A team led by streamer JokerD has become the first group to reach level 60 in World of Warcraft: Forever, achieving the milestone less than three days after launch. However, the achievement comes with an unusual problem: the first level 60 players must wait until December 9, 2026, before the game's initial raids become available.

While most players are unlikely to reach the level cap so quickly, the result raises an interesting question about WoW Forever's progression: what should players do after reaching level 60 when the first major endgame activities are still weeks away?

Team JokerD Wins the Race to Level 60

According to Wowhead, five characters from Team JokerD reached level 60 together after approximately 52 hours.

The group's success relied on coordinated leveling rather than ordinary quest progression. Its reported strategy involved gathering large groups of enemies and eliminating them with area-of-effect abilities. A Paladin helped gather enemies, while Mage characters used Arcane Explosion to deal damage to multiple targets.

Keeping all five characters close in experience was another challenge. The team needed to coordinate its progress carefully so that everyone could reach the level cap together.

This achievement is particularly notable because JokerD previously became the first player to reach level 60 in the original World of Warcraft Classic in 2019. Guinness World Records documents that earlier milestone, making the new result another significant moment in WoW leveling history.

However, the team's approximately 52-hour run should not be treated as a normal leveling target. It reflects specialized group coordination and an optimized approach to gaining experience.

How Undead Cannibalize Helps With Mana Recovery

One ability that can support efficient leveling in WoW Forever is the Undead racial ability Cannibalize.

Blizzard changed the ability so that it restores both Health and Mana when used on eligible Humanoid or Undead corpses. This gives Mana-dependent classes, including Mages, Warlocks, Paladins, and Priests, an additional way to recover resources between encounters.

The change can reduce downtime during extended leveling sessions, especially when players are fighting several enemies in succession.

Still, Cannibalize has limitations. Players need a suitable corpse nearby, and the ability has a cooldown. It is a useful recovery tool, not unlimited Mana regeneration.

The world-first result also depended on much more than this racial ability. Team composition, enemy pulls, area-of-effect damage, and careful coordination all contributed to the group's success.

The First Raids Open on December 9

Reaching level 60 does not mean players can immediately enter the first raid tier. Blizzard's published schedule lists December 9, 2026, as the opening date for three initial raids:

• Barrow Deeps
• Hyjal Summit
• Onyxia's Lair

This leaves early level 60 players with several weeks to prepare before the first raids become available.

Fortunately, reaching the level cap does not mean all meaningful progression has ended. Players can continue running dungeons, improving their equipment, and learning their class responsibilities.

Blizzard has also introduced nine new five-player dungeons covering level ranges from 13 to 60, giving players additional group content to explore before the raid openings.

Starting Another Character Could Be Worthwhile

Blizzard has emphasized that leveling multiple characters is part of the intended WoW Forever experience.

Principal game designer Kris Zierhut discussed the importance of leveling and encouraged players to experience different characters and progression routes.

For players who reach level 60 early, starting another character may therefore be a reasonable option. A different class or race can provide a fresh experience, while an alternate leveling route allows players to explore quests and areas they may have skipped during their first run.

Players preparing for raids can also use the waiting period to improve their equipment, practice class mechanics, and find reliable teammates.

WoW Forever gold management is another part of character preparation. 

Anyone considering an external gold-related service should also review Blizzard's current policies and understand the potential account risks before proceeding.

A World First Does Not Mean Everyone Needs to Rush

Team JokerD's achievement is an impressive start for WoW Forever, but it does not mean ordinary players need to reach level 60 as quickly as possible.

The game places considerable emphasis on exploration, social interaction, and character development. Speedrunning is one way to experience its progression systems, but it is not the only approach.

With the first raids scheduled for December 9, players have time to complete dungeons, prepare their characters, develop alternate characters, and build relationships with potential raid teammates.

Ultimately, the first level 60 achievement is an exciting milestone, but WoW Forever's longer-term appeal will depend on whether players continue to find meaningful reasons to explore Azeroth after reaching the level cap.