Overview
A cloth caster built around Frost control, Fire crit chains or an Arcane mana window. Make room to cast, use procs deliberately and bring your group food, water and portals.
- Role
- Ranged DPS
- Primary stats
- Intellect · spell damage
- Combat range
- Ranged
- Resource
- Mana
Pick a Mage Build for the Content You Actually Play
Start with Frost if you want a forgiving leveling Mage: control enemies, protect your casts and turn Frozen windows into damage. Choose Arcane if managing a short damage window and your mana sounds appealing. Choose Fire if you enjoy building crit-driven Pyroblasts and maintaining pressure on one target.
Reviewed November 2, 2026, before launch. The allocations below were entered in the current Forever talent calculator and checked for point totals and prerequisites. They are practical starting plans, not simulated level-60 rankings or claims of live raid testing. Beta rules can still change.
Our main leveling and dungeon plan. Earlier access to Ice Block, Cold Snap and Ice Barrier; a clear Frostbolt, Fingers of Frost and Cone of Cold loop. Arcane support arrives late.
A level-60 Arcane/Fire allocation. Arcane Power and Presence of Mind support burst; Missile Barrage and Heating Up give you decisions between expensive Blasts.
A level-60 direct-Fire allocation. Build your own Scorch debuff, convert Heating Up into Pyroblast and plan Combustion around uninterrupted attacking time.
The three numbers always mean Arcane / Fire / Frost. These plans deliberately share some talents: Forever is not a system where choosing one school locks out the other trees. Your actual spellbook and allocated talents decide which parts of a priority you can use.
Mage brings food and water, portals, Polymorph, interrupts and several ways to recover a bad pull. The tradeoff is that cloth armor does not forgive careless positioning. A build that lets you finish fights without dying or drinking after every mob can be more useful while leveling than a theoretical damage advantage.
Talent Trees and Complete 51-Point Builds
The main Frost plan is open below. The other allocations and the level-30 checkpoint expand separately, so you can inspect the build you need without scrolling through every tree. Icons and descriptions are stored with this article; no external tooltip script is needed to read them.
Frost 60 · 17 / 0 / 34Safety, control and a late Arcane mana package.
Gold border = allocated. Rank badges show points/max. Tap an icon for its name, purpose and prerequisites; tap again to close. These are build diagrams, not point editors.
IB1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
Shield, pushback protection while it holds, and a Frost damage buff.
Requires 30 points in Frost Talents; Requires 1 point in Cold Snap
Spell and rank reference ↗WC5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
Build stacks with eligible Frost hits, then spend them with Cone of Cold.
Requires 25 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗FOF2/2
This build: 2/2 points.
Lets the next two spells treat a target as Frozen.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents; Requires 1 point in Ice Lance
Spell and rank reference ↗ICO3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗CS1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
Resets other Frost cooldowns; weigh damage against defensive use.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IL1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
A short-cooldown instant for Frozen targets and Fingers of Frost windows.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗S3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IB1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AR0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IB1/3
This build: 1/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗FC3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗F0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IFN0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗P0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IS5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗P3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
All-spell hit: 6% at rank 3.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗IF5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗FW0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗AP0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 30 points in Arcane Talents; Requires 1 point in Presence of Mind
Spell and rank reference ↗AI0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 25 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AM0/5
This build: 0/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗POM0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AR0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗AM2/3
This build: 2/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents; Requires 5 points in Arcane Concentration
Spell and rank reference ↗IC0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AS0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AB1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
Builds a temporary Intellect-based spell-damage bonus; repeated casts become expensive.
Requires 10 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AI0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AG0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗MB2/2
This build: 2/2 points.
