================================================================================ Sandworlds client — what is included ================================================================================ This installer contains the game client data and client-side mods needed to play on Sandworlds. Two locations matter: WoW-SandWorlds/ Game folder (same level as WoW.exe) *.dll Client mods (loaded at startup; see below) dlls.txt List of DLLs to load (do not delete) WoW.exe Game executable WoW-SandWorlds/Data/ Game data archives *.MPQ Patch and content files (see below) ================================================================================ DATA FOLDER — .MPQ archives (WoW-SandWorlds/Data/) ================================================================================ All archives use the .MPQ extension (examples: patch.MPQ, Patch-A.MPQ). BASE GAME (Vanilla 1.12.1) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- patch.MPQ patch-2.MPQ patch-3.MPQ TURTLE WOW 1.17.1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- patch-4.MPQ patch-5.MPQ GRAPHIC MODS (Sandworlds HD pack — Full installer only unless noted) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- World textures (split across several archives): Patch-A.MPQ World textures (A) Patch-B.MPQ World textures (B) Patch-C.MPQ World textures (C) Patch-D.MPQ World textures (D) Patch-E.MPQ World textures (E) Patch-F.MPQ World textures (F) Patch-G.MPQ World textures (G) Environment and presentation: Patch-I.MPQ UI elements (early WIP — default UI only; may conflict with some addons) Patch-L.MPQ Loading screens Patch-M.MPQ Map textures (WIP — minor imperfections possible) Patch-N.MPQ Nights: HD skybox (stars, nebula, moon) and darker nights Patch-W.MPQ Epoch water Patch-Y.MPQ Fog pushback Characters and gear (use together or disable both): Patch-O.MPQ Player and armor textures (requires Patch-P) Patch-P.MPQ Player and armor textures (requires Patch-O) Effects and audio (Reforged-derived assets): Patch-Q.MPQ Spell and particle effects Patch-S.MPQ HD sounds and music Other: Patch-Z.MPQ Curvier female high elves and trolls (humans and night elves not supported yet) MPQ notes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- • Patch-O and Patch-P must both be present, or both removed. Do not use only one. • Patch-I is work in progress. Use only if you play with the default UI. • Do not remove base or Turtle patches (patch.MPQ through patch-5.MPQ). ================================================================================ GAME FOLDER — .DLL mods (WoW-SandWorlds/) ================================================================================ These DLLs are injected when the game starts. The client reads which ones to load from dlls.txt. Descriptions below are what each mod is for (based on public Turtle WoW / Vanilla client mod documentation). REQUIRED LOADER (do not remove) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- twloader.dll Turtle/Sandworlds built-in DLL loader. Reads dlls.txt and loads the other DLLs into the game process. Required for the client to work; cannot be removed or disabled. CORE CLIENT FIXES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VfPatcher.dll Part of VanillaFixes. Injects other DLLs before the game runs and applies client fixes (reduces stutter and animation lag on the 1.12 client). VanillaHelpers.dll Helper library for HD content: larger texture limits, higher-res skins and armor, extra memory for textures, and support hooks used by HD patches. Required for HD .MPQ packs to work correctly. Mandatory in this installer. d3d9.dll DXVK: replaces old DirectX 9 rendering with Vulkan on modern GPUs. Better performance and compatibility on current Windows systems. Ships with a dxvk.conf in the game folder for options (e.g. borderless window). GAMEPLAY AND API ENHANCEMENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SuperWoWhook.dll SuperWoW: expands the Lua API for addons (longer macros, extra unit/world data, bug fixes). Many Sandworlds addons expect SuperWoW to be loaded. nampower.dll Fixes cast-bar lag: the vanilla 1.12 client waits for server confirmation before starting the next cast. Nampower removes that delay so casting feels responsive (especially on higher latency). UnitXP_SP3.dll UnitXP Service Pack 3: better Tab targeting (line of sight, distance, combat filters), improved nameplates, camera tweaks, background whisper alerts, JPEG screenshots, Lua debugging helpers, and related QoL. Works with the UnitXP_SP3_Addon in Interface/AddOns/. PERFORMANCE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- perf_boost.dll PerfBoost: smarter unit render distances (players, pets, mobs, corpses) with different limits in cities, outdoors, and combat. Reduces FPS drops in crowded areas and raids. Optional in-game settings via PerfBoost addon. SERVER / QUALITY-OF-LIFE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AfkPreventer.dll Sends small periodic input so the client is less likely to go AFK and disconnect during long sessions (use responsibly; server rules still apply). transmogfix.dll Client fix for Sandworlds transmogrification: removes frame drops caused by the server’s durability workaround when transmog is applied. Keeps transmog visuals without the stutter. ================================================================================ LITE VS FULL INSTALLER ================================================================================ Lite Smaller download. Includes HD hero/player models (Patch-O / Patch-P style content) and the DLL stack above, but not the full HD world/audio .MPQ set. Full Complete Data/ .MPQ list in this file plus all client DLLs. Downloads and comparison table: https://world.sandworlds.com/download ================================================================================ TROUBLESHOOTING ================================================================================ • If a DLL mod stops working after an update, check dlls.txt still lists it. • Logs: WoW-SandWorlds/Logs/ (e.g. twloader.log, gx.log). • Do not mix Patch-O and Patch-P alone; use both or neither.