LayerHop — Modern Shard Tracker & 1-Click Hopper

LayerHop is a lightweight, zero-configuration peer-to-peer sharding utility built specifically for WoW Forever (Client 1.60.1 / Interface 16001).

Instead of relying on clunky global commands or guessing phases, LayerHop connects you to an automated realm mesh via the hidden LayerHopNet channel, tracking active open-world shards and providing seamless 1-click party hops.

How Sharding Works in WoW Forever

WoW Forever uses Dynamic Zone Sharding rather than continental layering. Each open-world zone (Redridge, Stranglethorn Vale, Stormwind, etc.) spins shards up and down independently based on localized player density.

Because zone phase boundaries are isolated:

• Same-Zone Hops ([Here]): When you hop to a peer in your exact zone, your game client phases immediately to their shard.
• Cross-Zone Hops: Grouping with a peer across the world (e.g., hopping from Redridge to a host in Teldrassil) holds group membership, but the server will not phase your open-world environment until you travel into their zone.

LayerHop is built around this exact architecture.

Key Features

• Instant Zero-Delay Fast Lock: Identifies and displays your current zone shard upon login or zone transition with zero lag.
• Animated HUD Radar Compass: A movable, modern status badge displays an active cyan radar sweep while inspecting nearby ambient entities and locks emerald green once verified.
• Smart Proximity Prioritization ([Here]): Peers located within your immediate zone are tagged [Here] in green and sorted to the very top for guaranteed, instant phase shifts.
• 20-Second Shard Anchor Delay (Tether Protection): Prevents the server's "tether reversion" from snapping you back to your previous shard by maintaining group persistence for 20 seconds before cleanly dropping party.
• Interactive Auto-Leave Toast: Need to drop party early? Hit Leave Now the moment you tag a mob or talk to an NPC, or click Stay in Party to remain grouped permanently.
• 15-Second Phase Watchdog: If an invite is accepted but the host fails to shift your layer (e.g., host is dead, AFK, or desynced), LayerHop automatically disbands to keep you from getting stranded.
• Ghost & Combat Host Protection: Peers who are dead, in spirit form, in combat, or in a full party will reject incoming hops automatically, protecting the network from failed attempts.
• LibDataBroker & Minimap Integration: Full support for custom minimap buttons and data broker bars.

How to Use

1. Install and Log In: LayerHop automatically connects to the LayerHopNet channel. Target or walk near any NPC/guard to lock your active shard.
2. Open the Mesh Dashboard: Click the minimap icon, click the HUD badge, or type /lh.
3. Find a Peer: Look for peers tagged with [Here] in your current zone.
4. Click Hop:
   • LayerHop dispatches a silent handshake request.
   • The host's client automatically invites you.
   • Your client auto-accepts and monitors your layer.
   • Once shifted, the countdown toast anchors your shard and auto-leaves the group after 20 seconds.

Slash Commands

• /lh or /layerhop — Toggle the main Realm Mesh dashboard
• /lh badge — Toggle the floating HUD layer badge
• /lh config — Open the in-game settings modal (auto-accept, auto-invite, auto-leave, mute alerts)
• /lh history — Print all mapped shards discovered during your session
• /lh sync — Broadcast a manual sync ping across the mesh
• /lh test — Toggle simulated dev peers for interface preview
• /lh reset — Reset the floating badge to the default screen position
• /lh clear — Wipe cached peer entries and session history

Made By: K1DW1K
Game Version: WoW Forever (1.60.1 / Interface 16001)