Blizzard Watch Weekly: One week closer to Player Housing

We’re one week farther into 2025 which means we’re one week closer to Player Housing, which hits early access on December 2. But in the meanwhile, there’s still news out there, so I’ve rounded up everything that happened last week and everything coming up this week to help both of us keep track.

Here’s what you need to know to be ready for the week ahead. (And a little help with your Player Housing plans, too.)

What happened last week?

• The Midnight beta test rolled out a new patch that added transmog, and somehow it’s almost worse than when it did not have transmog, but increased the prices so much that I’m going to have to create an in-game budget in order to use it — Blizzard has already dialed down some costs, but we’ll see about the rest. If you’re in the beta yourself, head in to test (more than transmog) and provide feedback. (We have some tips on testing if you need them.)
• Legion Remix launched out another one of its rapid-fire phases this week, with Argus and Antorus now live (just in case you need another raid to speed-run). Also some good news for Remix players: you can now get hidden Artifact appearances in Remix. Good luck!
• We got a couple of Classic release dates last week: Mists of Pandaria Phase 3 will add Throne of Thunder (and everything that goes with it) and The Burning Crusade arrives on the Classic anniversary realms early next year, with pre-patch on January 13.
• Tickets to BlizzCon are back on sale! This batch of tickets went live on November 18, and tickets are still available (as of the time I typed this).
• WoW’s 21st anniversary event started last weekend, and we have a guide on what’s brand new, what’s returning, and what’s gone (perhaps for good).
• This week’s Hearthstone Tavern Brawl is the Three Wishes brawl, where you have three wishes to help you win… which is to say this is going to take some RNG. But when you get tired of doing that (or win a match and call it done for the week), you can check out our writeup on the best card art from the new expansion.

We’re also pretty excited for Player Housing to hit the game — with early access just over a week away! — and have a couple of new guides for you:

• Head back to your Garrison to get a head start on Player Housing
• How to get lumber for crafting decor in Midnight
• Where can I find vendors who sell player housing decor?
• If you want a few more guides, here are some older ones that will help you know what to expect with housing: how to buy your first house, all of the plots in Founder’s Point, all of the plots in Razorwind Shores, and how to make dyes

And we have some more Midnight lore for you: last week we covered exactly what Arator has been up to all of these years leading into the next expansion. The Midnight tie-in novel Blood Ties (also available as an audiobook), which features Arator (and his somewhat more famous parents), also came out this week, and it’s certain to move his story forward. And in case you missed it, last week we talked about the history of Lady Liadrin, who also plays a major role in this xpac.

What’s happening next week (and beyond)

• December 2: Patch 11.2.7 launches with Player Housing early access!
• Through December 2: You only have another week to pick up the latest WoW Twitch Drop, a comfy purple sweatsuit ensemble that will be ideal for lounging around in your new house.
• Through December 7: WoW’s 21st anniversary celebration
• December 9: Mists of Pandaria Classic Phase 3 launches with Throne of Thunder
• January 13: The Burning Crusade Classic expansion is coming to the anniversary realms! The pre-patch launches in January, but we don’t have a confirmed date for the expansion itself (but we expect it in February).
• Through January 19: Legion Remix

Other things we’re playing, watching, and more

• If you’re looking for a new game to chill out over the holiday, we recommend the most zen post-apocalyptic game we’ve seen (so far): Cloud Gardens, in which you grow plants amongst urban decay. Trust us, it has a calming charm.
• This week’s Epic Games Store freebie again multiple freebies, including one game in which you play as Godzilla fighting off an alien invasion. Do I need to say anything else? Go pick up Godzilla Voxel Wars and Zoeti now.
• It’s Thanksgiving in the US this week, so we’re compelled to remind you just how cute turkeys are.

Last week’s podcasts

• Blizzard Watch Podcast: We’re not mad about transmog, just disappointed (and also very mad)
• Lore Watch Podcast: A casual discussion about Blood Elves
• Tavern Watch Plays Starfinder, Episode 2: Expedition to the computer core