Fire Mage (PvE Guide)

[vrevolvr]

vrevolvr's Guide to a Fire Mage
Updated for Patch 4.3.4


Talents/Builds/Glyphs:

There is really only one sufficient build to a Fire Mage (at least in Cataclysm). The build can be customized; however, I only recommend that IF you know what you're doing:

Standard:
IMG: http://i.imgur.com/b7s1Wt0.png


Rotations/Spell Priorities/Cooldowns:

The Fire Mage spell priority takes after the Frost Mage priority. The problem with Fire is its demanding demeanor for the player's attention.

Single Target:

1) Pyroblast (only if Hot Streak is active)
2) Flame Orb (whenever it is off of its cooldown)
3) Apply/refresh Living Bomb (always let Living Bomb explode before refreshing it)
4) Apply/refresh Critical Mass (you can do this by casting Scorch)
5) Cast Fireball (this is your highest source of DPS -- it is a filler ability)

Multiple Target:

The multiple target spell priority is the exact same as the normal rotation; however, you should use Fire Blast on the chosen target to spread the DoT effects to other nearby targets.

Cooldown Usage:

1) Combustion - Combustion is the only real DPS cooldown that a Fire Mage possesses. Combustion takes the current DoTs on your target and creates a new one by merging your current DoTs together. To use Combustion properly, you should follow my guidelines below:

-- Never cast Combustion on your target if Living Bomb isn't currently active.
-- If Living Bomb is on your target, then you should only use Combustion on that target after landing a critical hit with a Fireball or Pyroblast.

2) Mirror Image - Much like Frost, Mirror Image provides a Fire Mage with a minor DPS increase. Ideally, you should use this ability only if all of the images will attack the boss for the entirety of the duration (30 seconds). The best time is at the start of a fight when paired with Heroism/Bloodlust.

Armors:

1) Molten Armor - Molten Armor has priority over Mage Armor thanks to its critical strike bonus.
2) Mage Armor - A mage should only ever cast Mage Armor if they're struggling with conserving mana during a fight.


Statistic Priority:

1) Intellect
2) Hit Rating - You should aim for the 17% cap.
3) Haste Rating - You should aim for the 12.5% cap.
4) Critical Strike Rating
5) Haste Rating - You should aim for the 25% cap.
6) Mastery


Gems/Enchants/Consumables:

Gems:

Meta: Burning Shadowspirit Diamond
Red: Brilliant Inferno Ruby
Yellow: Brilliant Inferno Ruby (only use this if the socket bonus isn't at least +10 to Intellect), otherwise Potent Ember Topaz (if Haste cap is reached) or Reckless Ember Topaz (if Haste cap isn't reached)
Blue: Brilliant Inferno Ruby (only use this if the socket bonus isn't at least +10 to Intellect), otherwise Veiled Demonseye

Enchants:

Head: Arcanum of Hyjal
Shoulder: Greater Inscription of Charged Lodestone
Back: Greater Intellect
Chest: Peerless Stats
Wrist: Mighty Intellect or Precision
Hands: Haste or Greater Mastery
Waist: Ebonsteel Belt Buckle
Legs: Powerful Enchanted Spellthread
Feet: Enchant Boots - Lavawalker or Haste or Precision
Weapon: Power Torrent or Hurricane
Off-Hand: Superior Intellect

Consumables:

1) Flask of Draconic Mind
2) Severed Sagefish Head or Fortune Cookie or Seafood Magnifique Feast
3) Volcanic Potion is the best choice for a Fire Mage to use right before engaging a boss.

GOOD LUCK MASTERING THE FIRE MAGE!