A mechanic in WoW Classic allows players to farm faster and more effectively. This was not intended by Blizzard and disrupts honest players. However, the developers downplay the issue, stating that it is not as bad as it seems.
What is being exploited? It concerns the mechanic of layering in WoW Classic. This was supposed to ensure that areas in WoW are not completely overcrowded. Due to the large influx, starting areas are particularly full of players.
To prevent these players from constantly stealing opponents or blocking each other, the world is divided into different “layers.” These are essentially copies of the world on the same server. Players in different layers cannot see each other and therefore cannot steal anything.
This is how the system is exploited: The system should not hinder groups. When someone invites a friend, they bring them onto their layer so they can play together. This usually happens within seconds.
Players are now exploiting this to be invited into other layers on purpose. They circumvent the respawn of enemies or materials. This makes it easier for them to skill their professions or reach level 60 faster.
For players who want to play without exploits, we have some tips for leveling up quickly in WoW Classic and tricks to get gold faster.
Layering and exploits: How bad is it really
This is what Blizzard and the fans say: “Fair” players now fear that this exploit disadvantages them as exploiters make excessive use of layering, potentially destroying the economy of the entire server.
According to WoW developer Pazorax in the official US forums of WoW, the problem is significantly smaller than many players claim:
We want to assure you that this is a much smaller problem than some people are claiming. We have closely monitored the impact of layering on the economy and other aspects of the game, and many of the stories posted here are simply false.
There were screenshots of banks full of crafting materials that we verified and found to be fake.
In any case, each server only has a single-digit number of layers. Most of them have a rather low number. Claims of dozens of layers per server are false.
This is how the problem will be addressed: Nevertheless, Blizzard wants to take action against the exploit. As a first measure, it is planned to increase the time between transfers between layers. Players who are invited will therefore take longer to switch layers.
In addition, layering is to be disabled in later phases of WoW Classic. This will happen when the player population is better distributed in the world and does not cluster in areas.
