Are you wreathed in flame? Are you cold to the point of not being able to move efficiently? Then you’ve probably been struck by a mage! Having the mighty damage arsenal of a mage whizzing around your ears is no laughing matter. However, a mage can do much more than simply put on the damage fireworks: He can slow his opponents or even turn them into sheep. He can teleport between main cities (or out of traps and ambushes), he can conjure food and drink in order to regenerate himself quicker between battles… and many other tricks!
A small note is appropriate here: The mage absolutely cannot take damage. The mage, unfortunately, can only wear cloth armor, making him very fragile when compared to other classes. We therefore recommend that you begin with a different class, before you take on the challenge of a mage. Considering the fact that he can deal loads of damage early on, even though he doesn’t take damage well, the mage is still suitable for beginners as well.
Specialize your mage
Fire: With this tree, set free the pyromaniac in you! Besides the usual improvements to various fire spells, you’ll get explosive, exclusive spells like Pyroblast. (Like a fireball but slower and stronger), Blast Wave (instant spell with area of effect damage), Dragon’s Breath (instant spell with damage that confuses the opponent) and for the grand finale: Living Bomb, an instant spell that dishes out DoT damage leading up to a hefty instant damage. Since most of the fire mage’s spells have a casting time, the fire mage is more suited for raids than instances: By the time you’ve thrown out your best spells, your group members will have already taken down the opposition. Major enemies and raid bosses, however, are best suited for optimal frying.
Frost: With a frost mage, you’ll be giving your opponents the “cold” shoulder. In this tree, you’ll become a master in slowing, freezing, and absorption of damage: You’ll erect ice barriers, put on Frost Armor, or conjure a mighty water elemental that will assist you for a short time in battle. The combination of slowing and self-defense is ideal for PvP, moreover, your Ice Barrier allows you to cast spells without interruption. With Cold Snap, you can reset the cool-downs of all your frost spells. And Deep Freeze… Whoa, don’t get me started on how truly “frostrating” that is for an already frozen opponent!
Arcane: A very interesting spec with which you can really lay down the law for individual targets. You want a never-ending mana supply? Invest in arcane meditation, then you can regenerate mana in battle and while casting (which isn’t usually the case). With Slow, you’ll put the brakes on your opponents and dish out some serious damage with Arcane Barrage.
Allowable Races: Blood Elf, Draenei, Human, Gnome, Undead, Troll, Orc, Goblin, Worgen, Dwarf, Night Elf
Standard Bars: Health/Mana
Allowable Equipment: Cloth
Allowable Weapons: Wands, Daggers, One-Handed Swords, Staves
