It’s instance preview day today it seems, as Blizzard’s dungeon overview is followed by the raids! We’re getting some info on the starter raids for Forever, with three ready to go on December 9th, around a month after the game’s release.
We have the brand new Barrow Deeps location within Mount Hyjal, which was Illidan’s prison for 10,000 years. It actually has multiple entrances, including in Winterspring and Blackmaw Hold! It’s also the only 10-player raid at the start and has 8 bosses. Then we have the 20-man Hyjal Summit near the World Tree itself. The raid features 13 bosses and a non-linear path after the first one. And finally, there’s the classic Onyxia’s Lair in Dustwallow Marsh, with the full 40-man raid size. We have all the information on how to get attuned to the lair, for both Horde and Alliance.
We also got a confirmation that the raids will indeed be on a weekly reset, or at least those are the “current plans”!
World of Warcraft: Forever invites adventurers to journey deeper into Azeroth, where familiar places hold new challenges and stories waiting to be discovered. On December 9, level 60 players can put their preparation, teamwork, and mastery of their classes to the test in three raids: Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Summit, and Onyxia’s Lair.
Raid Quick Facts
The Barrow Deeps
- Location: Within Mount Hyjal, with multiple entrances connected through Mount Hyjal, Winterspring, and Blackmaw Hold
- Level: 60
- Raid Size: 10 players
Hyjal Summit
- Location: Summit of Mount Hyjal near the World Tree Nordrassil
- Level: 60
- Raid Size: 20 players
Onyxia’s Lair
- Location: Dustwallow Marsh
- Level: 60
- Raid Size: 40 players
Descend into The Barrow Deeps
Hidden beneath Kalimdor, the Barrow Deeps is a maximum-level raid for 10 players. The prison once held Illidan Stormrage for 10,000 years, but its dark passages have been opened. Now, players will descend into the fabled prison to learn what became of those left behind—and how the wardens plan to contain the danger below.
Entrances connected to Mount Hyjal, Winterspring, and Blackmaw Hold give raiders multiple paths into Barrow Deeps. Inside, 10-player groups will face eight bosses as they explore the prison’s depths.
Climb to the Peak of Hyjal Summit
At the peak of Mount Hyjal near the World Tree Nordrassil, Hyjal Summit features 13 bosses and begins with a battle against an ancient guardian. From there, raid groups can choose from multiple paths across the mountain, exploring ruins above and below ground as they confront the forces threatening Hyjal and open the way to the final encounters.
Choose your route, coordinate with your raid, and uncover what waits across one of Warcraft’s most iconic locations.
Face the Flames in Onyxia’s Lair
Deep in Dustwallow Marsh, Onyxia’s Lair is a level 60 raid for 40 players. Onyxia, a dragon of the Black Dragonflight and the younger sister of Nefarian, guards her brood here while working to manipulate Azeroth’s mortal races.
Onyxia’s three-phase encounter turns up the heat with powerful fire attacks that can punish an unprepared raid. Players should build their fire resistance before entering, then be ready to reposition and work together as the battle shifts around them. Designed for level 60 players, Onyxia’s Lair requires each member of the raid to carry the Drakefire Amulet to enter.
Get Attuned to Onyxia’s Lair
Before heading to Onyxia’s Lair, each player will need to earn the Drakefire Amulet through a faction-specific attunement questline. Start early, bring a few friends for the elite quests, and leave plenty of time for several trips into high-level dungeons.
Here’s a step-by-step guide through the series of quests you’ll need to follow.
- Beginning in the Burning Steppes, you’ll pick up the quest “Dragonkin Menace” from Helendis Riverhorn.
- Helendis will then send you on the first of a series of six quests all named “The True Masters” to investigate the Black Dragonflight’s influence on the Blackrock orc clan.
- Follow the chain to Marshal Maxwell at Morgan’s Vigil in the Burning Steppes, who will send you into Blackrock Depths to recover Marshal Windsor—or proof of his demise—in “Marshal Windsor.”
- Windsor sends you back to Marshal Maxwell in “Abandoned Hope.”
- Find the item A Crumpled Up Note off of enemies in the Blackrock Depths dungeon, which starts the quest “A Crumpled Up Note.”
Bring the note to Marshal Windsor in his cell in Blackrock Depths. - In “A Shred of Hope” retrieve Windsor’s lost information from Golem Lord Argelmach and General Angerforge in Blackrock Depths.
- Help Windsor escape Blackrock Depths in “Jail Break!” And return to Marshal Maxwell at Morgan’s Vigil in the Burning Steppes.
- Marshal Maxwell sends you to Stormwind in “Stormwind Rendezvous” to Squire Rower at the city gates. Speak with him to beckon Marshal Windsor.
- Gather allies to complete “The Great Masquerade” in Stormwind. Speak with Squire Rowe at the city gates if Windsor is not present.
- Highlord Bolvar Fordragon will send you on “The Dragon’s Eye” to hunt across Azeroth for someone capable of helping you.
They will send you through Upper Blackrock Spire in “Drakefire Amulet” take the Blood of the Black Dragon Champion from General Drakkisath and receive the Drakefire Amulet.
Before you enter: Make sure the Drakefire Amulet is in your inventory. It does not need to be equipped to enter Onyxia’s Lair.
Prepare for the First Raids
Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Summit, and Onyxia’s Lair unlock on December 9, giving players time after launch to reach level 60 and prepare their groups. Whether you plan to explore Mount Hyjal with 10 or 20 players or face Onyxia with a full group of 40, choose the raid that fits your group and start getting ready. With all raids currently planned to reset each week, you can settle into a consistent schedule and return with your group for another run.
