Mage Spell Rotations - Arcane

Mage Arcane Spell Rotation
Current for Patch 3.3

Arcane spell rotations for Mages can be a tricky thing. There is no set rotation, and what happens next is purely situational and ultimately up to the player's personal DPS desires. Arcane still edges out Fire in DPS, so many Mages have specced this route.

The key to mastering Arcane spell rotations is to manage your mana. This will include fully utilizing Missile Barrage, Arcane Missiles, and Arcane Barrage.

The first Arcane rotation can punch out a ton of damage, but can drain mana very quickly. My recommendation is to practice on the target dummies in the major cities before attempting this in a dungeon or raid.

Arcane Spells:

• Arcane Missiles
• Arcane Blast
• Arcane Barrage
• Missile Barrage

The first possible Arcane rotation:

• Arcane Blast (until Missile Barrage procs) -> Arcane Missiles -> Repeat

The idea here is to let Arcane blast punch a massive hole in the target, and hopefully Missile Barrage will proc, allowing you to cast a free Arcane Missiles, and thus resetting Arcane Blast to be used again.

The second Arcane rotation, which I believe is the current preferred rotation, is as follows:

• Arcane Blast -> Arcane Blast -> (Arcane Blast) -> Arcane Missiles (when Missile Barrage procs)

The third Arcane Blast may or may not be necessary. It completely depends on the missile Barrage proc.

If Missile Barrage does not proc by the 4th Arcane Blast, then:

• Arcane Blast -> Arcane Blast -> Arcane Blast -> Arcane Blast -> Arcane Barrage -> Repeat

For situations where mana conservation is essential:

• Arcane Blast -> Arcane Blast -> Arcane Missiles -> Arcane Blast -> Arcane Blast -> Arcane Missiles

Any further input here is very welcome. From my experience and research, these are the most current for WotlK. Any other help or tips is appreciated!