Proc for free, faster Arcane Missiles.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AC5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗MA0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AS2/2
This build: 2/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IC5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗WS0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗AW0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents; Requires 1 point in Arcane Blast
Spell and rank reference ↗Open this exact allocation in the Forever calculator ↗
Read the complete allocation as text
- Frost — Improved Frostbolt: 5/5
- Frost — Precision: 3/3
- Frost — Ice Shards: 5/5
- Frost — Ice Lance: 1/1
- Frost — Frost Channeling: 3/3
- Frost — Ice Block: 1/1
- Frost — Shatter: 3/3
- Frost — Fingers Of Frost: 2/2
- Frost — Cold Snap: 1/1
- Frost — Improved Blizzard: 1/3
- Frost — Winter’s Chill: 5/5
- Frost — Ice Barrier: 1/1
- Frost — Improved Cone Of Cold: 3/3
- Arcane — Improved Channeling: 5/5
- Arcane — Arcane Concentration: 5/5
- Arcane — Missile Barrage: 2/2
- Arcane — Arcane Subtlety: 2/2
- Arcane — Arcane Blast: 1/1
- Arcane — Arcane Meditation: 2/3
Frost 30 · 0 / 0 / 21Checkpoint: Ice Block, Shatter and the first Fingers of Frost rank.
Gold border = allocated. Rank badges show points/max. Tap an icon for its name, purpose and prerequisites; tap again to close. These are build diagrams, not point editors.
IB0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
Shield, pushback protection while it holds, and a Frost damage buff.
Requires 30 points in Frost Talents; Requires 1 point in Cold Snap
Spell and rank reference ↗WC0/5
This build: 0/5 points.
Build stacks with eligible Frost hits, then spend them with Cone of Cold.
Requires 25 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗FOF1/2
This build: 1/2 points.
Lets the next two spells treat a target as Frozen.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents; Requires 1 point in Ice Lance
Spell and rank reference ↗ICO0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗CS0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
Resets other Frost cooldowns; weigh damage against defensive use.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IL1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
A short-cooldown instant for Frozen targets and Fingers of Frost windows.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗S3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IB1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AR0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IB0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗FC2/3
This build: 2/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗F0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IFN0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗P0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IS5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗P3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
All-spell hit: 6% at rank 3.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗IF5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗FW0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗Open this exact allocation in the Forever calculator ↗
Read the complete allocation as text
- Frost — Improved Frostbolt: 5/5
- Frost — Precision: 3/3
- Frost — Ice Shards: 5/5
- Frost — Ice Lance: 1/1
- Frost — Frost Channeling: 2/3
- Frost — Ice Block: 1/1
- Frost — Shatter: 3/3
- Frost — Fingers Of Frost: 1/2
Arcane 60 · 32 / 16 / 3Arcane Power, Presence of Mind and Fire proc support.
Gold border = allocated. Rank badges show points/max. Tap an icon for its name, purpose and prerequisites; tap again to close. These are build diagrams, not point editors.
AP1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 30 points in Arcane Talents; Requires 1 point in Presence of Mind
Spell and rank reference ↗AI3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 25 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AM5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗POM1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AR0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗AM3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents; Requires 5 points in Arcane Concentration
Spell and rank reference ↗IC0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AS0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AB1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
Builds a temporary Intellect-based spell-damage bonus; repeated casts become expensive.
Requires 10 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AI3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AG0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗MB2/2
This build: 2/2 points.
Proc for free, faster Arcane Missiles.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AC5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗MA0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AS2/2
This build: 2/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IC5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗WS0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗AW1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents; Requires 1 point in Arcane Blast
Spell and rank reference ↗C0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
Fire hits build crit chance until three non-periodic Fire crits occur.
Requires 30 points in Fire Talents; Requires 3 points in Critical Mass
Spell and rank reference ↗FP0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 25 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗BW0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗CM0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗MOE0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗HU1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
Build three stacks for a 1.5-second Pyroblast.
Requires 15 points in Fire Talents; Requires 1 point in Pyroblast
Spell and rank reference ↗IFW0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IS0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
Maintain your own Fire vulnerability on a durable target.
