What WoW: Forever's Layering Fixes Mean for You

These fixes could restore the persistent-world feel that players love, but unresolved zone-boundary layering may still frustrate PvP fans.

These fixes could restore the persistent-world feel that players love, but unresolved zone-boundary layering may still frustrate PvP fans.

Key points - Blizzard will improve layering in WoW: Forever before launch on November 4. - Layering assigns players to separate world copies based on friends, language, and PvP balance. - Beta players reported frequent layer switches when leaving groups, crossing zones, or using transports. - Fixes include preventing layer changes on boats and zeppelins and for large groups leaving cities. - Zone-boundary layering remains unaddressed, worrying PvP players.

Timeline - During WoW: Forever beta: Players complain about frequent and disruptive layer changes. - Recent: Blizzard tells GameSpot it is making improvements to layering ahead of launch. - November 4: WoW: Forever launches, and players will see how the fixes work.

FAQ

Q: What is layering in WoW: Forever? A: Layering is a system that creates multiple copies of the world to manage player population. It helps performance and reduces crowding but can cause unexpected layer switches.

Q: What layering issues is Blizzard fixing? A: Blizzard is preventing players from being separated from others on transports after loading screens and stopping large groups from changing layers when leaving capital cities.

Q: When will these layering improvements go live? A: Blizzard is working on improvements now ahead of launch on November 4 and will continue making changes through launch and beyond.