Leveling 1–60

Mage

Open leveling route

What changed in Forever

Leveling 1–60

The route develops Frost through Ice Barrier at 40. Slows and freezes provide additional casting time before the next enemy attack. Subsequent Arcane talents reduce the need for mana recovery. The allocation supports ordinary quests and small enemy groups.

1–9: spells and a wand

Talents at level 10

An encounter begins with the current Fireball or Frostbolt rank. Wand attacks can finish the encounter without further mana expenditure; full regeneration resumes five seconds after the last expenditure. New ranks of attack spells and conjured water take priority in training. Early wand upgrades increase damage available without mana expenditure.

10–19: faster Frostbolt

Talents at level 10

The first five points enter Improved Frostbolt, followed by two in Precision and three in Frostbite. Frostbolt is the primary damage spell. Frost Nova allows distance to increase; Polymorph temporarily removes an additional enemy from combat. Since damage breaks this effect, area attacks require separation of the primary target from the transformed enemy.

20–29: freezes and critical hits

Talents at level 20

Ice Lance and Blink training become available at 20. Frostbolt and Ice Lance benefit against frozen targets: Shatter increases critical-hit chance, while Ice Shards increases critical damage. Frostbolt remains the primary spell against ordinary targets. Ice Block is obtained at 29, followed by Cold Snap at 34 for repeated use of defensive abilities.

30–40: Fingers of Frost and Ice Barrier

Talents at level 30

Fingers of Frost 2/2 lets the next two spells treat a target as frozen. Arctic Reach extends range, and Frost Channeling 3/3 reduces Frost mana costs by 15%. At 40, Ice Barrier protects casting and increases Frost damage. Its current tooltip grants 15% for one minute and an additional 5% while the absorb remains.

41–60: mana support

Talents at level 41

Wand Specialization at 41–42 and Arcane Resilience at 43–45 open the next tier. Missile Barrage at 46–47 provides a free, faster Arcane Missiles cast when triggered. Subsequent points develop Arcane Subtlety and Arcane Concentration, add Arcane Blast at 51 and complete Arcane Meditation 3/3 by 58. The final two points complete Improved Cone of Cold. Arcane Meditation retains 50% of mana regeneration while casting.

Area combat and specialization at level 60

Area combat requires similar enemy movement speeds, an open escape route and sufficient mana. The main allocation retains defensive abilities for ordinary quests. At 60, the available choices include retaining this allocation or selecting the separate Fire or Arcane preset. In current Forever, Winter’s Chill improves Cone of Cold. The older group spell-critical-hit effect belongs to a different version.

Mana between quests

The current rank of conjured water reduces recovery time compared with outdated ranks. Food and water reserves are required before an extended period outside town. Since Conjure Water and Conjure Food cost mana, preparation is most appropriate before the final recovery in town.

The transition to wand attacks depends on remaining enemy health and wand damage. Finishing without mana expenditure creates an interval for Spirit regeneration. Evocation requires an opportunity to complete the channel without incoming attacks; the recovered mana supports subsequent encounters.

Small groups and area damage

Initial area-combat assessment can use two ordinary melee enemies at the character’s level or below. Similar beasts in open terrain are suitable if susceptible to slows. Casters and ranged enemies require separate handling. The sequence consists of grouping targets, using Frost Nova, increasing distance and applying available area damage. A mana reserve is required for Blink and further control.

This allocation includes Frostbite: a random freeze can separate a moving group. Repeated combat against large groups requires a separate Blizzard-oriented allocation. The suitability of Classic locations depends on enemy composition and the effects of revised slows.

Additional targets are appropriate after several encounters with a stable resource reserve. Exhausting all mana and both defensive abilities increases preparation time before the next encounter. Ordinary questing retains the single-target freeze and Ice Lance sequence.

Talents

of 60

Gear

Levels 10 and 50–60: some items have only been checked against Classic. Each card lists the stat version and source. Sources and data limitations

Dungeons

The leveling route includes one visit to each dungeon located along the route. Quest experience is the primary objective; equipment drops are a secondary benefit. Repeat visits are reserved for pre-raid equipment collection at level 60. Experience totals exclude kills and bonuses. Full-chain totals include prerequisite and follow-up quests, which may require an additional visit. The percentage of a level uses the experience requirement at the listed starting level.