Requires 15 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗BS2/3
This build: 2/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗P1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IF0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗I0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗FT0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗I5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗A0/5
This build: 0/5 points.
Shorter Fireball, Frostfire Bolt and Arcane Wrath casts.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗I5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗IFB2/2
This build: 2/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IB0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
Shield, pushback protection while it holds, and a Frost damage buff.
Requires 30 points in Frost Talents; Requires 1 point in Cold Snap
Spell and rank reference ↗WC0/5
This build: 0/5 points.
Build stacks with eligible Frost hits, then spend them with Cone of Cold.
Requires 25 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗FOF0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
Lets the next two spells treat a target as Frozen.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents; Requires 1 point in Ice Lance
Spell and rank reference ↗ICO0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗CS0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
Resets other Frost cooldowns; weigh damage against defensive use.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IL0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
A short-cooldown instant for Frozen targets and Fingers of Frost windows.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗S0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IB0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AR0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IB0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗FC0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗F0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IFN0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗P0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IS0/5
This build: 0/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗P3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
All-spell hit: 6% at rank 3.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗IF0/5
This build: 0/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗FW0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗Open this exact allocation in the Forever calculator ↗
Read the complete allocation as text
- Arcane — Improved Channeling: 5/5
- Arcane — Arcane Concentration: 5/5
- Arcane — Missile Barrage: 2/2
- Arcane — Arcane Subtlety: 2/2
- Arcane — Arcane Blast: 1/1
- Arcane — Arcane Impact: 3/3
- Arcane — Arcane Wrath: 1/1
- Arcane — Arcane Meditation: 3/3
- Arcane — Arcane Mind: 5/5
- Arcane — Presence Of Mind: 1/1
- Arcane — Arcane Instability: 3/3
- Arcane — Arcane Power: 1/1
- Fire — Incineration: 5/5
- Fire — Ignite: 5/5
- Fire — Pyroblast: 1/1
- Fire — Improved Fire Blast: 2/2
- Fire — Burning Soul: 2/3
- Fire — Heating Up: 1/1
- Frost — Precision: 3/3
Fire 60 · 16 / 32 / 3Personal Scorch, Heating Up, Combustion and Missile Barrage.
Gold border = allocated. Rank badges show points/max. Tap an icon for its name, purpose and prerequisites; tap again to close. These are build diagrams, not point editors.
AP0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 30 points in Arcane Talents; Requires 1 point in Presence of Mind
Spell and rank reference ↗AI0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 25 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AM0/5
This build: 0/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗POM0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AR0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗AM0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents; Requires 5 points in Arcane Concentration
Spell and rank reference ↗IC0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AS0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AB1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
Builds a temporary Intellect-based spell-damage bonus; repeated casts become expensive.
Requires 10 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AI1/3
This build: 1/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AG0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗MB2/2
This build: 2/2 points.
Proc for free, faster Arcane Missiles.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AC5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗MA0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AS2/2
This build: 2/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Arcane Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IC5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗WS0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗AW0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Arcane Talents; Requires 1 point in Arcane Blast
Spell and rank reference ↗C1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
Fire hits build crit chance until three non-periodic Fire crits occur.
Requires 30 points in Fire Talents; Requires 3 points in Critical Mass
Spell and rank reference ↗FP3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 25 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗BW0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗CM3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗MOE2/3
This build: 2/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗HU1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
Build three stacks for a 1.5-second Pyroblast.
Requires 15 points in Fire Talents; Requires 1 point in Pyroblast
Spell and rank reference ↗IFW0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IS3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
Maintain your own Fire vulnerability on a durable target.
Requires 15 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗BS1/3
This build: 1/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗P1/1
This build: 1/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IF0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗I0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗FT0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗I5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗A5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
Shorter Fireball, Frostfire Bolt and Arcane Wrath casts.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗I5/5
This build: 5/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗IFB2/2
This build: 2/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Fire Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IB0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
Shield, pushback protection while it holds, and a Frost damage buff.
