LayerWalker

Automatic layer switching for WoW TBC Classic.

LayerWalker detects your current server layer and helps you switch to a different one — whether you want to play with friends, find a quieter farming spot, or coordinate world buff timing. It works through guild chat and an optional public network channel, so you can switch layers with guildmates or any other LayerWalker user on your server.

Features

Layer Detection

• Automatically detects your current layer using NPC GUIDs in anchor zones
• Configurable anchor mode: Auto, Shattrath, or Capital cities (Stormwind/Orgrimmar)
• Real-time layer tracking with zone-to-layer mapping
• Optional NovaWorldBuffs integration for additional layer data

Layer Switching

• Target switch — pick a specific layer from the UI
• Random switch — jump to any available different layer with one click
• Cross-world filter — optionally block switches between Azeroth and Outland (which may fail due to server behavior)
• Coordinated invite system with jitter-based claiming for fairness when multiple players can invite

Auto-Invite & Auto-Accept

• Auto-Invite: Automatically sends group invites to players requesting your layer
• Auto-Accept: Automatically accepts invites from known LayerWalker users during a pending switch
• Group Fill: Allow invites even when already in a group (up to 5 members, no raids)
• Both Auto-Invite and Auto-Accept can be toggled in settings or via slash commands

Real Feedback on Failed Requests

When no invite arrives, LayerWalker tells you exactly why — based on real responses from other clients, not guessing.
Possible reasons include: auto-invite disabled, in a group, group full, in a raid, in an instance, different world (Azeroth/Outland), or own layer unknown.

Two Communication Modes

• Guild: Shares layer data with your guildmates automatically (no setup needed)
• Network: Public channel for cross-guild coordination — find and switch layers with anyone running LayerWalker on your server
• Dual transport: addon messaging + chat-text fallback for maximum reliability
• Whisper-based fallback keeps communication alive even when the channel has issues
• Faction-aware: only matches you with players of the same faction

User Interface

• Button Panel: Quick-access buttons for Switch, Random, layer +/-, and Cancel
• Layer Panel: Shows your current layer at a glance
• Info Panel: Scrollable display with known layers, player counts, and switch status
• Settings Panel: All options in one place
• Minimap Button: Left-click opens UI, right-click opens settings
• UI Scale: Adjustable from 0.5× to 2.0× for all panels

Slash Commands

Use /lw or /layerwalker for all commands.

How It Works

1. Detection: When you enter an anchor zone (Shattrath or a capital city), LayerWalker reads NPC GUIDs to identify your current layer.
2. Sharing: Your layer is broadcast to guildmates and/or the public network channel.
3. Switching: When you request a layer switch, LayerWalker finds a player on that layer. Multiple eligible players compete fairly via jitter-based claiming — the fastest responder sends the invite.
4. Feedback: If no one can invite you, you get a specific reason why (e.g. "auto-invite disabled", "in a group") instead of silence.

Installation

1. Download and extract to World of Warcraft/_classic_/Interface/AddOns/LayerWalker/
2. Restart WoW or type /reload
3. Type /lw ui to open the main window

FAQ

Q: Do other players need this addon too?
A: For layer switching, yes — at least one other player on your target layer needs LayerWalker. Guild-based layer sharing works automatically with guildmates who have the addon.

Q: Does it work outside of Shattrath?
A: Layer detection requires an anchor zone (Shattrath or capital cities). Once detected, your layer is remembered until you switch.

Q: Is the network channel visible in chat?
A: Protocol messages are automatically filtered from your chat. You can also hide the channel entirely in WoW's chat settings.

Q: What about Azeroth vs. Outland?
A: Switching layers across continents may fail due to server behavior. You can enable the cross-world filter in settings to prevent these requests.

Compatibility

• Game Version: WoW TBC Classic (2.5.x)
• Standalone: No dependencies — works entirely on its own
• Optional: If NovaWorldBuffs is installed, LayerWalker can import its layer data as a bonus