How to Increase Mage DPS in "WoW"

Improve your mage's DPS in "World of Warcraft"

Mages are very powerful characters in "World of Warcraft." However, in order to increase your DPS, or damage per second, you have to follow an exact route than you may have to do with other classes. Mages do not lend themselves as well to personal customization. Remember that while it's important to know your DPS, it's just one factor out of many in how well you perform during raids.

Instructions

1. Forgo a personalized spec for your mage unless you happen to be a mathematician. Understand that there will be light years of DPS difference between a spec that you choose for yourself and one that has already been worked out and is commonly used by raiding mages.

2. Spec according to gear level. Certain gear levels can carry certain specs better than others. For example, an Ulduar 25 geared mage benefits more from an arcane spec than a mage wearing only heroic gear, who benefits more from a Frostfire Bolt spec.

3. Check the Worldofwarcraft.com mage forums and read the guide provided on spec to find the spec that will increase DPS the most for your mage's gear level. Read the guide in full for the excellent tips on your class it provides.

4. Study the guide to find the right rotation for your chosen spec. A rotation is a list of which spells to cast in which order to get the most of your abilities and increase your DPS.

5. Practice your rotation on target dummies. The more practice you have, the faster you will get. The faster and more familiar you are with your mage's casting rotation, the more DPS you will put out.

6. Gem primarily for spellpower when you are first starting out. When spellpower isn't an option, opt for haste or crit. Both of these stats will boost your DPS. Experiment with different gem combinations to find one that suits you best.

7. Download and install the Recount mod. This is a vital tool to measure your DPS and how it changes.

8. Check Thottbot.com for gear upgrades that will help increase your mage DPS. The website will also tell you where to find the upgrades and the percentage chance of those items dropping.

9. Find a mentor in a more experienced mage to help you and answer your questions along the way.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a mentor in a more experienced mage to help you and answer your questions along the way.

References

• Joystiq; WoW Insider; "WoW Rookie: What's My DPS?"; Lisa Poiso; 2009