Welcome, Habbos!

Here we are in 2026! It’s been a month that somehow managed to feel never-ending. So let’s get into the Month of Origins. As always, I’m looking at both the body of work behind the content released and what the community has been saying, to keep these reviews balanced. The aim isn’t to be overly harsh, but to offer a fair critique that genuinely reflects the month.

Christmas, Frostframe, Neopets departure

A good start, giving notice about when items were leaving the catalogue was genuinely valuable. We’ve seen missteps in the past where there’s been little to no warning, so this was a positive change. That said, January is still very much a cold month, yet Frostmode furni and Neopets arrived late in January. I’d definitely call it a missed opportunity not to extend these to at least the middle of the month, and an even bigger one not to include the Frostmode sofas that many Habbo’s were hoping for. Releasing an incomplete furniture line only to remove it shortly after feels a bit like it was used simply to pad out December and ensure the month had “new” content.

The furniture lines were removed January 7th 2026.

Factions Finally Deliver Perks

The Origins factions have at last been fully implemented, introducing small but permanent bonuses across activities such as events, gardening, fishing and competitive games. The perks are intentionally modest, capped at minor XP and payout increases which keeps balance intact while still rewarding long-term loyalty. A new 24-hour lock-in when switching factions also makes allegiance feel more meaningful. Alongside this, the update brings a wide range of bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements across rooms, furniture, games, pets and progression systems. Overall, it’s a subtle but well-judged update that adds depth without disrupting gameplay.

However, if you were part of the Emo-Oranges (like me), you were likely left disappointed by the inability to change faction, as the NPC faction bot had vanished from the Rooftop Café. Granted, the community seems to be enjoying the perks overall, but when launching a feature like this it’s important that it works for everyone, rather than excluding certain players. Unfortunately, that’s starting to feel like a recurring issue across the hotel. Is it a major problem? No. Although it does make the game feel less polished.

That said, this was the first article to include additional detail on fixes and bug changes, and I can confidently say the community appreciates this level of transparency. With several articles now including these small updates on what’s been fixed, changed or removed, and why, it really does go a long way. More of this, please!

Funky Friday

Ok! This month was a significant improvement than in December. Yes, December was cute but this round just felt significantly better and consistent. The furniture released as well was quite highly praised by the community.

Week 1- Rug fans were DELIGHTED to see the arctic rugs. Perfect and cosy, good job Goob.

Week 2- Executive Bathtub, toilet and sink! The community could hear DoubleDogg SCREAM when this was announced. When I think of Executive furni my mind doesn’t really go to bathroom but yeah, sure. It’s Habbo so whatever.

Week 3 – Commemorative coins! Personally, I love them. RIP Trax plaques though, so I do hear that argument. Yes, in the plaque, it’s a disc and this is a coin but… they really aren’t that different stylistically. It may have been better to change the background and the frame colour but it was already difficult to trade a plaque… trust its going to be almost damn near impossible now.

Week 4 - Valentines Market Stall

Event Creators – Rewards

The introduction of Jade Gift Boxes and the wider Event Creator reward system is, in my view, one of the strongest updates we’ve seen in Origins so far. Tying exclusive rewards directly to community-run events is a smart way to celebrate player creativity while giving genuine value to participation. The chance of uncovering a Jade rare adds excitement, while the guaranteed Laduduck ensures nobody walks away empty-handed – a simple but thoughtful touch that keeps the system rewarding rather than frustrating.

What truly elevates this, however, is the planned introduction of Event Creator (EC) Tokens. Allowing players to earn tokens over time and exchange them for seasonal badges, nameplates and customisations directly addresses one of Habbo’s long-standing issues: time zone exclusivity. Instead of rewards being locked behind a single hour or event, progression becomes fairer, more accessible and far more respectful of a global community.

The seasonal structure also feels well-judged. Rotating rewards every few months keeps things fresh without creating unrealistic pressure, while still giving players enough time to work towards meaningful goals. Importantly, this system doesn’t replace traditional competitions but complements them, creating multiple pathways for recognition and reward.

For a hotel that has occasionally struggled with consistency and player inclusion, this update represents a clear step in the right direction. It’s well thought-out, community-focused, and improves how events feel to participate in. Simply put: more of this.

