The highest single-target DPS frost build, utilizing Arcane Power and Presence of WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold Mind while spamming Frostbolt. This is the optimal frost DPS spec for PvE-focused players.

Frostfire Hybrid

A flexible option that performs well on both fire-immune bosses and standard encounters. You still parse as fire while having strong frost capabilities, making this a great "set and forget" raid spec.

Winter's Chill Support

Every raid needs one Winter's Chill mage. While personal DPS is lower, the debuff increases frost crit chance by up to 10% for the entire raid. Ideally, the least-geared frost mage fills this role.

Understanding Mage Stats

Spell damage remains king, but stats must be evaluated properly.

Approximate Phase 4 stat values:

1% Hit ≈ 11 spell damage

1% Crit ≈ 8 spell damage

1 Intellect ≈ 0.18 spell damage

Hit cap is 16%. Any hit above that provides no benefit, so gearing past cap requires swapping pieces intelligently. Always evaluate upgrades based on overall stat value, not just raw spell damage.

Gear and Best-in-Slot Philosophy

Bloodvine gear is central to both fire and frost builds due to its set bonuses. Trinkets like Briarwood Reed, Mind Quickening Gem, and Nefarian's Tear provide massive long-term value and should be high-priority raid targets.

ZG is especially important in Phase 4 due to its short lockout and large number of relevant mage upgrades, making it one of the fastest gearing paths available.

Enchants That Actually Matter

Key enchants every mage should prioritize:

+30 Spell Power on weapon

ZG head/leg enchant (18 spell damage + 1% hit)

ZG shoulder enchant (18 spell damage)

Minor speed to boots is highly recommended for both raid mechanics and farming efficiency.

Rotations: Fire vs Frost

Fire Rotation

Stack five Scorch debuffs (usually six casts to account for resists)

Pop trinkets, cooldowns, and Combustion

Spam Fireball and manage Ignite carefully

In very short fights, skip Scorch entirely and immediately Fireball with cooldowns.

Frost Rotation

Yes, you mostly cast Frostbolt-but timing matters. Arcane Power should be activated after a Frostbolt is already in the air to maximize damage. Travel time matters more than most players realize.

Winter's Chill mages simply maintain Frostbolt uptime, using rank one Frostbolt only when multiple frost mages are present.

Consumables and World Buffs

Showing up without consumables is unacceptable if you care about performance. At minimum, bring:

Flask of Supreme Power

Greater Arcane Elixir

Mana and protection potions

Fire or Frost elixir

World buffs are non-optional in modern Classic. Dragon Slayer, Songflower, Dire Maul buffs, Darkmoon Faire, and Spirit of Zandalar all massively increase DPS and should be planned and booned in buy WoW Classic 20th Anniversary Gold advance.