Forever Invite Codes Names Launch and Raid Timeline [2026]
Tuesday, September 22, 2026By Indie Kings | September 22, 2026
Updated September 22, 2026: Invite-a-Friend codes go out October 20 with early name reservation October 27 to November 3 ahead of the November 4 global launch, per Forever Classic is sourced timeline. Beta ends October 21 with raids December 9 and Hardcore in winter.
Image: Forever beta login queue. Credit: Tyler C. via PC Gamer.
The date ladder
Per Forever Classic timeline with Blizzard sources per date, beta runs to October 21 after opening September 17 at cap 20, Invite-a-Friend codes start October 20, names reserve October 27 to November 3, launch hits November 4 at 3pm PT, and Barrow Deeps plus Hyjal Summit open December 9.
Per the same timeline, Q and A ran September 17 with beta for Epic Pack, Collection and Collector is Edition owners. Server Slam for everyone stays planned but undated, per the guide.
Dates can change, per the site is own warning. Check Blizzard notices before booking time off.
| Date per timeline | Event | Source cited |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 17 | Q and A plus beta open at 20 | Blizzard live posts |
| Oct 20 | Invite-a-Friend codes | What is Next panel recap |
| Oct 21 | Beta ends, no carryover | What is Next panel recap |
| Oct 27 to Nov 3 | Early name reservation | What is Next panel recap |
| Nov 4 3pm PT | Global launch | What is Next panel recap |
| Dec 9 | Deeps plus Hyjal raids | What is Next panel recap |
Invite codes and name reservation
Per the timeline, Invite-a-Friend distribution starts one day before beta ends, which reads as a last-wave taste plus launch-hype bridge. No code counts or eligibility detail is listed.
Per the timeline, name reservation opens October 27 through November 3. Our names draft plus Tavern naming rules plus Icy name-look coverage form the prep stack: two-part names with regional identity, offensive-name bans already enforced in beta.
Reserve on day one of the window. Our Twitch-numbers draft shows the crowd coming.
- Oct 20: Invite codes begin.
- Oct 21: Beta ends, progress wipes.
- Oct 27: Names open, claim fast.
Launch plus raids plus Hardcore
Per the timeline, launch is global November 4 at 3pm PT with level 60, subscription included, Skyborne in paid upgrades. Our beta playbook plus compendium drafts hold access and Week 1 scope.
Per the timeline, December 9 opens Deeps plus Hyjal with Onyxia 40 reported via roadmap slide only. Our dungeon-roster companion draft maps all three claims with grades.
Per the timeline, Hardcore arrives in winter after launch via Forever panel videos. Ruleset pickers should read Tavern is Legacy-hardcore split note alongside.
| Phase | What |
|---|---|
| Beta now to Oct 21 | Cap 20 to 30, no carryover |
| Oct 20 to Nov 3 | Invites then names |
| Nov 4 | Launch 3pm PT worldwide |
| Dec 9 | First raids |
| Winter | Hardcore |
Beyond launch
Per the timeline from roadmap-slide reports, Spring 2027 brings two raids, two dungeons, a new zone, a Legendary questline and a PvP refresh. Summer 2027 brings a revamped iconic raid, a new raid, two dungeons plus profession and Legacy updates, per the same reports.
Blizzard itself confirms a revamped iconic raid is coming, per the guide is note. The rest rides on slide reports, flagged as such.
Pair with our Blizzard 2029 and 2030 draft for the company is full horizon: retail epics plus Forever seasons in parallel.
FAQ
When do invites go out?
Per the timeline via panel recap, Invite-a-Friend codes start October 20.
When are names?
Per the timeline, October 27 to November 3.
Does beta progress keep?
No, per the timeline. Ends October 21, launch November 4.
When are raids?
Per the timeline, Deeps plus Hyjal December 9 with Onyxia slide-reported.
When is Hardcore?
Per panel videos via the timeline, winter after launch.
Is Forever Classic official?
No. Fan timeline citing Blizzard posts per date, used with attribution.
Bottom Line
Invites October 20, names October 27, launch November 4, raids December 9. Set calendar alerts now and spend beta practicing, not grinding keepers.
Related: Skyborne race guide for Shendorei and Zephras | Talents Forever calculator for WoW Forever