After having previously announced that 19 realms are now operating on a single layer, the WoW Classic devs stated on October 23 that 17 new servers are now no longer layered.
Update: On October 24, Blizzard stated that 4 new european servers were down to a single layer.
List of Affected Realms
Europe
English
- Dreadmist
- Flamelash
- Stonespine
German
- Transcendence
Americas
US East
- Atiesh
- Bigglesworth
- Blaumeux
- Grobbulus
- Myzrael
- Rattlegore
- Thunderfury
US West
- Benediction
- Bloodsail Buccaneers
- Kirtonos
- Kromcrush
- Mankrik
- Skeram
- Stalagg
- Sulfuras
- Westfall
Oceania
- Yojamba
What is Layering?
Layering is a technique which is similar to Sharding; it was present on all World of Warcraft servers. In essence, each server is comprised of several layers, and each layer contains the entirety of the world map.
When a character is created, it is automatically assigned to one of these layers and is not able to leave it unless Blizzard deactivates the entire Layering system.
It employs the use of several smaller servers inside a larger server to reduce lag, issues pertaining to creature respawns, etc.
This system is different from Sharding, as the latter only requires the use of layers for small sections of the map instead of the entire world being layered.
Players can leave layers by joining groups (effectively Realm Hopping).
Official Blizzard Statement
Atiesh
Benediction
Bigglesworth
Blaumeux
Bloodsail Buccaneers
Grobbulus
Kirtonos
Kromcrush
Mankrik
Myzrael
Rattlegore
Skeram
Stalagg
Sulfuras
Thunderfury
Westfall
Yojamba (Australia)
These are in addition to the realms that we listed on October 3 1.2k.
We continue to closely monitor player populations and realm performance, and we expect to move the remaining layered realms to their final state soon.
Free Character Moves continue to be available from many of the highest-populated realms, and as before, we suggest that anyone considering using that service do so as soon as possible.
Hallow's End will take place from October 18th - November 1st in WoW Classic. Discover all you need to know about the WoW Classic Halloween event, including how to get the Invocation of the Wickerman Buff.
