WoW Forever Phase 1 Raids: Onyxia, Barrow Deeps, Hyjal
WoW Forever Phase 1 raids unlock on December 9, 2026. Raid sizes, what is new, the Onyxia attunement and a five-week plan to be ready.
WoW Forever's first raid tier unlocks on December 9, 2026, about five weeks after the November 4 launch. Phase 1 has three raids of three different sizes: the new Barrow Deeps for 10 players, the new Hyjal Summit for 20 and the returning Onyxia's Lair for 40. Here is what is confirmed and how to be ready on the first night.
Phase 1 raid release date
The raids unlock on December 9, 2026. Nothing raid-related is open at launch, so the first five weeks are about leveling, professions and dungeon gear. Blizzard expects later phases every few months, with the spring 2027 update adding a new 10-player and a new 20-player raid.
WoW Forever Phase 1 raids
| Raid | Players | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Barrow Deeps | 10 | New raid. The easiest roster to fill, good for guilds and friend groups. |
| Hyjal Summit | 20 | New raid tied to the Mount Hyjal endgame zone. |
| Onyxia's Lair | 40 | Classic raid returning. Requires the Onyxia attunement. |
Barrow Deeps (10 players)
Barrow Deeps is the smallest raid in Phase 1 and the one most groups will clear first. A 10-player roster is simple to organize compared to classic 40-player raids, which makes it the natural first step for small guilds and pre-made groups.
Hyjal Summit (20 players)
Hyjal Summit is a new 20-player raid connected to Mount Hyjal, one of the four new zones. A 20-player size sits between the small Barrow Deeps group and a full 40-player raid, so mid-sized guilds can run it without recruiting a full classic roster.
Onyxia's Lair (40 players) and the attunement
Onyxia's Lair returns as the 40-player raid of Phase 1. As in Classic, you need the Onyxia attunement quest chain before you can enter. Start it as soon as you reach the level for it, because the chain involves dungeon steps that are hard to fit in once raid week begins.
Five-week plan to be raid-ready
- Week 3: finish your main professions and riding, then start the Onyxia attunement.
- Week 4-5: farm pre-raid gear from Blackmaw Hold, Shaper's Terrace and the classic endgame dungeons.
- Raid week: stock consumables, repair, and confirm your raid group's roster for each raid size.
Raid carries for WoW Forever
If you want to raid from the first lockout without joining a guild, our WoW Forever Phase 1 raid carries cover each raid or all three, with group loot or full loot priority and an optional Onyxia attunement. Short on time? Pre-raid gear and powerleveling get your character ready before December 9.
Get raid-ready for December 9
WoW Forever Phase 1 Raids
- Any Raid
- Fast Clear
- Secure & Safe
WoW Forever Pre-raid Gear
- Any Raid
- Fast Clear
- Secure & Safe
WoW Forever Powerleveling
- Any Level Range
- Fast Leveling
- Secure & Safe
WoW Forever raids FAQ
When do WoW Forever raids come out?
Phase 1 raids unlock on December 9, 2026, about five weeks after the November 4 launch.
Which raids are in Phase 1?
Barrow Deeps (10 players), Hyjal Summit (20 players) and Onyxia's Lair (40 players).
Do I need an attunement for Onyxia?
Yes. Onyxia's Lair requires an attunement quest chain before you can enter.
Will there be more raids?
Yes. Blizzard's roadmap lists a new 10-player and a new 20-player raid for spring 2027, and a revamped classic raid plus a new raid for summer 2027.
Related guides
Start with the WoW Forever launch guide for dates and times, plan your route with the WoW Forever dungeons guide, or see all WoW Forever services.