Event Creators

What a GREAT month in terms of events for origins. Before we were limited to one or two staff games (if that) for the month. This is significantly better with EC members, tailoring games which will hit different timezones across the hotel. It’s so frustrating that this wasn’t in place for steam because what a difference it not even could have made, it WOULD have made.

• Tue 6th at 13:00 (UTC / Habbo Time) - Nelly Attack by WilfEC
• Fri 9th at 18:00 (UTC / Habbo Time) - Nelly Attack by WilfEC
• Fri 9th at 22:00 (UTC / Habbo Time) - Bob’s Fishy Friday by BobEC
• Sat 10th at 11:30 (UTC / Habbo Time) - Arctic Trap Doors by MatthewEC
• Sun 11th at 11:30 (UTC / Habbo Time) - Arctic Trap Doors by MatthewEC
• Tue 13th at 13:00 (UTC / Habbo Time) - Danger Rabbit by WilfEC
• Fri 16th at 18:00 (UTC / Habbo Time) - Danger Rabbit by WilfEC
• Mon 19th at 18:00 (UTC / Habbo Time) - Arctic Rush by HowlEC
• Sat 31st at 18:00 (UTC / Habbo Time) - Arctic Rush by HowlEC

A week following this article, the EC team announced even more EC events. Finally, we have reason to attend these events where it feels your time is worthwhile in attending. I just wish this was launched soon but it’s here now and I can only view it positively. My only concern is that while, ALTS will not receive a prize – we still have alts within these games and I really wish there was something in place to stop that, however I understand its not quite as easy as the community would want it. So, if you participate in these games and load up 10 alts per game of trapdoors? Hold a mirror up and identify you are the problem here… and self-centred.

Rares

The rares for the month were fine in all honesty, I would have liked to have seen a dark grey fan with a brown base maybe for executive to keep it in-line with the month but, it’s whatever. I think most people can agree the best out of the bunch is the ICM and the Prototype capsules. Not a home run by any means but I simply just hate fans and absolutely loathe laser gates. I guess they have their fanbase… I’m just not it and its fine not to enjoy every catalogue release.

Week 1 – Midnight Blue fan

Week 2 –  Executive Ice Cream Machine

Week 3 – Prototype capsules

Week 4 – Pink laser gate

Event Bar

The new Event Bar is a deceptively simple addition that makes a genuine difference to everyday gameplay. Sitting neatly in the top-left of the screen, it instantly shows what’s happening in the Hotel – whether that’s an automatic game like BattleBall, Wobble Squabble or Fishing Frenzy, or a community and Event Creator–led activity you can jump straight into.

The real strength of the Event Bar is clarity. Logging in and immediately knowing what’s going on removes guesswork and frustration, particularly for players who don’t want to trawl through rooms or announcements just to find something to do. It also helps with time-sensitive games, making it clear how long events like Wobble Showdown have left to run.

Crucially, it doesn’t feel intrusive. If you prefer a cleaner interface, the bar can be dismissed with a single click, and it disappears entirely when there are no active events. It’s a quality-of-life feature done right: unobtrusive, intuitive, and genuinely useful. Not flashy, but exactly the kind of polish the hotel has been needing.

For any new-comers, this will show that there are activities to participate in within the Hotel.

Executive Furni launches!

OK, OK. It’s not Diner furniture, but fine… I’ll accept it. In truth, there’s very little to complain about with the Executive line. It’s a genuinely stunning set and, more importantly, it actually fits the Origins aesthetic (unlike Country, and I won’t be changing my mind on that).

The line launched on 09/01/2026, though it wasn’t without a few teething issues. The desk initially couldn’t be rotated in all four directions, and the teleporters still had a few kinks to be ironed out. These were small but frustrating problems – however, both were fixed the very next day on 10/01/2026… on a Saturday, no less. Credit where it’s due.

Overall, the line is a clear win, and many Habbos are already looking ahead to the potential Funky Friday items expected later in the month. If this is the standard going forward, I’m more than happy to see where it leads.

RUBBER DUCK DAY!

I remember finding it quite a cutesy idea back in 2025: quacking at a duck and receiving a badge. At the time, it felt more like a small experiment to see how it would work and whether it might be worth expanding in the future. Completely harmless fun.

So, I genuinely didn’t expect Origins to do anything for Rubber Duck Day in 2026. Well, colour me surprised, what a way to knock it out of the park. No teaser, just a straight-up release. You could fish for map pieces, trade them with others, and ultimately receive a holo-duck.

