Playstyle
The Mage is the classic spellcaster: robe, staff and an arsenal of arcane, fire and frost spells. It fights from range and deals enormous damage in short burst windows. Its main resource is Mana.
Mages are loved for their comfort tools: Portals take them and others to the capital cities, they conjure food and drink, and Arcane Intellect buffs the whole group. In combat, Blink and Ice Block get them out of trouble, and Polymorph takes an enemy out of the fight for a while.
Background and lore
Mages study arcane magic like a science. Their center is the city of Dalaran with the Kirin Tor, the most powerful order of mages in Azeroth. Famous mages include Jaina Proudmoore, founder of Theramore, and Khadgar, Medivh's apprentice, who played a key role in the fight against the Burning Legion. Mages teleport themselves and their friends to the capitals and conjure food and drink out of thin air.
Specializations
Arcane
Arcane is pure magic: you build Arcane Charges, juggle your mana and unload everything in a big burst phase. If you like planning and managing resources, you will be happy here. Many lists rank Arcane among the most demanding specs.
Signature abilities: Arcane Blast, Arcane Surge, Touch of the Magi
Fire
Fire lives on critical hits and chain reactions. Small spells trigger procs that grant you an instant Pyroblast. When everything ignites, the screen explodes in flames. Fun and fast, but you are constantly reacting to random effects.
Signature abilities: Pyroblast, Fire Blast, Combustion
Frost
Frost slows and freezes enemies and then shatters them with Ice Lances. Lots of control, easy-to-read procs and a calmer pace. Frost is seen as the most approachable mage spec and the safest choice solo.
Signature abilities: Frostbolt, Ice Lance, Frozen Orb, Icy Veins
Who is the Mage for?
A good fit if you …
- want to cast spells from range,
- love burst damage and big numbers,
- value comfort like portals and conjured food.
Not ideal if you …
- want to tank or heal,
- want a sturdy class, since the Mage cannot take much in cloth.
Strengths and weaknesses
The Mage is strong in groups and in PvP and offers three very different casting styles. Solo, it needs to rely on control and positioning, as it has very little self-healing.
Mage or Warlock? Compare both on the class overview or let them fight it out in the arena.
Images: © Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Source: worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com
