Starting a mage ` So , you ' re thinking of playing a Mage ? This page is intended to give a short overview of what to do over the first 5 levels or so , just to get you started on the right path . If you ' re looking for more of an overview of the class ' s abilities , see the main Mage page . For more advanced topics , see mage tactics . For a more general overview on starting out playing WoW , see the Newbie Guide . Introduction . A Mage ' s primary mode of damage is through magic , meaning that they avoid melee combat at all costs so as to be able to cast magical spells . They can do direct damage , but truly shine with their ability to inflict various types of AoE damage , buff groups , control crowds , conjure water and food and open portals to capital cities for themselves and party members . However , they cannot heal and are unlikely to stay alive very long under fire . If you ' re considering playing a mage , you ' ll have to ask yourself a few questions , first : These are all things a mage will deal with . It ' s not the hardest role , but can be very enjoyable both in single and group play . Mages are not as popular as priests or warriors when people need to set up a group , but can be the third choice in certain instances once the warrior / priest combination is brought together . Race selection . If you ' re a power - player , you ' ll want to consider the various Racial Traits when choosing what race to play . You might also consider the racial Attributes , but after the first 20 levels or so these become largely irrelevant , as the items you ' ve gained will outstrip any racial bonuses . For more casual gamers , there ' s really no major difference between the races - choose the race that you want to play , whether for its looks , its voice , or because its simply good fun ! Early Leveling . The easiest way to progress through the early levels is to simply do any and all of the quests you can find . Not only will you breeze through the first 5 to 10 levels , but you ' ll get useful gear and precious money . You will spend levels 1 to 5 in your starting town . Make sure you get all the abilities and spells you can from your trainer . Between level 5 and 6 you ' ll find yourself heading off to your second town and a new trainer who can teach you various things . At the second town , repeat the process - do each and every quest you can find . It ' s important to keep up with your abilities and your gear . Now is also an appropriate time to start thinking about what profession you want . You can choose them once you reach level 5 . Levels 1 - 3 . You ' re initially equipped with a ranged attack , , which has a slow cast time , but can cause big damage . Open combat at maximum range with Frostfire Bolt . Keep spamming until the creature is dead , attacking with your staff if necessary . For troll s , activating as often as possible to supplement your spell damage . At level 3 , you get an AoE root ability called that does minor damage , but freezes enemies in place for up to 8 sec . Use this when melee enemies get within attack range and back away for a few seconds . Levels 4 - 5 . At level 5 , you learn , an instant , ranged damage attack . The general strategy is to open with the slow cast and hit Fire Blast whenever it is available . Continue to use to delay attackers . If the enemy can be finished off with Fire Blast , use it rather than waiting for Frostfire Bolt to finish casting . If the enemy is very low on health you can whack it with a melee weapon to save mana . Notable Early Quests . " The intention is to link into the Quests page here with a few low - level quests once they are added , with particular emphasis on including quests with nice mage rewards , and any mage - specific quests . No real need to include the very basic starting quests as everybody will see those easily enough . The following lists are not intended to be comprehensive , but cover a selection of the best quests in the starting areas from levels 1 to 10 . "