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"Different Phase" in WoW Forever: How to Play With Friends on the Same Layer
Willo
WoW Forever runs busy zones as several copies at once, called layers or world instances. If your friend is in another copy, you can't see them. Make sure you're on the same region, ruleset and faction, invite them to your group, and accept the "refresh world" prompt when you're out of combat. Blizzard hasn't published a step-by-step fix beyond that.
Updated
Why can't I see my friend?
To handle launch crowds, WoW Forever splits each zone into several copies ("world instances", often called layers). You and your friend can be in the same place on the map but in different copies, so you can't see each other.
What do we need to play together?
All three must match:
| Must match | Why |
|---|---|
| Region | You can't group across regions |
| Ruleset | Normal, PvP, Roleplaying and Roleplay-PvP are separate spaces |
| Faction | Horde and Alliance can't group |
How do we get into the same copy?
- Invite your friend to a group.
- Watch for a "refresh world" prompt. Joining a group can offer to move you to your group's copy instead of moving you instantly.
- Accept it out of combat. Blizzard's beta notes say the prompt can't be accepted while you're in combat.
During the beta, Blizzard noted that changing a party could move people to a different world instance, and on October 1 that party leaders should no longer be moved when a party changes. Players still reported being split up at launch, so if it doesn't work the first time, leave combat and try again.
What about all the fixes on Reddit?
Players share tricks like relogging or changing zones. Those are player workarounds, not official advice, and they don't always work. We'd rather not promise you one.
Can Willo help?
Add your friends in my Friends tab and, when they share it, see who's out in the world and where they were last seen, then plan where to meet. Playing with friends.
FAQ
Why can't I see my friend in WoW Forever?
You're probably in different layers, separate copies of the same zone. Group up and accept the refresh-world prompt out of combat.
How do I get in the same phase as a friend in WoW Forever?
Be on the same region, ruleset and faction, invite them to your group, and accept the prompt to refresh your world when out of combat.
Can Horde and Alliance group in WoW Forever?
No. Horde and Alliance characters can't group together.
Has Blizzard fixed layering in WoW Forever?
Blizzard adjusted party layering during the beta, but players still reported being split at launch, and Blizzard hasn't posted official steps.