Housing in New World: Aeternum offers a wealth of features that can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, especially once you reach level 15 and unlock the ability to purchase and own property in one of the 12 player-controlled settlements scattered across the world. Although buying a house in New World requires a fair investment of in-game currency, the benefits that come with homeownership can be a game-changer. In this guide, we will explore why owning a house is crucial, the different types of houses you can purchase, and how to make the most of your property.

Unlocking Housing in Aeternum

As soon as you reach level 15 in New World, you unlock the ability to purchase a house. These houses are located within one of the game's 12 settlements, each of which is controlled by a player-run company. The price of a house can vary significantly depending on its tier, ranging from the relatively affordable Tier 1 to the more expensive Tier 4 homes. However, the higher the tier of the house, the greater the benefits, and with these benefits come more storage, buffs, and customization options.

The Major Benefits of Owning a House

Owning a house in the New World comes with a variety of perks that can aid you in your adventures across Aeternum. Let's take a look at the key benefits of homeownership:

1. Trophies and Buffs

Trophies are one of the most valuable reasons to invest in multiple houses. Trophies are special decorations that can be placed inside your house to provide you with useful buffs. These buffs can apply to various aspects of the game, including gathering, crafting, combat, and even loot chances.

Each house has five trophy slots available, but it's important to note that you can only place one of each type of trophy per house. However, by owning multiple homes, you can stack the effects of these buffs. For example, you can place a Major Loot Luck Trophy in each of your homes in different settlements, thereby stacking the loot luck bonuses for even greater chances of finding rare and valuable items.

2. Extra Storage Capacity

Each house also provides you with an increase in the storage capacity of the settlement's storage shed. This is essential for those who like to accumulate items throughout their adventures, as the additional storage gives you more room to store crafting materials, equipment, and other valuable loot.

Storage capacity varies depending on the tier of the house. A Tier 1 house gives you the ability to place one storage chest, while a Tier 4 house allows you to place up to four chests. Higher-tier houses are particularly useful for late-game players who find themselves constantly running out of storage space.

3. Free Unlimited Recall

Owning a house gives you access to a free recall ability, which allows you to teleport back to your house at any time. This is incredibly useful for quickly returning to a settlement to turn in quests, sell items, or generally move around the map.

Additionally, you can reset the cooldown of this recall for a small amount of Azoth. This means that you effectively have an unlimited recall option, as long as you have enough Azoth to reset the cooldown. This feature can be a lifesaver when you're in the middle of an exploration or dungeon run and need to quickly get back to a town.

4. House Scoring and Display

Houses in New World have a scoring system based on the number of furniture items you place and the standing you've earned in the settlement. If you manage to have the highest score in a settlement, your house will be displayed publicly for everyone to see. This is a great way to show off your home and add a little bit of pride to your property.

5. Personalization and Aesthetics

One of the less practical, but still incredibly fun, aspects of owning a house is the ability to personalize and decorate it. You can place a wide range of furniture items in your house, from simple decorations to functional items like storage chests. This allows you to create a home that suits your aesthetic tastes and gives you a place to display your accomplishments, such as trophies or rare items.

Where Should You Buy a House?

There are plenty of places across Aeternum to buy a house, but some settlements offer more advantages than others. It's important to consider not just the cost of the house, but also the buffs, conveniences, and overall activity of the settlement. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing where to purchase your property:

1. Settlement Buffs

Each player-run company that controls a settlement can activate buffs for all house owners within that settlement. These buffs can significantly impact your gameplay and may include things like increased gathering yields, crafting gear score bonuses, and damage absorption buffs for specific enemy types, such as Corrupted or Angry Earth.

For example, owning a house in a settlement like Everfall may give you buffs that increase your chances of gathering specific resources or crafting higher-level items. These buffs apply globally, meaning they are active no matter where you are in the game world, as long as the buff is enabled in the settlement.

However, not all settlements offer the same buffs. Some settlements, especially quieter ones, may not activate any buffs, making them less desirable for house purchases. It's usually a good idea to invest in properties in more active settlements like Windsward, Everfall, or Brimstone Sands, as these settlements are more likely to offer valuable buffs.

2. The Size and Activity of the Settlement

The more active a settlement is, the more likely it is to have regular buffs enabled and a thriving economy. Busy areas like Windsward and Everfall often have more opportunities for players to upgrade their houses, participate in town projects, and benefit from active town economies. On the other hand, quieter settlements like Restless Shore or Reekwater may not offer the same level of community engagement, but they can still be good options if you're looking for a more tranquil place to call home.

3. Tax and Upkeep Costs

Each house has an upkeep cost that must be paid every week. These taxes are paid to the company that controls the settlement where the house is located. The amount of the tax is generally based on the tier of the house, with Tier 1 houses costing 50 gold a week and Tier 4 houses requiring 200 gold a week.

Upkeep costs can be reduced by earning Territory Standing cards, which offer discounts for owning houses in specific settlements. Additionally, being part of the company that controls the settlement can also give you a discount on taxes, making it worthwhile to consider joining a company if you plan on purchasing property in a settlement.

4. Relocation and Abandoning Houses

If you decide you no longer want a house in a particular settlement, you can sell it and reclaim a portion of the purchase New World Coins cost. When you sell a house, you are refunded 50% of the original price. However, keep in mind that you can only own one house in each settlement. If you want to relocate to a different plot within the same settlement, you'll need to sell your current house and purchase a new one.

Which House Should You Buy?

Now that you know where to buy a house, let's take a look at the options available to you in terms of tiers:

Tier 1 House (5,000 Gold)

Tier 1 houses are the cheapest option, but they come with limited features. You can only place one storage chest, and you won't have access to as many buffs or customization options as higher-tier homes. If you're just starting and need a basic place to call home, a Tier 1 house is a good entry-level choice. Additionally, your first house comes with a 9,000 gold discount, making this a great opportunity to get started.

Tier 2 House (10,000 Gold)

Tier 2 houses offer more space and a bit more customization. You can place two storage chests, and the cost is still relatively affordable compared to the higher tiers. This is a good middle-ground option for players who want more storage and buffs without breaking the bank.

Tier 3 House (20,000 Gold)

At Tier 3, you'll gain access to three storage chests, and the price begins to rise. While still not as expensive as the top-tier homes, Tier 3 houses offer a solid balance between functionality and cost.

Tier 4 House (50,000 Gold)

The most expensive option, Tier 4 houses, come with four storage chests and the most customization options. These homes are best suited for end-game players who have accumulated significant wealth and need the extra storage and buffs that come with the house. These houses also allow you to place more trophies, which can be especially useful for gathering rare items and maximizing your crafting potential.

Conclusion

Housing in New World offers numerous benefits that can make a huge difference in your experience in Aeternum. Whether you're looking to take advantage of powerful buffs, expand your storage capacity, or simply have a place to call your own, owning a house is an investment that pays off in the long run. By considering factors like buffs, settlement activity, and house tier, you can make the best decision for your character's needs.

With a bit of strategy and planning, you can make the most of your homeownership in New World and enjoy all the benefits it brings!