Cataclysm Classic Fire Mage Guide

This page contains all relevant information needed for Fire Mages for Cataclysm Classic. Be sure to check back as we get closer to the release date, as this page will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available. This guide will be updated, if new theorycrafting findings require it.

Oh Yes! Fire Mage is widely considered to be a S-Tier DPS class in Cataclysm and are absolute DPS machines. Later on, in the Firelands raid, with the introduction of Dragonwrath, Tarecgosa's Rest, things get really crazy. The weapon does not have an internal cooldown and also procs from DoTs. The proc rate is reportedly around 10%, which means the weapon is a flat 10% DPS increase, in addition to its insane stats.

Strengths

• High damage, both in single Target and AoE.
• Benefits from execute phase in longer fights.
• Survive a deadly boss mechanic every minute with Cauterize.
• Best AoE damage of all Mage specs.
• Best mobility of all mage specs with Firestarter, instants and procs.
• Not as Mana-hungry as Arcane.
• Fun to play.

Weaknesses

• In stationary fights worse Single Target DPS than Arcane.
• Requires you to focus on procs to be most efficient.

Alliance: Worgen. Viciousness gives 1% Critical Strike Chance. While Heroic Presence from Draenei can be better, the Darkflight ability is what makes Worgens the best Alliance race.

Horde: Troll. Berserking gives 20% Haste for 10 seconds. Over it's 3 minute-cooldown, it is roughly the same average haste as Time is Money from Goblins. However, if Berserking is used correctly, it boosts the damage of Combustion a lot. Therefore Troll is the better choice, with Goblin being close.

Cataclysm aims to balance most professions to provide a roughly equal increase in bonus stats, with the average being around 80 stat points. However, each profession has its unique advantages and disadvantages, which can make some slightly stronger than others. However, two professions stand out:

1. Tailoring — provides the Lightweave Embroidery unique cloak enchant, which is an important proc, because it helps you maximize your Combustion damage when all your damage procs are up during Time Warp.
2. Engineering — is very solid with Synapse Springs and can be used together with a regular enchant. Further, this enchant can be utilized to further amplify your Combustion damage, because you can time it. Nitro Boosts and Grounded Plasma Shield, can both be very useful and Engineering allows you the continued use of of explosives, such as Saronite Bombs.

Addons and macros are beneficial to Mages in Cataclysm because they enhance gameplay efficiency by automating complex sequences of actions and providing crucial real-time information, such as cooldown timers and enemy debuffs. This allows Mages to maximize their damage output and responsiveness in both PvE and PvP scenarios.