Just bought the game, unable to create a character on friend's realm.

[Dark_Legacy]

Yeah I've been spam refreshing that link ever since I found out about the realms being locked. Guess there is nothing for me to do other than keep refreshing it. Very frustrating

that list is only updated at those specific intervals. from the lodestone.

Regarding Character Creation Restrictions
This information will be updated at the following intervals:
4:00 a.m./ 8:00 a.m./ 1:00 p.m./ 6:00 p.m./ 11:00 p.m. (PDT)

the client itself is the one that updates frequently, so it's best to actually log in and see if you can make a character. the best times for heavy servers are late at night or the early morning. best of luck to you.

[Naria]

The lodestone is updated every few hours with character restrictions, however, the client itself has a more frequently updated list. Server locks are automated. If people log out the server may open for a few minutes even during prime play times before more people log in and the server caps. Spamming refresh at the create character screen may get you better results. Otherwise I'd try early in the morning or mid week (non patch week) as others have suggested. Good luck!

[Jerrek]

Odin is one of the largest EU servers (i'm on it) but there are usually open windows where you can create characters.

Usually between 9pm-11pm (UK Time not sure if it's the same for you) and 6am-9am.

[FyrmurlFloerasksyn]

If you know when the next maintenance will be and when it will end, you can sneak in just as the servers go back up and create a character then, but aside from that, it's just luck.

[Saigwa]

Wanna get in your friends server?
Wake up and make a character in the early mornings (even better on weekdays) before 11-12:00. You should honestly be able to get in no problem. The ONLY exception to this was during the first 2 days of the new patch launch when ppl camped out the matinence for plots of land and rog/nin class.