There was a slight issue on day one (if it even was a bug), where you could only complete the map once, but this was resolved later that night. After that, people were happily hoarding map pieces. The hotel felt alive, and it was great to see. The holo-duck as a piece of furni is also nice, I’m always a fan of a good holo-pod. I still don’t quite understand why it’s so fast, but it doesn’t spoil it for me personally.

Additionally, an NPC bot was placed in the library, where you could trade 50 Habloons and a holo-duck to receive a Duck Easel. This furni is tradeable, while the holo-duck itself is not.

The only thing that I can make a small comment on, is the communication relating to when the event ends as it appeared from the Discord server people were caught off guard.

Fishing Derby

The introduction of Fishing Derby is a welcome addition to the Hotel and a refreshing way to make fishing feel more social and competitive. Running every four hours with a clear structure and a short registration window followed by a fast-paced 15-minute event, it strikes a good balance between accessibility and intensity. It’s easy to jump into, yet still rewarding for those who want to optimise their time and strategy.

What really works here is the sense of momentum. The live updates during the Derby keep you engaged, and seeing your final position at the end adds a satisfying layer of competition. It transforms what is usually a fairly relaxed activity into something dynamic, without losing the charm of fishing itself.

The fact that this mode was inspired by a community member, BobBarker is also worth highlighting. It’s always encouraging to see player ideas being brought into the game in a meaningful way. The upcoming API support, allowing players to track events and compare results, feels like a smart next step that will only deepen long-term engagement.

Overall, Fishing Derby feels thoughtfully designed, community-driven, and genuinely fun. A strong example of how small innovations can breathe new life into existing systems.

Habbo Competitions

Hooray! we finally got a building competition.

That said, I still firmly believe there should be at least two official competitions every month. Not everyone is a builder, and not everyone is an artist. A monthly building competition should be a constant, with the second rotating creatively such as Trax, real-life art, or something genuinely experimental. There’s so much untapped potential here.

While I’m glad, we received a competition at all, the brief itself was disappointingly bland. It felt uninspired and a little too check-boxy, which is not where official competitions should be. These are meant to spark creativity.

This one felt very similar to the Neopets building competition (and I will happily die on the hill that it remains one of the worst building concepts Origins has introduced). “Create a boardroom” simply isn’t exciting, not just for builders, but for everyone viewing the final entries. Competitions should encourage storytelling, not corporate offices.

This section was written prior to 27th January, when Origins released a follow-up article. Technically, two competitions were announced in January — but I’m not ready to count this as progress unless two competitions are actually running within the February window.

I do appreciate the added flavour of the Valentine’s theme, and if this signals a shift toward announcing competitions at the end of the previous month, I’m completely on board with that approach, as long as two competitions remain the standard.

Consistency matters more than timing. Until we see that month-to-month, this is still an area that needs improvement in 2026.

The results were released timely, although … someone from .es creeped into the .com results. Which, would indicate, that the competition rooms are not being checked and that is sketchy ground to be on, especially with Habbo. Anyway, what I am glad we are seeing the departure of, is this COPY and PASTE room builds, where everything is mirrored and centred. THANK GOD. Anyway, the top 20 done great rooms so well done, specifically to URT for thinking outside of the box on such a bland competition!

UPDATE from 30/01/2026. 

Since writing the above, Origins have announced an additional competition for February as part of the SUPERLOVE campaign, and it’s genuinely great to see two competitions launching right at the beginning of the month.

This is exactly the kind of consistency players have been asking for. Starting the month with multiple competitions immediately gives people something to work towards, something to talk about, and something creative to engage with. The SUPERLOVE building competition in particular feels far more imaginative than previous briefs, with clear emphasis on atmosphere, storytelling, and creativity rather than rigid or uninspired themes.

This is a really positive step forward, and if this becomes the new standard, it’s absolutely the right direction.

My only concern, and it’s a small one!  is what happens after these competitions conclude. Once they wrap up, the month may feel a little empty if there isn’t a follow-up or backup plan in place. Hopefully there’s more waiting in the wings to keep that momentum going throughout February, rather than just the opening stretch.

That said, credit where it’s due: this is a strong start, and it’s encouraging to see competitions being treated as a core part of the month rather than an afterthought.