Requires 30 points in Frost Talents; Requires 1 point in Cold Snap
Spell and rank reference ↗WC0/5
This build: 0/5 points.
Build stacks with eligible Frost hits, then spend them with Cone of Cold.
Requires 25 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗FOF0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
Lets the next two spells treat a target as Frozen.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents; Requires 1 point in Ice Lance
Spell and rank reference ↗ICO0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗CS0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
Resets other Frost cooldowns; weigh damage against defensive use.
Requires 20 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IL0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
A short-cooldown instant for Frozen targets and Fingers of Frost windows.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗S0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IB0/1
This build: 0/1 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗AR0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 15 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IB0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗FC0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 10 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗F0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IFN0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗P0/3
This build: 0/3 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗IS0/5
This build: 0/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Requires 5 points in Frost Talents
Spell and rank reference ↗P3/3
This build: 3/3 points.
All-spell hit: 6% at rank 3.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗IF0/5
This build: 0/5 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗FW0/2
This build: 0/2 points.
See the spell reference for the complete rank-by-rank effect.
Available in the first talent row.
Spell and rank reference ↗Open this exact allocation in the Forever calculator ↗
Read the complete allocation as text
- Fire — Accelerant: 5/5
- Fire — Incineration: 5/5
- Fire — Ignite: 5/5
- Fire — Pyroblast: 1/1
- Fire — Improved Fire Blast: 2/2
- Fire — Heating Up: 1/1
- Fire — Improved Scorch: 3/3
- Fire — Critical Mass: 3/3
- Fire — Fire Power: 3/3
- Fire — Master Of Elements: 2/3
- Fire — Combustion: 1/1
- Fire — Burning Soul: 1/3
- Arcane — Improved Channeling: 5/5
- Arcane — Arcane Concentration: 5/5
- Arcane — Missile Barrage: 2/2
- Arcane — Arcane Subtlety: 2/2
- Arcane — Arcane Blast: 1/1
- Arcane — Arcane Impact: 1/3
- Frost — Precision: 3/3
Before you copy an old Classic build: Forever has changed talent names, positions and effects. Precision now covers all spells; Winter’s Chill feeds Cone of Cold; Arcane Blast is not a buff that your next different spell consumes. Use the current Forever calculator rather than an Era or Season of Discovery import.
Frost Leveling: Where Every Talent Point Goes
This route assumes your first talent point at level 10 and one point each level through 60. If a progression benefit gives access earlier, follow the point order rather than treating the level labels as a different 51-point budget. Respeccing is a trainer visit; Dual Specialization opens at level 40.
Follow from top to bottom; ranks are the total after that step.
| Levels | Talent | Rank after step |
|---|---|---|
| 10–14 | Frost · Improved Frostbolt | 5/5 |
| 15–17 | Frost · Precision | 3/3 |
| 18–19 | Frost · Ice Shards | 2/5 |
| 20 | Frost · Ice Lance | 1/1 |
| 21–23 | Frost · Ice Shards | 5/5 |
| 24 | Frost · Frost Channeling | 1/3 |
| 25 | Frost · Ice Block | 1/1 |
| 26–28 | Frost · Shatter | 3/3 |
| 29 | Frost · Frost Channeling | 2/3 |
| 30 | Frost · Fingers Of Frost | 1/2 |
| 31 | Frost · Cold Snap | 1/1 |
| 32 | Frost · Fingers Of Frost | 2/2 |
| 33 | Frost · Frost Channeling | 3/3 |
| 34 | Frost · Improved Blizzard | 1/3 |
| 35–39 | Frost · Winter’s Chill | 5/5 |
| 40 | Frost · Ice Barrier | 1/1 |
| 41–43 | Frost · Improved Cone Of Cold | 3/3 |
| 44–48 | Arcane · Improved Channeling | 5/5 |
| 49–53 | Arcane · Arcane Concentration | 5/5 |
| 54–55 | Arcane · Missile Barrage | 2/2 |
| 56–57 | Arcane · Arcane Subtlety | 2/2 |
| 58 | Arcane · Arcane Blast | 1/1 |
| 59–60 | Arcane · Arcane Meditation | 2/3 |
At 30, you have the first Fingers of Frost rank and Ice Block. At 40, Ice Barrier becomes the central comfort upgrade. The final seventeen points support mana and mixed-school procs rather than delaying those defensive milestones. Missile Barrage does not enter this route until 54, and Arcane Blast until 58; do not build a level-25 action bar around the finished level-60 tree.
