Hey folks, I've read the two sticky posts for mage info already, but didn't find a good answer (maybe it was too much info and I missed it).
Anyway, first time mage, but definately not new to WoW. My mage is an awesome lvl 8 right now :P, and will soon be able to start allocating talent points.
Most build I've seen are end game pvp/raid builds, etc. I'm thinking about doing an AoE blizzard spec when I hit lvl 40 or so.
In the meantime, though, what is the preferred cookie-cutter leveling build/path until about lvl 40. Frost, Fire, or Arcane. Respeccing is no big deal once I hit higher levels, as making the money for it isn't a big deal.
It'll be primarily leveling work, with a few instances here and there. Input is appreciated, thanks.
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It's up to you. ;-)
Frost = control, you will be slowing mobs down and kiting them when necessary.
Fire = all out damage.
The difference at lower levels is not nearly as pronounced as it is at end-game. FYI, AOE grinding does not come close to the quest-grinding approach to leveling since 2.3 (unless the quest is a 'kill 100 of these mobs' kind of quest, then it is a small bit faster, but frostbite will help you a great deal at these levels, so it still really isn't faster).
Frost = control, you will be slowing mobs down and kiting them when necessary.
Fire = all out damage.
The difference at lower levels is not nearly as pronounced as it is at end-game. FYI, AOE grinding does not come close to the quest-grinding approach to leveling since 2.3 (unless the quest is a 'kill 100 of these mobs' kind of quest, then it is a small bit faster, but frostbite will help you a great deal at these levels, so it still really isn't faster).
Thanks for the input, ktangent.
I might try going with a fire build for the "you..die now" factor. Biggest problem I could see with it is if adds show up. I figure I could sheep one, then frostbolt->burn while kiting the other if need be.
My main is a 47 prot pally (who would be 70 by now if I quit making alts :P), so I'm used to taking on 6+ guys at a time. I'll obviously need to use different tactics with this guy ;).
I might try going with a fire build for the "you..die now" factor. Biggest problem I could see with it is if adds show up. I figure I could sheep one, then frostbolt->burn while kiting the other if need be.
My main is a 47 prot pally (who would be 70 by now if I quit making alts :P), so I'm used to taking on 6+ guys at a time. I'll obviously need to use different tactics with this guy ;).
Fire is pretty easy up to the mid-30s (that's my level now). I generally have the mob feared/near death by the time they get close.
I've noticed an increased down time between kills recently and I do plan to get Frost in the next few lvls.
AOE is not effective at this point in the game anyway - (maybe Gnomer is the 1 exception). Don't worry too much about it. Arcane Explosion, Frost Nova will be regular uses even though you didn't spec them.
I've noticed an increased down time between kills recently and I do plan to get Frost in the next few lvls.
AOE is not effective at this point in the game anyway - (maybe Gnomer is the 1 exception). Don't worry too much about it. Arcane Explosion, Frost Nova will be regular uses even though you didn't spec them.
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Fire is pretty easy up to the mid-30s (that's my level now). I generally have the mob feared/near death by the time they get close.
Mages have fear now?
Wich spec you level really dpends on what you like. I leveled frost, AFTER patch, Still used AOE grind, difference was, I aoe grinded anything and everything I came across while doing the quests. Made for extremely fast leveling.
But whatever tree you like and have fun with, is the best.
Quote:
Mages have fear now?
Think he means humanoid mobs "running away in fear" when at around 15% health.
I have to agree with the other posters, it is truly up to the individual as to what you would want to do.
I personally (granted two years ago) leveled fire until the mid-30s then switched to frost and hit 70 (and am now raiding fire). I really enjoyed the control of frost, the snaring, frostbite was wonderful, and the burst damage was pretty nice. I also loved being past level 40 with my Ice Barrier and being able to stay alive pretty well when I would do BGs.
Most don't level arcane because of the mana inefficiency, but it is split pretty even between frost/fire.
As for the AoE build/grinding leveling it can be okay, but I got tired of it fairly quickly (did it for about 6 levels I believe), and now that leveling takes about 30% less time than before (because of the increase in quest xp/etc) I would avoid doing the grinding and just quest very efficiently. I am at 1 day 18 hours played on my rogue at level 31 (and that is with power leveling enchanting to 235) by following Joana's guide. I totally recommend just questing efficiently.
I personally (granted two years ago) leveled fire until the mid-30s then switched to frost and hit 70 (and am now raiding fire). I really enjoyed the control of frost, the snaring, frostbite was wonderful, and the burst damage was pretty nice. I also loved being past level 40 with my Ice Barrier and being able to stay alive pretty well when I would do BGs.
