioware fans.

↖ New World

Game Features: Fantasy - Amazon Games - PC - September 28, 2021 - Buy-to-Play

New World Housing Details:

• New World allows its players to purchase a home after reaching level 15 and gaining adequate reputation from a certain settlement.
• Each settlement has four sized houses which are individually instanced.
• Players can customize the interior and exterior of the home.
• Players pay a one-time purchase cost, and then pay a weekly house tax.
• New World features social mechanics in which players can visit their friends' houses and rate them. This establishes a social-driven beauty contest among the players.

New World Housing Benefits:

• Any trophies placed at home grants gameplay advantages.
• Homes grant additional normal storage space.
• Houses are personal fast-travel locations.

New World Combat Benefits:

Due to its fantastical world, action combat, resource collection features, and large-scale PvP battles, New World appeals to crafter and gatherers. Even with repetitive quest design, the world is still aesthetically pleasing.

↖ The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)

Setting: Fantasy | Developer: Zenimax Online Studios | Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Release Date: April 4, 2014 | Model: Buy-to-Play

Housing Features:

• There are over 60 properties available throughout Tamriel, where players can select homes in a variety of locations. ESO has a unique housing system that includes a range of modest guest rooms to large sprawling estates.
• You get your first home as a quest reward and you can purchase larger houses with in-game money.
• Players can craft decorative furniture, buy items from the in-game store, or get them by playing the game.
• Homes serve as social hubs and allows for PvP dueling.
• Update 43 homeshow feature enables players to recommend, visit, and share each other's homes.

Gameplay Benefits:

• Extra storage capacity.
• Customizable crafting stations.
• A new fast travel point.
• Placement of Mundus Stones for buffs.

Why Play ESO?

The Elder Scrolls Online offers annual content updates while also having incredible storylines to tell. The game's scaling system allows players to explore the map without worrying about their levels. Solo and group players are both catered for, meaning fans of elaborate narratives and large worlds will find it a great choice.

↖ FFXIV

Story Setting: Fantasy | Developed By: Square Enix | Available On: PC, PS4, PS5 | Launched On: August 27, 2013 | Payment Method: Pay-to-Play

Housing Options:

• Home decoration is a highly rewarding experience in FFXIV where players can spend time and other resources to build their ideal house.
• Starting with an apartment before progressing into bigger houses on land plots.
• There are three plot sizes available which have more options for customization.
• Gardening and landscaping can be done in the outdoor area.
• You can decorate the house with music boxes for a better atmoshpere.
• More popular housing plots come with waiting times and are perm blocked. Players also lose their home through inactivity.

In-Game Advantages:

• Materials can be grown through gardening.
• Players can obtain crafting stations and NPC vendors in their houses.

What Makes FFXIV Worth Your Time?

Final Fantasy XIV stands out in the MMORPG genre due to its captivating storylines, regular expansions like Endwalker, challenging endgame raids, and its integration of classic JRPG elements alongside modern MMO functionalities. Fans of narrative-heavy video games appreciate Final Fantasy XIV for all the right reasons.

↖ Ultima Online (UO)

Genre: Fantasy | Developed by: Mythic Entertainment | Release on: PC | Available Since: September 24, 1997 | Business Model: Free-to-Play

Housing Features:

• Ultima Online is one of the earlier MMORPGs that added the housing feature within the game, and continues to lead in the genre:
• Players have the option to build houses in any part of the game world. They can either design the walls and floors piece by piece or use prefabricated structures.
• The interior design system facilitates free placement of furniture and decorations within the house.
• Houses can be used as storage vaults, PvP battle grounds, or guild headquarters.
• Alas, like many things in life, there is a drawback. A house will be lost after 90 days of inactivity, and because they are located throughout the open world, immersion can become an issue for some players.

Gameplay Benefits:

Additional storage space for items.

Why Play Ultima Online?

Ultima Online is great for gamers looking for retro experiences because it is almost a perfect sandbox MMORPG. It is a classic for many due to the freedom it offers in terms of gameplay which include a player-run economy, limitless sandbox style play, and no class restrictions.

↖ Conclusion

Every MMORPG featured here has unique housing systems that cater to the interests of various gamers. These can be the unbound creativity of Ultima Online, the cinematic narrative of FFXIV, or the social aspects of The New World. Even if some fan favorites like Wildstar or ArcheAge are now part of the past, these five titles remain the most relevant when it comes to housing in MMORPGs.