With Forever launching on November 4, we’re looking at how each class performed during beta, how players received their changes from Classic, and how they are shaping up for the Forever launch and level 60.
Check out all our series:
- 8: Druid
- 7: Mage (You’re here!)
The info below was written based on our experiences during beta and feedback from our Mage writers, Farmerfarms and Teloril.
Arcane Mage
Already at level 30, Arcane Mage presented a better gameplay loop than during Classic. The spec continues its signature mana-hungry playstyle, but now 
Missile Barrage adds new life to the old rotation.
One issue with this unchanged mana-driven design is that 
Arcane Blast is rough around the edges right now, worsening Arcane’s already significant mana issues. This leads to the spec having a very feast-or-famine feel to it, which may not be for every player.
The changes brought to Forever by Blizzard really legitimize Arcane as a standalone spec from Fire and Frost. It no longer feels just like an augmentation tree. Missile Barrage and Arcane Blast are very rewarding, with the latter giving the player a lot of control over when to burst against a target.
For level 60, we can expect Arcane to likely be viable and fun. The spec will probably be strong in short fights, since it can burn all its resources on demand.
Fire Mage
On the surface, Fire will feel very familiar to veteran Mage players. From Classic, the only main changes to the spec are the addition of the 
Heating Up mechanic and Missile Barrage. However, this change is incredibly significant as it adds plenty of spice to Fire.
Fire in Forever follows a pattern that veteran Fire Mages already know: It is a spec that is heavily punished due to the lack of crit chance on gear and has limited survivability tools, factors present in countless other iterations of the spec throughout expansions. Those aren’t complete gamebreaking flaws, but, as always, make the gameplay experience of the spec heavily dependent on gear.
The spec’s new proc, Heating Up, is a great addition. Both during leveling and in end-game content, it feels fantastic.
When reaching end-game content, Fire will likely be using some sort of hybrid build, possibly leaning into 
Frostfire Bolt for damage. Crit-wise, you should expect to see even bigger numbers than those in original Classic, thanks to the new talents that double-dip off crit.
Frost Mage
Frost is an incredibly dynamic spec in Forever. Even at level 30, the spec had access to multiple procs, from 
Fingers of Frost and Missile Barrage, leading to an unpredictable rotation. Frost’s signature of being the CC spec is still strong in Forever, with all its chill and freezing effects. These are amplified even more with the increased mobility from instant casts from new spells and procs.
Until level 20, the spec feels hollow and boring. Then, you get 
Ice Lance and it suddenly all makes sense. However, when leveling, you’ll likely only get Ice Lance later, because you won’t want to skip the Missile Barrage talent, due to its excellent mana economy.
When compared to Classic, it feels like a completely different spec. Before, you were just a 
Frostbolt machine. Now, you have procs, causing instant casts. You also have interesting interactions between 
Winter’s Chill and 
Cone of Cold. Overall, just a more well-rounded spec.
For endgame, Frost will likely be a desirable spec if Blizzard follows through on their “every spec is viable” motto. This is due to its freeze and chill effects, the slow from Blizzard, overall spec survivability, and HUGE AoE damage.
Tomorrow Preview
Are you ready to master the Arcane arts in WoW Forever? Or maybe the elements are the ones calling upon you?
Tomorrow: Shaman! See you then!