Improved Blizzard is one point here, not a promise that every zone should be mass-pulled. Learn how far you can kite and how quickly nearby respawns close your exit before pulling several enemies. Against scattered casters, tight terrain or mobs that resist your control, smaller pulls are usually the sensible choice.
Frost Rotation: Frozen Windows, Cone of Cold and Survival
Solo before the later talents: pull from range with Frostbolt, keep casting while the enemy travels, then create distance before it reaches you. Frost Nova gives a Frozen window, but damage can break the root. Use Ice Lance when Frozen or Fingers of Frost makes it qualify; being merely slowed is not enough.
- Keep Ice Barrier useful once learned.Its cast provides a Frost damage buff; an intact shield adds protection and prevents pushback. Refresh with mechanics and mana in mind.
- Use a real Frozen or Fingers of Frost window.Prefer an eligible Ice Lance when its cooldown is ready; keep Frostbolt flowing rather than waiting for Lance.
- Spend a full Winter’s Chill stack with Cone of Cold when safe.The talent strengthens your next Cone. Do not walk into lethal melee just to spend it.
- Take Missile Barrage when the late Arcane talents unlock it.The proc makes Arcane Missiles free and faster. Before level 54 on this route, you do not have that talent.
- Return to Frostbolt as your normal ranged cast.At 58+, Arcane Blast can supply a temporary damage bonus, but repeated stacks are optional mana spending, not a required four-stack rule for every pull.
Ice Lance currently has an eight-second cooldown. Fingers of Frost has two spell charges, so “spend a charge” does not mean “press Ice Lance twice.” Keep casting useful spells while Lance is unavailable. Do not idle waiting for it or assume an old instant-spam rotation applies.
On a dungeon boss, stand where you can cast continuously and use the proc system instead of trying to root a boss for your damage window. In a pack, check threat before using Blizzard, Cone of Cold or Arcane Explosion. A slowed pack that runs to you is still a failed pull.
Cold Snap resets other Frost cooldowns, including defensive options. Resetting Cone of Cold can help a damage window, but spending your ten-minute reset immediately before a dangerous pull removes that safety net. Ice Block buys time; it does not give the healer or tank permission to ignore the enemies still alive around you.
Frost Blast, learned at 24, is the intended quick slowing tool in the revised kit. Avoid importing rank-one Frostbolt proc-fishing habits: downranking can reduce the benefits and proc behavior you were trying to gain. Train new ranks and compare their actual mana cost and effect.
Arcane Rotation: Manage the Window, Not Just Four Stacks
The 32/16/3 allocation combines Arcane burst with Fire support. Its priority is conditional: the best next spell depends on procs, remaining mana and whether the target will live long enough to finish a cast. It does not have Improved Scorch, so Scorch is a filler here rather than a debuff you must stack.
- Pyroblast at three Heating Up stacks.Use a safe casting window and avoid sitting on a completed proc while generating more stacks.
- Fire Blast when it fits the target and movement.It contributes to Heating Up; do not pull an extra enemy just to keep the button on cooldown.
- Proc-enabled Arcane Missiles.Missile Barrage means free, accelerated missiles. An ordinary unprocced channel is a different mana decision.
- Arcane Wrath when available.This allocation has the talent; the direct-Fire allocation below does not.