My Reports and account status article

This is a solid quality-of-life improvement that tackles a long-standing frustration: not knowing what happens after submitting a report. The new My Reports window gives players clear visibility on Call for Help submissions, including their status, appeal information, and outcomes, removing the feeling that reports disappear into the void.

Being able to view active account sanctions directly in Account Settings is equally important. It provides clarity, reassurance, and helps players understand exactly where they stand at any given time.

While not a flashy update, this focus on transparency and fairness is genuinely valuable. Clearer systems build trust, reduce confusion, and contribute to a healthier hotel overall, exactly the kind of behind-the-scenes improvement Origins needs more of.

Creator Community Repoll

This article left me feeling a bit conflicted, not because supporting creators is a bad idea, but because I don’t think this should have been repolled at all. Creator programmes are ultimately part of a marketing strategy, designed to keep the game visible and attract new and returning players. That isn’t something the community really needs to “approve.”

I also think many players still don’t fully understand what the Creator Community is or why it benefits the wider hotel. This isn’t about handing out exclusive trophies for fun; it’s about encouraging content creation that helps Origins grow and stay active.

Rather than running another poll, it may have been more effective to clearly explain the programme’s purpose and announce plans to open applications. Right now, the Creator Community still feels vague and invite-only, which makes it harder for players to engage with or support.

Supporting creators is important, but explaining their value, and how players can become one, matters just as much.

The trophies are non-tradeable so essentially null and void really. I honestly don’t understand the outrage about any creator receiving these for hitting milestones that support the game. I understand polling things in-game, but I just think it’s utterly ridiculous to have your community have a say in something which I see is part of marketing. 

Many others don’t share the same opinion as me on this and that’s ok.

The result, as expected was a no. The community do not want Content Creator that they enjoy, contribute hours of streaming, playing games, rewarding players with rare giveaways and genuinely help engagement to earn rewards. Sorry if you don’t like how I’ve written that but it’s simply the truth.  What’s more sad is I see many people who participate or engage with CC content cheer for this result.

Habloons – Phase 1 Launch

The launch of Habloons is a genuinely exciting step for Origins and easily one of the most ambitious updates we’ve seen so far. While I’ll be honest and say I still haven’t fully wrapped my head around every part of the system yet, that’s hardly surprising given its scale, and it is still very early days.

What’s clear, though, is the intent behind it. Habloons open the door to a more active, player-driven economy and finally give Habbo Club members additional long-term value beyond cosmetic perks. The return of credit-style furniture alone has brought back a familiar and much-loved aspect of trading, and it already feels like the hotel is moving again.

I also appreciate how carefully this has been rolled out. With limits, safeguards and clear communication in place, it feels considered rather than rushed. This isn’t a throw-it-in-and-hope-for-the-best update, it’s groundwork being laid.

The real test, of course, will come with Phase 2. Marketplace support has the potential to completely change how Habloons function day to day, and it’ll be genuinely interesting to see how the economy evolves once that goes live.

For now, though, this feels like a strong and confident first step. Big ideas like this are exactly what Origins needs, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it leads.

Noco Visit

Noco arrived at the beginning of the month, once again, not for me (ever). As usual, the hotel did feel noticeably busier on the day, with players rushing around trying to obtain whatever goodies he had in stock. Of everything available, the fountain seemed the most realistically obtainable. I really don’t have much to ever say here, he does what he’s supposed to and this time left promptly.

That said, I never tend to have much to say about Noco himself, so instead, I want to talk about a much bigger and more persistent issue: dyes.

The image above is probably the best representation of dyes in the hotel currently. Utterly pointless unless you are willing to trade high price points with Noco for a different coloured dye. Something which was a little bit different, being able to dye different furni for a limited time was quite a good idea… until crickets since its introduction. Over the last few months, Noco has asked for multiple Rares to obtain a super rare colour which could be applied to a rare furni he has and that’s really it. You’ve cut off a % of your users from a variety of accessible options to use on dyes unless you want a god-awful mustard colour or the olive green.  While I’m deviating from Noco here… I just want to highlight that dye jars as they stand right now are awful and simply pointless. I’d really like the team to have a think about pushing out different colours every few months for regular players to obtain and utilise.