XP and sources

Both totals use quests available at the start of the recommended level range. The first includes direct quests without extra chains. The second includes the entire known list, including preparation and follow-ups; it is a reference total, not a promise of XP from one run. If there are no chains, the totals match. Quests spanning multiple wings award XP once.

Kills and bonuses are excluded. Classic rewards are reference values; unknown XP is excluded from totals. Quest-name links lead to Wowhead or ForeverChanges. Pick up yourself means we do not rely on sharing, including when sharing is unconfirmed. Checked 31.10.2026.

Class quests

1–2 · Class trainer introduction

The starting-zone quest directs the character to the class trainer. Eligibility depends on race.

Eligible: Human. Start: Marshal McBride Elwynn Forest 48.9 , 41.6.

Quest chain
  1. Glyphic Letter · 1+

    Reading the letter is followed by a conversation with Khelden Bremen in Northshire.

    Start: Marshal McBride Elwynn Forest 48.9 , 41.6. Shareable: no.

Eligible: Gnome. Start: Sten Stoutarm Dun Morogh 29.9 , 71.2.

Quest chain
  1. Glyphic Memorandum · 1+

    Reading the memorandum is followed by a conversation with Marryk Nurribit in Coldridge Valley.

    Start: Sten Stoutarm Dun Morogh 29.9 , 71.2. Shareable: no.

Eligible: Horde. Start: Gornek Durotar 42 , 68.4.

Quest chain
  1. Glyphic Parchment · 1+

    The parchment directs the character to Mai’ah at the Den entrance in the Valley of Trials.

    Start: Gornek Durotar 42 , 68.4. Shareable: no.

Eligible: Undead. Start: Shadow Priest Sarvis Tirisfal Glades 30.8 , 66.2.

Quest chain
  1. Glyphic Scroll · 1+

    Reading the scroll is followed by a conversation with Isabella in Deathknell.

    Start: Shadow Priest Sarvis Tirisfal Glades 30.8 , 66.2. Shareable: no.

Eligible: Troll. Start: Gornek Durotar 42.1 , 68.3.

Quest chain
  1. Glyphic Tablet · 1+

    Reading the tablet is followed by a conversation with Mai’ah in the Valley of Trials.

    Start: Gornek Durotar 42.1 , 68.3. Shareable: no.

Eligible: Alliance. Start: Rorian the Dayseeker Zephras Isle 42 , 23.4.

Quest chain
  1. A Student of the Arcane · 2+

    The recall crystal is examined before a conversation with Dorii Brightwhisper in Thendal Grove on Zephras Isle.

    Start: Rorian the Dayseeker Zephras Isle 42 , 23.4. Shareable: no.

10+ · Staff or orb · Human, Gnome

The reward follows collection of a water sample near Stormwind. The staff occupies both hands; the orb occupies the off-hand slot.

Eligible: Human, Gnome. Start: Zaldimar Wefhellt Elwynn Forest 43.2 , 66.2.

Ley StaffLey Orb
Quest chain
  1. Speak with Jennea · 10+

    The next step opens through Jennea Cannon in Stormwind City.

    Start: Zaldimar Wefhellt Elwynn Forest 43.2 , 66.2. Shareable: yes.

  2. Mirror Lake · 10+

    The supplied flask is filled at the base of the Mirror Lake waterfall, southwest of Stormwind’s gates. The sample is returned to Jennea.

    Start: Jennea Cannon Stormwind City 49.6 , 85.8. Shareable: no.

10+ · Staff or orb · Human, Gnome

Bink’s errand fits a Dun Morogh route: the item lies outside Gnomeregan.

Eligible: Human, Gnome. Start: Magis Sparkmantle Dun Morogh 47.5 , 52.1.

Arcane StaffArcane Orb
Quest chain
  1. Speak with Bink · 10+

    The next step opens through Bink in Ironforge.

    Start: Magis Sparkmantle Dun Morogh 47.5 , 52.1. Shareable: yes.

