Key facts at a glance
- World of Warcraft: Forever opens three level 60 raids: Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Summit and Onyxia's Lair.
- They unlock on December 9, 2026, about five weeks after the game launches on November 4.
- Raid sizes: 10 players in Barrow Deeps, 20 in Hyjal Summit, 40 in Onyxia's Lair.
- Every raid member needs the Drakefire Amulet from a faction-specific attunement chain to enter Onyxia's Lair.
- All three raids are currently planned to reset weekly.
The three launch raids
Blizzard has confirmed the location, level and size of all three WoW: Forever launch raids, and two of them sit on Mount Hyjal.
| Raid | Location | Players | Bosses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrow Deeps | beneath Mount Hyjal, entrances via Mount Hyjal, Winterspring and Blackmaw Hold | 10 | 8 |
| Hyjal Summit | summit of Mount Hyjal near the World Tree Nordrassil | 20 | 13 |
| Onyxia's Lair | Dustwallow Marsh | 40 | not stated |
Each one is tuned for level 60. Our dungeons and raids overview lists every instance with its entrance.
Barrow Deeps
Barrow Deeps is the prison that held Illidan Stormrage for 10,000 years. Its passages have been opened, and groups of ten head down to learn what became of those left behind and how the wardens intend to contain what lurks below. Eight bosses wait inside.
Hyjal Summit
Hyjal Summit is the largest of the three with 13 bosses. It opens with a fight against an ancient guardian, after which raids pick between several routes across the mountain, through ruins above and below ground, before the path to the final encounters opens.
Onyxia's Lair
Onyxia's Lair pits 40 players against Nefarian's younger sister of the Black Dragonflight. The fight has three phases with heavy fire damage, and Blizzard recommends stacking fire resistance and being ready to reposition as the encounter shifts.
Attunement: earning the Drakefire Amulet
You cannot enter Onyxia's Lair without the Drakefire Amulet in your bags, though it does not need to be equipped. The quest chain differs by faction, includes elite quests and sends you into high-level dungeons several times.
Alliance: Start with "Dragonkin Menace" from Helendis Riverhorn in the Burning Steppes, followed by six quests called "The True Masters." Marshal Maxwell at Morgan's Vigil sends you into Blackrock Depths to free Marshal Windsor ("Jail Break!"). Then come "The Great Masquerade" in Stormwind and "The Dragon's Eye," and the chain ends in Upper Blackrock Spire with the Blood of the Black Dragon Champion from General Drakkisath.
Horde: Start with "Blood and Thunder" from Warlord Goretooth in Kargath, Badlands. The chain runs through Lower Blackrock Spire twice (including Rend Blackhand's head), to Thrall in Orgrimmar, Rexxar in Desolace and Myranda the Hag in the Western Plaguelands. In Dustwallow Marsh the drake Emberstrife sets four "Test of Skulls" quests, and the finale is again General Drakkisath in Upper Blackrock Spire.
If you want to start the chain early, our leveling guide helps you get to 60 faster.
FAQ
When do raids open in WoW: Forever?
Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Summit and Onyxia's Lair unlock on December 9, 2026, roughly five weeks after the November 4 launch.
How many players do WoW: Forever raids need?
Barrow Deeps is a 10-player raid, Hyjal Summit is for 20 players and Onyxia's Lair needs 40.
Is there an attunement for Onyxia's Lair?
Yes. Every raid member needs the Drakefire Amulet from an Alliance or Horde quest chain. It only has to be in your inventory, not equipped.
Where is Barrow Deeps located?
Barrow Deeps lies beneath Mount Hyjal in Kalimdor, with entrances in Mount Hyjal, Winterspring and Blackmaw Hold.
How often do WoW: Forever raids reset?
Blizzard currently plans weekly resets for all three raids.
Sources: Blizzard: World of Warcraft: Forever Raid Overview (October 20, 2026). As of October 21, 2026.