- Arcane Blast as your mana budget allows, then Scorch filler.Check the original buff timer and encounter duration. Four-stack spam is a burn decision, not the only way to play.
The current Arcane Blast tooltip gives each stack a spell-damage bonus based on 12% of Intellect, up to four stacks, while increasing Blast’s mana cost by 100% per stack. The buff lasts 18 seconds from its initial application. Casting a different spell does not consume it, and additional Blasts do not turn it into an endlessly refreshed window.
That changes the decision: build only the stacks you can afford to exploit. Four stacks near the end of a nearly empty mana bar are not automatically better than fewer stacks followed by useful proc casts. In a long fight, lower the amount of Blast spending before you run dry; in a short, controlled burn, more spending may make sense.
Use Arcane Power when the target will stay available and you have mana to cast through the burst. Presence of Mind is valuable when it converts a long cast into damage you can actually land, including during movement. Save Evocation for a safe channel: starting at zero mana under incoming mechanics is a recovery plan that may already be too late.
For several stacked enemies, Arcane Explosion is an option only when it is safe to stand in range. A prepared Flamestrike can fit a controlled pull, but an extra area spell before the tank establishes threat can cost more time than it saves. Crowd-controlled targets and nearby neutral packs matter more than a rigid AoE sequence.
Fire Rotation: Your Scorch, Your Heating Up Stacks
The 16/32/3 plan is a direct-Fire build, not a Frostfire hybrid. It has Improved Scorch and Combustion, but no Arcane Power or Arcane Wrath. Keep those differences in mind when comparing it with an Arcane/Fire video.
- Maintain your five-stack Improved Scorch on a durable target.Build it and refresh before expiry; another Mage cannot maintain your personal debuff.
- Cast Pyroblast at three Heating Up stacks.It is shortened to 1.5 seconds, not made instant.
- Use Fire Blast and spend Missile Barrage procs.Fire Blast builds Heating Up; a proc makes Arcane Missiles free and fast.
- Use Fireball as the normal filler.An affordable Arcane Blast can add a temporary damage bonus once you have that talent. Do not replace the whole Fire loop with expensive Blast spam.
Heating Up is not instant Hot Streak. Eligible direct crits build stacks, and Fire Blast adds a stack from its damage hit, with a crit able to contribute more. At three stacks, Pyroblast is a 1.5-second cast. You still need a casting window; stepping into a mechanic because you expected an instant spell loses the benefit.
Improved Scorch applies your own Fire vulnerability for 30 seconds, stacking to five. Another Mage’s debuff does not maintain yours. On a target about to die, building all five from scratch can be wasted effort; on a durable boss, let the debuff lapse only for a reason such as forced movement or target downtime.
Combustion builds Fire crit chance as your Fire hits land and ends after three non-periodic Fire crits. This is not Retail’s guaranteed-crit window. Activate it for sustained access to a meaningful target rather than immediately before a shield, phase transition or long run across the room.
Frostfire Bolt unlocks at 40 and uses the higher applicable Fire or Frost spell-power bonus, not their sum. It can benefit from Fire Power without itself supplying a qualifying Fire effect to build that bonus. Its existence does not mean you should replace Fireball in every direct-Fire build; a dedicated hybrid needs its own point allocation and damage comparison.
Stats: Judge an Upgrade by the Job It Does
Do not treat a prelaunch “BiS” list or imported Classic stat weight as a measured Forever result. Compare the spells you actually cast, the enemies you fight and the resources that stop your next pull. At 60, encounter lengths, resistances and real raid testing will matter.