  2. Mage-tastic Gizmonitor · 10+

    The gizmonitor is retrieved from its chest in the settlement outside Gnomeregan and delivered to Bink. The objective is outside the dungeon.

    Start: Bink Dun Morogh 55.5 , 22.4. Shareable: yes.

10+ · Staff or orb · Undead, Troll

Flowers from Balnir Farmstead earn an early weapon or off-hand item. The errand fits questing in Tirisfal Glades.

Eligible: Undead, Troll. Start: Cain Firesong Tirisfal Glades 62 , 52.5.

Arcane StaffArcane Orb
Quest chain
  1. Speak with Anastasia · 10+

    The next step opens through Anastasia Hartwell in Undercity’s Magic Quarter.

    Start: Cain Firesong Tirisfal Glades 62 , 52.5. Shareable: yes.

  2. The Balnir Farmstead · 10+

    Snapdragons from Balnir Farmstead’s garden in eastern Tirisfal Glades are delivered to Anastasia.

    Start: Anastasia Hartwell Undercity 85.1 , 10. Shareable: yes.

10+ · Staff or orb · Undead, Troll

Four heaps on the Echo Isles earn an early weapon or off-hand item without a dungeon trip.

Eligible: Undead, Troll. Start: Uthel'nay Orgrimmar 39.2 , 86.3.

Ley StaffLey Orb
Quest chain
  1. Speak with Un'thuwa · 10+

    The next step opens through Un’Thuwa in Sen’jin Village, Durotar.

    Start: Uthel'nay Orgrimmar 39.2 , 86.3. Shareable: yes.

  2. Ju-Ju Heaps · 10+

    Completion requires destruction of 4 Ju-Ju Heaps among the huts on the main Echo Isle, followed by a return to Un’Thuwa.

    Start: Un'Thuwa Durotar 56.3 , 75.1. Shareable: yes.

10+ · Windbough Wand · Alliance, Zephras start

Belann Windwood’s Forever chain rewards a wand and 5 Spirit elixirs. Completion is appropriate during the stay on Zephras Isle.

Eligible: Alliance. Start: Anathamaas Aetherwind Zephras Isle 65.8 , 80.4 , Belann Windwood Zephras Isle 62.8 , 77.4.

Windbough Wand5 × Elixir of Minor Spirit

The record does not specify a separate race restriction.

Quest chain
  1. Speak with Belann · 10+

    The next step opens through Belann Windwood in Valanaar on Zephras Isle.

    Start: Anathamaas Aetherwind Zephras Isle 65.8 , 80.4 , Belann Windwood Zephras Isle 62.8 , 77.4. Shareable: yes.

  2. Boughs in the Wind · 10+

    A Wind-Infused Bough is collected near the wind shrine south of Falaath Village and delivered to Belann Windwood.

    Start: Belann Windwood Zephras Isle 62.8 , 77.4. Shareable: no.

15+ · First robe · Human, Gnome

Manaweave Robe is awarded for capturing creatures and collecting materials. Tailoring is not required.

Eligible: Human, Gnome. Start: Zaldimar Wefhellt Elwynn Forest 43.2 , 66.2 , Magis Sparkmantle Dun Morogh 47.5 , 52.1 , Dink Dun Morogh 55.4 , 22.5.

Manaweave Robe
Quest chain
  1. Report to Jennea · 15+

    The next step opens through Jennea Cannon in Stormwind City.

    Start: A mage trainer in the character’s capital. Shareable: yes.

  2. Investigate the Blue Recluse · 15+

    The scroll and coffers are located behind Jennea. At the Blue Recluse, the scroll reveals creatures that must be weakened with spells and captured in coffers. Completion requires 3 filled coffers and the remaining tools.

    Start: Jennea Cannon Stormwind City 49.6 , 85.8. Shareable: no.

  3. Gathering Materials · 15+

    Wynne Larson requires 10 Linen Cloth and 6 Charged Rift Gems from crates in Silver Stream Mine, Loch Modan.

    Start: Jennea Cannon Stormwind City 49.6 , 85.8. Shareable: yes.

  4. Manaweave Robe · 15+

    The reward becomes available when Wynne Larson finishes the robe.