Most don't level arcane because of the mana inefficiency, but it is split pretty even between frost/fire.
As for the AoE build/grinding leveling it can be okay, but I got tired of it fairly quickly (did it for about 6 levels I believe), and now that leveling takes about 30% less time than before (because of the increase in quest xp/etc) I would avoid doing the grinding and just quest very efficiently. I am at 1 day 18 hours played on my rogue at level 31 (and that is with power leveling enchanting to 235) by following Joana's guide. I totally recommend just questing efficiently.
orickruns wrote:
Quote:
Fire is pretty easy up to the mid-30s (that's my level now). I generally have the mob feared/near death by the time they get close.
Mages have fear now?
Wich spec you level really dpends on what you like. I leveled frost, AFTER patch, Still used AOE grind, difference was, I aoe grinded anything and everything I came across while doing the quests. Made for extremely fast leveling.
But whatever tree you like and have fun with, is the best.
To be honest, all 3 trees seem like fun to me. What's really fun, though, is efficient leveling so I can at least get to my 30's and have fun in SM and beyond with my guild.
I think I may try the "burn them down" approach for now for quick fire based kills, using frostbolt/nova to help kite when needed.
Quote:
Quote:
Mages have fear now?
Think he means humanoid mobs "running away in fear" when at around 15% health.
Mages have fear now?
Think he means humanoid mobs "running away in fear" when at around 15% health.
That's it.
All my questing was done as fire, but looking back I think frost would have made it easier, then again, without ice lance, I dunno.
It really doesn't matter which way you go. All specs will level quickly.
That being said, here's my story:
I started as fire. It was fun, but I had a harder time when getting attacked by more than 2 mobs (didn't happen all the time, but was really annoying when it did). So I switched to an AoE type build around lvl 25. Makes leveling very fast. It is very mana efficient, and when you face melee mobs - you can clear out an entire quest in 1 or 2 passes. Most mobs are melee, so this helps often.
I don't use AoE for grinding as I think grinding is BORING. Plus, as everyone has stated, it is not efficient after the 2.3 patch.
Oh, my main is also a Pally, and it took a lot of adjustment to play. It is hard to get used to "running away".
That being said, here's my story:
I started as fire. It was fun, but I had a harder time when getting attacked by more than 2 mobs (didn't happen all the time, but was really annoying when it did). So I switched to an AoE type build around lvl 25. Makes leveling very fast. It is very mana efficient, and when you face melee mobs - you can clear out an entire quest in 1 or 2 passes. Most mobs are melee, so this helps often.
I don't use AoE for grinding as I think grinding is BORING. Plus, as everyone has stated, it is not efficient after the 2.3 patch.
Oh, my main is also a Pally, and it took a lot of adjustment to play. It is hard to get used to "running away".
Hmm Do you guys who are suggesting frost put all your points into there? I was fire originally and got really really tired of having to drink so much - so I switched to Arcane and so far I've had a lot more mana to go around with the +30% mana regen and +15% int.
I still mainly use fireball and frostbolt along with insta-casts when they get near
Edited, Dec 19th 2007 9:35am by Ottilio
I still mainly use fireball and frostbolt along with insta-casts when they get near
Edited, Dec 19th 2007 9:35am by Ottilio
For frost (and all builds), you can look at the "greatest FAQ Ever". That has most common builds.
It really depends on your playing style as to how much you will dump into the Frost tree.
Splitting between Frost and Arcane is a very common build. Arcane has some great talents to help supplement either the Frost of Fire tree.
It really depends on your playing style as to how much you will dump into the Frost tree.
Splitting between Frost and Arcane is a very common build. Arcane has some great talents to help supplement either the Frost of Fire tree.
I was Fire up to level 40-43. Then my mage sat for 6 months in SW or IF as a crafter. Once I transfered the 3 main toons over to a new server with some friends I started working the mage again. Changed to Frost a while before 2.3 came out and did the AOE grind. I think I like using frost more than I did with the Fire.
I'm really thinking hard about if I want to stay Frost at 70. I already started Spellfire tailoring but that can be changed if needed. I know the dmg is less for raids but I don't know if I'll be using this toon for raiding.
I'm really thinking hard about if I want to stay Frost at 70. I already started Spellfire tailoring but that can be changed if needed. I know the dmg is less for raids but I don't know if I'll be using this toon for raiding.
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