Practical upgrade checks rather than untested numerical weights.
| Stat | When it helps | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Spell damage | Match school-specific power to the spells you use; generic spell power supports a mixed kit. | Counting Frost-only power as a Fireball bonus. |
| Intellect | Mana budget and Intellect-based Arcane Blast scaling. | Assuming every Intellect point has a fixed simulated value in all fights. |
| Hit | Fewer misses, especially against higher-level targets. | Forgetting the 6% supplied by Precision in these builds. |
| Critical strike | Heating Up, Ignite and other crit interactions; Frost also gains from Shatter windows. | Treating one school’s proc mechanics as universal. |
| Spirit / mana recovery | Recovery between pulls and casting regeneration where your armor/talents permit it. | Valuing regeneration that your current setup cannot use during casting. |
| Stamina | Surviving damage, bad pulls and learning encounters. | Replacing a survivable leveling setup with fragile damage-only gear. |
Precision at 3/3 grants 6% hit with all spells. That is already included in each finished build above. Do not add an old Arcane Focus recommendation on top: that talent is absent from the current tree. We are not labeling one gear-hit number a universal cap for every prelaunch target and level difference.
Separate weapon DPS from caster stats. A wand’s listed damage describes wand attacks, not how hard your Frostbolt hits. Compare a staff against a one-hand weapon plus its off-hand, and read “damage and healing” lines even when an item’s name sounds healer-specific.
Useful Early Gear Targets and the Mage Wand Quest
These are concrete items to check as you level, not a claim that every slot has a settled level-60 best-in-slot winner. Quest availability, faction and the exact school bonus can matter more than item color.
Verified early items; faction and quest-level distinctions included.
| Item | Useful part | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Azure Silk Hood | Level 24; 8 Stamina, 10 Frost spell damage. | Bind on equip. The current equip tooltip does not require Tailoring. Compare price before a long dungeon farm. |
| Civinad Robes | 7 Stamina, 12 Spirit; 26 healing and 9 spell damage. | Gnomeregan quest reward. Read the damage line despite the larger healing number. |
| Violet Sash | 9 Intellect and 6 spell damage. | Alliance: Power Overwhelming in City of Dalaran. Quest requires 24; quest level is 33. |
| Icefury Wand | 3 Intellect and 9 Frost spell damage. | Mage’s Wand class quest. Prepare the chain and Scarlet Monastery Library requirement. |
| Unstable Power Core | A wand: 35–66 Arcane weapon damage and 4 Stamina. | Horde: Source of Power in City of Dalaran. This is not a caster off-hand; compare it as a wand. |
Do not buy a rare item just because it is blue. Blindwatcher’s Sight, from Odo the Blindwatcher in Shadowfang Keep, currently reduces the chance to be hit by Disorient effects. Its tooltip does not show an Intellect or spell-power gain. That can be useful for a specific problem, but it is not an automatic PvE damage upgrade over a crafted Frost hood.
For the Mage wand chain, look for Journey to the Marsh and the chain leading to Mage’s Wand. The quest is listed as requiring level 30 even though its quest level is 40; those are different fields. Plan the Rituals of Power step around a Scarlet Monastery Library trip so you do not discover the book requirement after your group has already left.
Icefury’s Frost bonus is attractive for the main leveling plan. Compare the other rewards if your actual build uses another school. Keep a functioning wand for low-mana finishes, but do not let wand auto-attacks become the default while you still have an efficient spell and a safe casting window.
Enchant Map: What Goes on Each Slot
This map separates early purchases from later upgrades. Read the linked enchant’s recipient/item requirement before paying: the profession skill shown on a recipe is the crafter’s requirement, not automatically a requirement for the Mage wearing it.
Proc after non-periodic spells fail to crit; empowers a later non-periodic spell’s crit chance. Compare with later flat spell-power options.
A permanent +6 spell damage and healing upgrade.
Despite its name: +6 spell damage as well as +16 healing.
Later head/leg option: +8 spell damage and healing. Check Libram/Dire Maul availability and the item requirement.
Choose one permanent upgrade. Do not add an armor kit to an enchant in your stat total.
A school-specific enchant only benefits its listed school. A kit can be a budget alternative; verify the actual tooltip.
The later +8 damage/healing arcanum replaces a kit; it does not stack with it.
Current Forever database: +4% movement speed. Useful for positioning and travel; competes with a kit.
