Mage Guide

Once again click -----> here<------ before you start reading this. This guide contains build information reflecting the exp cap increase as well as some tips and tricks of being a mage.

Mages are your typical shoot fire at things and watch them burn class to an extent. SMT has put a couple little twists on what being a mage could be. Here are some of the common builds for a mage.

Some general tips for being any mage:
When using AoE spells/rushes be sure you can either kill the mob you fire at or be ready to handle the hell that ensues. Too many times have I seen people rush in use a maragion on a group of enemies then die because they couldn't keep up with the rushes/spells/basic attacks that came after them.

All stats go into Magic to begin with (kind of a duh statement but hey). Secondarily you can put some points into luck for the crit chance boost but majority of it should go into Intelligence. Mages use a ton of mp.....(another duh statemenet).


Shotmage:

OMFG SHOTMAGE??? I can use guns and shoot magic? No....sorry...not the class for you ;3 Be patient wait for a gunner guide. Shotmages use Destruction Magic to blow things up. A typical build will consist of maxed out destruction magic and magic control. Shotmages usually hybrid with Enhance or Curse of the Wretched. There are so many ways to build a shotmage with the inclusion of the Conditions of Magic Control chain added as well.

One end game build:

Class 10 Destruction Magic
Class 7 Magic Control
Class 8 Support
Class 4 Curative
Class 8 Curse
Class 5 Bless

Class 7.4 Cotw
Class 5.9 Enhance

Gear:
For shotmages the best gear you can have is anything that boosts cooldown, incantation, base magic stat, and spell. Anything that boosts the amount of times you can use a skill (those ruby/lazurite eyes for example) or boosts general/elemental damage by a percentage is good.

Most of the time you want to specialize in one or two elements. Fire and electric tend to be good to start with as there is some gear that boosts both, while vishnu cyrstals boost electric per tarot as well.

If you have the money you can specialize in becoming a megispammer. Megidoraon and Megidora will be your primary spells. This requires as much cooldown as you can get and certain weapons and things that boost almighty for you to do the max damage.

Demolition Dasher:

More commonly known as DD, the demo dasher is the up close and personal mage using elemental rushes to get in demon's faces. As with a shotmage, DD has the potential to hybrid with a multitude of chain expertise. DD has one of the highest modifiers in the game for chain expertise, making it a wonderful beginner class. Blowing through sugi silver floors without a weapon is quite nice :3

Be warned: DD skills are in fact rush skills and can be countered by attack and counter like normal melee rushes. Use your demon wisely.

One DD Build:
Class 10 Destruction Magic
Class 7 Magic Control
Class 8 Rush

Class 8 DD

DDs typically hybrid with either COTW or Enhance. You can get Delorean and the major buffs/debuffs from cotw and enhance, however if you want the new almighty rush I do believe you need to pick one or the other. 

Gear:
Typically you want to focus your boost on one element (usually fire) and there are a number of gears that do so. Go for anything that boosts your general damage if possible. Spell stacks are great as well allowing you to rush through things multiple times. DDs have little to no cd problems (unless you plan on being a hybrid with enh or shotmage) therefore focus on lowering incantation.

Its good to have powerful weapons that boost element damage but keep in mind you will eat through durability like a kid and candy. The good thing; DDers typically can blow through lower runs (bronze/silvers/gold floor rooms) without using a weapon. Therefore you can save the powerful punch weps for the bosses :3


FAQ:

Q: So DD is rushes right....shouldn't I raise rush and use those?
A: Not typically. All your points go into Magic and either secondary into Intelligence. Normal rushes rely on Strength to do its damage so you won't be doing much with those.

Q: So....why can't I use guns...its called shotmage....
A: For the same reason as the first question. Gunners use speed as a primary stat. Mages, once maxed out on their Magic stat would most likely need Int as their secondary. Ma-dynes and Megis cost a lot to spam.

Q: You haven't posted all the builds here....why is that?
A: There are so many ways to build a mage that it really depends on your playstyle. Want more Cotw? Get less Enhance. The basic builds mentioned above are not set in stone. If you need/want help feel free to contact me here, on the western forums or in game and I'd be happy to help plan a specific build for you.