    Start: Wynne Larson Stormwind City 51.8 , 83.5. Shareable: yes.

15+ · First robe · Undead, Troll

Anastasia’s investigation leads to a robe made by the tailor. Preparation requires 10 Linen Cloth.

Eligible: Undead, Troll. Start: Uthel'nay Orgrimmar 39.2 , 86.3.

Lesser Spellfire Robes
Quest chain
  1. Report to Anastasia · 15+

    The next step opens through Anastasia Hartwell in Undercity.

    Start: Uthel'nay Orgrimmar 39.2 , 86.3. Shareable: yes.

  2. Investigate the Alchemist Shop · 15+

    The scroll and coffers are located behind Anastasia. In Algernon’s shop in the Apothecarium, creatures must be revealed, weakened and captured; 3 filled coffers, the chest and the scroll are returned.

    Start: Anastasia Hartwell Undercity 85.1 , 10. Shareable: no.

  3. Gathering Materials · 15+

    Josef Gregorian requires 6 Dalaran Mana Gems from Dalaran mages in Silverpine Forest and 10 Linen Cloth.

    Start: Anastasia Hartwell Undercity 85.1 , 10. Shareable: yes.

  4. Spellfire Robes · 15+

    The reward becomes available when Josef Gregorian finishes the robe.

    Start: Josef Gregorian Undercity 70.8 , 30.7. Shareable: yes.

26+ · Astral Knot clothing · Human, Gnome

A book in Redridge Mountains and silk in Duskwood provide the next class clothing reward.

Eligible: Human, Gnome. Start: Jennea Cannon Stormwind City 49.6 , 85.8.

Astral Knot GarmentAstral Knot Blouse
Quest chain
  1. High Sorcerer Andromath · 26+

    The next step opens through High Sorcerer Andromath in Stormwind’s mage tower.

    Start: Jennea Cannon Stormwind City 49.6 , 85.8. Shareable: yes.

  2. Ur's Treatise on Shadow Magic · 26+

    The treatise is retrieved from the library in the Tower of Ilgalar, Redridge Mountains, and delivered to Andromath.

    Start: High Sorcerer Andromath Stormwind City 48.7 , 87.6. Shareable: yes.

  3. Pristine Spider Silk · 26+

    Wynne Larson in Stormwind City requires 8 Pristine Spider Silk from spiders in Duskwood.

    Start: High Sorcerer Andromath Stormwind City 48.7 , 87.6. Shareable: yes.

  4. Astral Knot Garment · 26+

    Completion of Wynne Larson’s work provides a choice between the robe and blouse.

    Start: Wynne Larson Stormwind City 51.8 , 83.5. Shareable: yes.

26+ · Nether-lace clothing · Undead, Troll

Both collection steps take place in Ashenvale. The completed clothing is awarded at the Crossroads.

Eligible: Undead, Troll. Start: Anastasia Hartwell Undercity 85.1 , 10.

Nether-lace GarmentNether-lace Tunic
Quest chain
  1. Speak with Deino · 26+

    The next step opens through Deino in Orgrimmar.

    Start: Anastasia Hartwell Undercity 85.1 , 10. Shareable: yes.

  2. Waters of Xavian · 26+

    The flask is filled at the base of Xavian’s highest waterfall in eastern Ashenvale and returned to Deino.

    Start: Deino Orgrimmar 38.4 , 86.1. Shareable: no.

  3. Laughing Sisters · 26+

    Kil’hala at the Crossroads requires 12 Laughing Sister’s Hairs from the area near Raynewood Retreat in Ashenvale.

    Start: Deino Orgrimmar 38.4 , 86.1. Shareable: yes.

  4. Nether-lace Garment · 26+

    Completion of Kil’hala’s work provides a choice between the robe and tunic.

    Start: Kil'hala The Barrens 52.2 , 31.7. Shareable: yes.

30+ · Icefury Wand · both factions

Icefury Wand is the preferred reward for the main Frost allocation. The chain opens at 30; completion is combined with a Scarlet Monastery Library visit, usually in the late 30s.

Eligible: Alliance. Start: Jennea Cannon, Stormwind City, 49.6, 85.8.