Valentine’s Campaign – A Strong Start to February

This article deserves genuine praise, not just for its content, but for when it was released. Sharing clear information before the end of the month immediately sets February up on the right foot and avoids the usual uncertainty of “what’s coming next.” It’s reassuring, organised, and exactly the kind of forward communication the hotel benefits from.

The introduction of SUPERLOVE as a campaign mascot is also a huge win. Having a recognisable character tied not only to articles, but to in-game events, competitions and activities adds personality and cohesion to the entire campaign. It makes Valentine’s feel like more than just furni in the catalogue, it becomes a story, a theme, and an experience.

Bringing Event Creators directly into the Opening Gala is another smart move. It reinforces collaboration between staff and the community, while making the launch feel social rather than transactional. This kind of shared kickoff helps the hotel feel alive and connected.

Overall, this feels like a confident and well-structured start to the month. Clear communication, early planning, and the creation of campaign lore through SUPERLOVE and her angels shows real growth in how Origins approaches seasonal events. If this is the standard going forward, it’s a very encouraging sign. THIS is what origins wants and quite frankly, needs.

Habbo Articles

As I flagged back in December, regular communication through articles is absolutely crucial for making the hotel feel alive and active. Even when content isn’t launching every single day, knowing what’s happening, what’s coming, and what’s being worked on plays a huge role in maintaining player engagement and trust.

In January alone, Origins published 30 articles, that’s an for every day of the month. That level of consistency is genuinely impressive and shouldn’t go unnoticed. It creates rhythm, momentum, and anticipation, giving players a reason to log in not just to play, but to check what’s new.

These articles don’t just serve as announcements; they help shape the identity of the hotel. Whether it’s event teasers, fixes, polls, or campaign flavour, regular updates make Origins feel actively managed rather than static. That perception matters far more than people sometimes realise.

Kudos to the Origins team for maintaining this pace. It shows commitment, organisation, and a clear understanding of how important communication is to the community. This is exactly the kind of consistency players have been asking for, and something that genuinely helps the hotel feel alive.

MARKETSTALLS RELEASE - UPDATED AFTER ARTICLE PUBLISHED (30/01/2026)

As mentioned above, this new mechanic has the potential to genuinely change the direction of trading and the in-game economy. It’s a really nice piece of work overall, and with each stall costing 10 Habloons, it naturally encourages players to engage with the Habloon system, either by converting credits or trading for them and which ties the wider economy together nicely.

Habloons is still the worst name imaginable. Anyway.

The furni itself is actually very well designed, and while I can’t fairly judge its full impact just yet, it’s clear this has the potential to become a major feature once we see how players adopt it and how it behaves long-term.

That said… a surprise release for something like this feels like a missed opportunity. Features of this scale are perfect hype material, something to tease, build anticipation around, and give players a reason to log in on a specific day to see what’s coming.

Instead, that excitement was largely thrown out the window.

Womp womp.

CONCLUSION

Overall, January has been a genuinely strong and encouraging month for Habbo Hotel: Origins. While it wasn’t without its flaws such as lingering polish issues, abandoned systems like dyes, and ongoing inconsistency around competitions but the direction of travel is clearly positive.

This month delivered meaningful systems rather than surface-level content. Event Creators finally feel properly integrated, the Event Bar adds real day-to-day value, Fishing Derby injects life into existing gameplay, and Habloons represents one of the most ambitious long-term updates Origins has attempted so far. Combined with improved transparency, clearer communication, and a noticeable increase in hotel activity, January felt busy in the best possible way.

Perhaps most importantly, the hotel felt alive. Regular articles, frequent events, and early communication about upcoming campaigns created momentum that has often been missing in the past. That consistency matters, and the team deserves recognition for maintaining it.

Looking ahead to February, the Valentine’s campaign already feels promising. The introduction of SUPERLOVE and the surrounding lore is exactly the kind of thematic cohesion Origins benefits from,  and now, many of us are hoping to finally see the Valentine’s Theatredrome make its long-awaited return. It would be the perfect centrepiece to bring the campaign together.

Taking everything into account, this month earns a confident:

8.6 / 10

A strong start to 2026, not perfect, but ambitious, active, and clearly moving in the right direction. If this level of communication, creativity, and momentum continues, Origins is setting itself up for an even stronger year ahead. Let’s see where this goes!

p.s. give us a community challenge please and get rid of penguins!