Guildrun Class Guide: How to Play Mage

The Mage class, to nobody's surprise, is the primary Magic-based class in Guildrun. They excel at dealing large bursts of AoE, while simultaneously applying Debuffs for more damage-over-time. Since the majority of combats consist of multiple enemies, they are often a core part of many teams.

No matter how you slice it, you can almost always find use for a Mage. Their supportive utility can even outweigh their offense, so be sure to experiment with new combos!

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the Guildrun Demo, so please keep in mind that everything is subject to change as new patches get released.

Mage Mechanics: Stall, Burn, Frost

Mage heroes often rely on items or upgrades to really kickstart their success. Casting abilities takes time, and without additional Starting Mana, Mana Regen, or Magic scaling, they can feel a bit weak. However, this quickly improves with B-Rank upgrades, as many of them come with built-in scaling.

What you decide to spec into will generally depend on the rest of your team, as Mages can adapt to focus more on DPS or support. Both roles are important, so be open to pivoting if the situation calls for it. Remember, you can change your specialization at campfires.

Don't underestimate the importance of Starting Mana, especially in the later parts of the run. It can make all the difference during a fight, especially if your Mage is the support. The one exception is when you have strong start-of-combat Shields, as that can help buy enough time for the first cast.

Aria

• Base Class: Mage
• Multiclass: Mystic
• Starting Ability: Requiem Barrage
• Specializations: The Crescendo, The Resplendent, The Harmony

Aria is a supportive caster with access to an AoE Frost Burn ability. She requires some careful positioning in order to line up her beam, but if used optimally, it can be extremely effective.

• The Crescendo — This has high long term scaling potential in Stall based teams, allowing Aria to play a more offensive role. If you can start soon enough, it's a reasonable choice.
• The Resplendent — A solid low commitment Backup unit for your other Mages, but not likely the first choice if including Aria on the battlefield.
• The Harmony — Shielding is really important in Guildrun, making this the ideal spec for a supportive Mystic build. Don't forget to position your heroes properly or you'll miss the effect!

Funke

• Base Class: Mage
• Multiclass: None
• Starting Ability: Wildfire
• Specializations: The Stoked, The Inferno, The Detonator

Funke is an explosively strong spellcaster that can dominate the battlefield with his insane AoE Burn output. No matter what spec you're playing, his presence is always known.

• The Stoked — An excellent source of scaling for your Mages, while also fueling Funke's Mana for more Wildfire casts. Arguably the best choice of the three.
• The Inferno — This helps extend your AoE range and will kickstart the Burn immediately. It also fits nicely alongside Stall synergies.
• The Detonator — A solid choice if you need to end the fight faster, rather than wait out the Burn. If your frontline isn't as durable, this may be the one to go for.

Ratna

• Base Class: Mage
• Multiclass: Mystic, Assassin
• Starting Ability: Starfall
• Specializations: The Fashionable, The Ostentatious, The Magnanimous

Ratna is a force to be reckoned with if found early. Starfall allows her to scale to absurd Magic levels, which can quickly snowball if you start off strong. Reach B-Rank ASAP and watch enemies get one-shot.

• The Fashionable — The strongest early game spec by far, granting you so many free stats just by equipping items. It doesn't even matter if they are good, the stat bonus is nuts.
• The Ostentatious — If you don't find Ratna early, this allows her to still find use as a Backup unit. It also has potential if you've farmed Starfall a bit, but end up benching her later on.
• The Magnanimous — The Assassin route can help increase your odds of sniping the backline, while also scaling Crit for more damage. Stealth can also help avoid rough targeting.

Sal

• Base Class: Mage
• Multiclass: Duelist, Warrior
• Starting Ability: Permafrost
• Specializations: The Breezy, The Lover (Sal), The Brisk

Sal fights closer to the frontline than other casters, focusing on imbued auto attacks over big bursty spells. Frost comes naturally to her, making her a reliable debuffer from the start.

• The Breezy — A very strong source of Attack Speed and Magic scaling, applicable to both Mages and Duelists. It's easily one of the standout specs if you're playing Debuffs.
• The Lover (Sal) — Permanent Defense scaling is quite strong, and can still be worth using even if you don't find it early. And obviously, it's excellent with Pimenta.
• The Brisk — If you can solve Crit, this is a great choice to help inflict even more Frost.

Dragomir

• Base Class: Assassin
• Multiclass: Mage, Vanguard
• Starting Ability: Devour
• Specializations: The Greedy, The Sanguine, The Kingpin

Dragomir excels as a backline hunter when spec'd into The Sanguine. Depending on the timing (and how strong he is), there's potential to chain ability casts if he can secure kills. He could work well alongside a dedicated AoE hero, allowing him to pick off the weakened foes.

Pimenta

• Base Class: Tank
• Multiclass: Duelist, Mage
• Starting Ability: Pepper Spray
• Specializations: The Spicy, The Seasoned, The Lover (Pimenta)

Pimenta is at her tankiest when playing as The Seasoned, since it improves her Pepper Spray and grants a Defense bonus to Tanks and Mages. Plus, if you ever decide to replace her, she can still sit on the bench and provide Backup support.

Pollen

• Base Class: Mystic
• Multiclass: Mage
• Starting Ability: Sanctuary of Bloom
• Specializations: The Bloomer, The Fae's Kiss, The Earth's Child

Pollen becomes more of an offensive support as The Earth's Child. Gaining access to Frost and Burn is great, but unlocking the Mage class is the real standout. As mentioned earlier, Mage has some excellent scaling options, so being able to benefit from them helps reduce the need for items.