Eligible: Horde. Start: Deino, Orgrimmar, 38.4, 86.1.

Icefury WandNether Force WandRagefire Wand

Tabetha’s materials and the book search are parallel branches. The reward is one wand of the available choices.

Quest chain
  1. Journey to the Marsh · 30+

    The next step opens through Tabetha at her house in Dustwallow Marsh, 46.1, 57.1.

    Start: Jennea Cannon, Stormwind City, 49.6, 85.8. Shareable: yes.

    Start: Deino, Orgrimmar, 38.4, 86.1. Shareable: yes.

  2. Both preparations run in parallel and are required before the wand is awarded.

    Tabetha’s materials

    1. Items of Power · 30+

      Tabetha requires 1 Jade and a Bolt Charged Bramble. The supplied Tabetha’s Instructions describe charging the bramble; this collection runs in parallel with the book quest.

      Start: Tabetha Dustwallow Marsh 46.1 , 57.1. Shareable: no.

    The ritual book

    1. Hidden Secrets · 30+

      The next step opens through Magus Tirth beside the race track in the Shimmering Flats, Thousand Needles, 78.3, 75.7.

      Start: Tabetha Dustwallow Marsh 46.1 , 57.1. Shareable: yes.

    2. Get the Scoop · 30+

      The chicken "Plucky" Johnson is near the track’s tower, around 79, 75. The /beckon command, with the chicken targeted, triggers a transformation and conversation. The step concludes with Tirth.

      Start: Magus Tirth Thousand Needles 78.3 , 75.7. Shareable: yes.

    3. Rituals of Power · 30+

      Rituals of Power is retrieved from Scarlet Monastery Library and delivered to Tabetha. The quest must be in the log before that visit.

      Start: Magus Tirth Thousand Needles 78.3 , 75.7. Shareable: yes.

  3. Mage's Wand · 30+

    Both the book and material preparations are required. A conversation with Tabetha after the ritual provides a choice of one wand.

    Start: Tabetha Dustwallow Marsh 46.1 , 57.1. Shareable: no.

35+ · Celestial Orb or Stave · both factions

Preparing the chain before an on-route Uldaman visit allows its power source to be collected in one run. Reward selection depends on the weapon arrangement: a one-handed weapon with an off-hand item, or a staff.

Eligible: Alliance. Start: Jennea Cannon, Stormwind City, 49.6, 85.8; Bink, Ironforge, 55.5, 22.4.

Eligible: Horde. Start: Anastasia Hartwell, Undercity, 85.1, 10; Uthel’nay, Orgrimmar, 39.2, 86.3.

Celestial OrbCelestial Stave

35 is the quest minimum; Uldaman and the two combat events require a higher level or help.

Quest chain
  1. Return to the Marsh · 35+

    The next step opens through Tabetha in Dustwallow Marsh.

    Start: Jennea Cannon, Stormwind City, 49.6, 85.8; Bink, Ironforge, 55.5, 22.4. Shareable: yes.

    Start: Anastasia Hartwell, Undercity, 85.1, 10; Uthel’nay, Orgrimmar, 39.2, 86.3. Shareable: yes.

  2. The Infernal Orb · 35+

    An Infernal Orb is obtained from a Burning Blade Summoner at Mannoroc Coven, Desolace, and delivered to Tabetha.

    Start: Tabetha Dustwallow Marsh 46.1 , 57.1. Shareable: yes.

  3. The Exorcism · 35+

    The demon released by Tabetha must be defeated within 3 minutes. Assistance is appropriate at the minimum level.

    Start: Tabetha Dustwallow Marsh 46.1 , 57.1. Shareable: no.

  4. Power in Uldaman · 35+

    The power source is obtained from the Obsidian Sentinel in Uldaman and delivered to Tabetha. This step must be active before the planned dungeon visit.

    Start: Tabetha Dustwallow Marsh 46.1 , 57.1. Shareable: yes.

  5. Mana Surges · 35+

    Tabetha’s event requires 12 Mana Surges to be defeated within 10 minutes.

    Start: Tabetha Dustwallow Marsh 46.1 , 57.1. Shareable: no.

