WoW Forever Raids: Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Summit and Onyxia
There are no raids on launch day. Three unlock on 9 December — the 10-player Barrow Deeps, 20-player Hyjal Summit and 40-player Onyxia’s Lair — with more on Blizzard’s roadmap for 2027. Here is what is confirmed and how to be ready.
By RaidForever Team
Quick summary
- No raids are open when WoW Forever launches on 4 November.
- Three raids unlock on 9 December: Barrow Deeps (10 players), Hyjal Summit (20) and Onyxia’s Lair (40).
- Blizzard promises new tier sets and a legendary reward it hasn’t fully revealed yet.
- Spring 2027 adds two more raids (10 and 20 players); summer brings a revamped iconic raid and another new one.
- You have five weeks between launch and raids to reach 60 and gear up.
The launch raids: 9 December
WoW Forever launches without raids. They open five weeks later, on 9 December, giving everyone time to reach 60 and build a pre-raid set first.
| Raid | Size | What we know |
|---|---|---|
| The Barrow Deeps | 10 players | A new max-level raid |
| Hyjal Summit | 20 players | A new raid at one of Warcraft’s most important locations |
| Onyxia’s Lair | 40 players | The original 40-player raid returns |
Three raid sizes means guilds of every size have something to clear. A ten-person group can run the Barrow Deeps without recruiting a full 40.
Rewards: tier sets and a legendary
Blizzard says the new raids bring new tier sets and a legendary reward it hasn’t fully revealed yet. Full loot tables haven’t been published, and we’ll update this guide when they are. One rule is already confirmed: raid epics unlock their transmog only for the player who loots them, unlike dungeon greens and blues, which unlock for the whole group.
The raid roadmap for 2027
Blizzard’s roadmap goes beyond the launch raids:
- Spring 2027: two new raids (one 10-player, one 20-player), plus two new dungeons, a new legendary questline and a PvP season refresh.
- Summer 2027: a revamped iconic raid from the original game and another new raid.
Blizzard hasn’t said which original raid gets the revamp.
Raid carries for 9 December
How to be ready on 9 December
- Reach 60 early. The raids are max-level content, and five weeks goes quickly at around 150 hours for 1–60.
- Build a pre-raid set. Blackmaw Hold and Shaper’s Terrace join Scholomance, Stratholme and Blackrock Spire as max-level dungeons. Our dungeons guide lists them all.
- Level a profession for consumables. Flasks, potions and food made a big difference in the original raids.
- Find your group before the gates open. Raid spots go fastest in the first week.
FAQ
When do raids open in WoW Forever?
On 9 December 2026, five weeks after the 4 November launch. No raids are available at launch.
What raids are in WoW Forever?
The Barrow Deeps (10 players), Hyjal Summit (20 players) and Onyxia’s Lair (40 players) unlock on 9 December. Two more raids come in spring 2027, and a revamped original raid plus another new one in summer 2027.
Are there tier sets in WoW Forever raids?
Yes. Blizzard says the new raids bring new tier sets, along with a legendary reward it hasn’t fully revealed.
Do raid drops unlock transmog for the whole group?
No. Raid epics unlock their appearance only for the player who loots them. Dungeon greens and blues unlock for every eligible group member.
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