Blizzard has already shown what comes after launch. The WoW Forever roadmap runs through summer 2027: three raids on December 9, Hardcore mode this winter and two major updates with raids, dungeons, a legendary questline and new PvP seasons.
Key points
- November 4: WoW Forever launches.
- December 9: three raids unlock at once: Barrow Deeps (10 players), Hyjal Summit (20) and Onyxia’s Lair (40).
- Winter: WoW Forever Hardcore launches. No date yet.
- Spring and summer 2027: two major updates with new raids, new dungeons, a legendary questline and new PvP seasons.
- Subject to change: Blizzard says content and timing may evolve based on player feedback.
Autumn 2026: beta, names and launch
- Beta (September 17 – October 23): up to level 30. The roadmap image says October 22, but Blizzard extended it and it closes on the 23rd after a 24-hour farewell celebration.
- October 27 – November 3: early name reservation and character creation.
- November 4: launch. Check the launch time in your region.
Winter: three raids and Hardcore
On December 9 the first raids unlock, in very different sizes:
| Raid | Players |
|---|---|
| Barrow Deeps | 10 |
| Hyjal Summit | 20 |
| Onyxia’s Lair | 40 |
In our reading, having 10- and 20-player raids from the first month lets a group of friends raid without needing a 40-player guild.
The same winter brings WoW Forever Hardcore, with permanent death: according to Blizzard, a character who dies can move to another ruleset but does not continue in Hardcore. It has no date yet. What is known about the rules is in our WoW Forever rulesets story.
Spring 2027: major update
- 2 new raids (10 and 20 players)
- 2 new dungeons
- New quests and playable area
- New legendary questline
- PvP season refresh
Summer 2027: major update
- A revamped iconic raid
- A new raid
- Expanded world content
- 2 new dungeons
- PvP season refresh
- Professions and Legacy system updates
Blizzard does not say which iconic raid returns. Any name going around for now is speculation.
What it means for you
- Pick your class carefully from day one. With raids in December, your first character is the one you will take to Onyxia. Compare classes in the tier list and plan your build in the talent calculator.
- Find a group early. 10- and 20-player raids are easier to organize with friends; Onyxia needs a guild.
- If Hardcore is your thing, pace yourself in November: the mode arrives later.
About this story
Dates and content come from Blizzard’s official roadmap. The beta closing date comes from its October 22 post on the official forums. The reading on raid sizes is ours. If Blizzard changes the roadmap, we will update this page.
Sources and data status
Sources reviewed October 22, 2026. Beta details can change; each reference is labeled by source type.