  6. Celestial Power · 35+

    A conversation with Tabetha provides a choice between the Celestial Orb and Celestial Stave.

    Start: Tabetha Dustwallow Marsh 46.1 , 57.1. Shareable: yes.

50+ · Morphaz reward · both factions

Dust and coral collection before Sunken Temple unlocks the quest shard from Morphaz during that visit. The final reward is a one-time choice among a wand, necklace and trinket.

Eligible: Both factions. Start: A mage trainer in the character’s capital.

Glacial SpikeArcane Crystal PendantFire Ruby
Quest chain
  1. Magecraft · 50+

    A class trainer provides the referral. Sanath Lim-yo in Azshara, 28.1, 50.1, transports the character to Archmage Xylem.

    Start: A mage trainer in the character’s capital. Shareable: no.

  2. Magic Dust · 50+

    Xylem requires 10 Glittering Dust from blood elves along Azshara’s cliffs.

    Start: Archmage Xylem Azshara 29.2 , 40.2. Shareable: no.

  3. The Siren's Coral · 50+

    Xylem requires 6 Enchanted Coral from Spitelash Sirens in Azshara. Delivery unlocks the Morphaz quest.

    Start: Archmage Xylem Azshara 29.2 , 40.2. Shareable: no.

  4. Destroy Morphaz · 50+

    Following the group defeat of Morphaz in Sunken Temple, the Arcane Shard is delivered to Xylem. One reward is selected.

    Start: Archmage Xylem Azshara 29.2 , 40.2. Shareable: no.

60 · Polymorph: Pig · both factions

Xylem’s chain unlocks another Polymorph appearance. It is an optional cosmetic reward at level 60.

Eligible: Both factions. Start: Archmage Xylem Azshara 29.2 , 40.2.

The reward and requirements use Classic data; a separate Forever change to this chain is unconfirmed.

Quest chain
  1. Warlord Krellian · 60+

    The Prismatic Shell is obtained from Warlord Krellian in the Temple of Zin-Malor, Azshara, and delivered to Xylem.

    Start: Archmage Xylem Azshara 29.2 , 40.2. Shareable: yes.

  2. Fragmented Magic · 60+

    The shell must remain in the bag. Polymorph applied to Spitelash naga in Azshara causes clones to appear; 50 clones must be defeated. Completion is reported to Xylem.

    Start: Archmage Xylem Azshara 29.2 , 40.2. Shareable: no.

Forever · Library access · both factions

Completion opens the library for research. Access requirements have not been published, so its required level and place in the route are not established.

Eligible: Alliance. Start: Garion Wendell, Stormwind City, 37.8, 80.2.

Eligible: Horde. Turn-in: Owen Thadd, Undercity, 73.6, 33.

The record lists quest level 20 and a technical minimum of 1. This does not establish availability at level 1.

Quest chain
  1. Research Access

    Access is checked with the selected faction’s librarian. The record confirms library access on completion; the objective and prerequisites have not been published.

    Start: Garion Wendell, Stormwind City, 37.8, 80.2. Shareable: no.

    Turn-in: Owen Thadd, Undercity, 73.6, 33. Shareable: no. The record does not identify a Horde quest giver.

Macros

Pre-raid · 60

At 60, equipment selection follows the chosen role. Repeated dungeon runs support acquisition of the required drops. One-time quest rewards with a choice of items prioritize the main specialization.

Sources

Asuna_qt · Mage Leveling Guide 1–60

Frost leveling, control and stat priorities.

2026-10-31

Avoid · Frost Mage Guide <Progress>

Main 18/0/33 talent progression.

2026-10-31

Avoid · Arcane Mage Guide <Progress>

Arcane comparison and mana expenditure.

2026-11-01

Celz · Method Mage Leveling Guide

Cross-check of leveling and key abilities.

2026-10-21

ForeverChanges: patch notes · Talents · Spellbook · Items · Wowhead Forever

Talent data and spell tooltips: Talents Forever, CC BY 4.0. Game names, icons and tooltip text © Blizzard Entertainment.

Class artwork — Horde: Konstantin Turovec; Alliance: Blizzard Entertainment.