Character artwork: the Orc Mage in Blizzard’s Forever race/class preview, shown using the article’s existing WowCarry-hosted cover. © Blizzard Entertainment.
Important conflicts: an armor kit and a permanent enchant on the same slot are alternatives. A leg arcanum replaces a leg kit; movement speed on boots competes with a boot kit. Choose the benefit that solves your problem rather than adding both bonuses on paper.
The Lesser Healing Power bracer enchant is particularly easy to overlook: its current Forever tooltip grants 16 healing and 6 spell damage. The healing name does not make the damage line disappear. Minor Speed’s current database value is 4% movement speed; do not import an older 8% claim.
Mystic Rugged Armor Kit is a level-50 option for chest, legs, hands or feet. Its database effect text is currently malformed, so this guide does not publish the displayed “75 spell power” as a real bonus or build a shopping calculation around it. Check the actual item tooltip before buying a batch.
Mana, Professions and Dungeon Utility
Carry current conjured water before leaving town, refresh it as you learn better ranks, and start drinking during useful pauses rather than after everyone else is ready. Keep a Mana Gem available when learned. A mana restore used early enough to avoid stopping damage is often more useful than one saved until the last seconds of the fight.
Choose professions for an actual plan. Tailoring gives access to cloth crafting, but check each item’s equip text before assuming all useful crafted pieces require you to be the crafter. Enchanting supports permanent upgrades; gathering can fund training and purchases. Do not drop a profession based on an untested claim that it is mandatory for every Mage.
Comprehension is Mage’s minor tradeskill. Comprehend Scroll is in the General tab of the Spellbook, not necessarily where you expect a school spell. Stop moving before using Mage scrolls under the revised rules. Creature drops do not establish a guaranteed scroll farm or a complete effect list, so do not spend gold assuming a specific result.
Before a dungeon pull, agree on the Polymorph target and stand where you can interrupt without running through enemies. Avoid breaking your own crowd control with area damage. If a caster cannot be safely gathered, Counterspell and line of sight may solve the pull more reliably than trying to kite everything at once.
This mouseover interrupt stops your current cast deliberately, then interrupts a hostile mouseover or your current target. Use it when landing the interrupt is worth abandoning the cast:
#showtooltip Counterspell
/stopcasting
/cast [@mouseover,harm,nodead][] CounterspellThis Polymorph macro keeps your current damage target selected while casting at a valid hostile mouseover. It does not choose a safe target for you:
#showtooltip Polymorph
/cast [@mouseover,harm,nodead][] PolymorphPut control, an interrupt, an escape and a defensive spell on reachable keys before optimizing a damage sequence. A clean recovery prevents the corpse run that a small theoretical damage gain cannot repay.
Character Setup and What to Check After Launch
Alliance Mages can be Gnome, Human or Skyborne; Horde Mages can be Orc, Troll or Undead. Horde Skyborne does not have Mage access. Check the race/class reference before planning a character, and use our leveling guide for the wider journey rather than treating a talent route as a zone route.
After a patch, first compare talent positions, the Arcane Blast window, Ice Lance’s cooldown and the personal Scorch rules. Then check whether your existing build still has the required points. Those changes can invalidate a rotation even when the spell names look familiar.
For this prelaunch edition, the three full allocations and level-30 checkpoint were checked in the displayed Forever calculator. Level-60 damage rankings, final raid gearing and encounter-specific swaps need live evidence; they are not presented here as already tested.
Sources and Build Review
Class design and subsequent changes: Blizzard’s Mage deep dive and the official development thread. Current positions, ranks, tooltips and point legality: Forever Mage talent calculator, checked November 2.
Priority cross-checks: Wowhead’s Frost, Arcane and Fire rotation guides. Gear and enchant links above point to individual Forever database entries. The allocations, leveling route and presentation are WowCarry’s starting plans; current database values take precedence over older overview text where those sources disagree.
