Mage · DPS · MoP Classic 5.4.8

MoP Classic P5 Arcane Mage Guide

Decide Combustion or Evocation based on the boss timeline: dump mana at high charge, then reset with Arcane Barrage to return to a sustainable range.

Core resource:Mana · Arcane Charges

Core Rotation

  • Build charges with Arcane Blast, use Arcane Missiles procs promptly; when needing to switch/move, finish with Arcane Barrage to reset.
  • Maintain high mana during conservation phases; during burn phases, rapidly deplete mana when Arcane Power, trinkets, and Evocation are available.
  • Alter Time should copy high-value buff windows; before it ends, ensure you won't be pulled back into danger by mechanics.

Mechanics and Opener

  • Arcane Charge：Stacks increase Arcane Blast damage and mana cost. The playstyle is to burn at high stacks during buff windows and reset with Barrage during calm phases, not to hard-cast at four stacks permanently.
  • Mana equals damage.：Mastery makes high mana stronger; Evocation/gems are not remedies after running out of mana, but nodes pre-planned into the Combustion–Restoration cycle.
  • Missile proc：Treat Arcane Missiles procs as a resource. Consume at high stacks/high buffs, and avoid continuing Arcane Blast when at proc cap to prevent waste.
  • -3 sec｜Prepare mana gems/buffs, Mirror Image based on threat needs.：Make room for the first round of mana and threat curves.
  • -2 sec｜Potion and pre-cast Arcane Blast：Gain first charge immediately on pull.
  • 0–4 stacks｜Stack Arcane Blast, consume Missiles when near cap：Quickly build high stacks without wasting procs.
  • 4 stacks｜Arcane Power + trinkets, enter burn：Highest charge and high mana together benefit from major buffs.
  • Planned low point｜Evocate to recover, then use Barrage/Arcane Blast to return to mana-conservation phase.：Exit Combustion by timeline, not completely OOM.

Common Mistakes and WCL Review

  • Do not burn all mana without Evocation or a phase transition to recover.
  • When Arcane Missiles procs near cap, consume first to avoid wasting new procs.
  • Does the mana curve match the burn/conserve plan?
  • Arcane Power window damage density, Missiles proc waste, and Barrage reset timing.

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