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Last Epoch, the action RPG gaining serious traction, offers a rich tapestry of character customization. For those drawn to the arcane arts, the Mage class is a compelling choice. But navigating the early game with a squishy spellcaster can be challenging. Fear not, aspiring wizards Last Epoch Gold!

Why Mage in the Early Game?

The Mage, while initially fragile, offers incredible potential for dealing massive AoE damage and controlling the battlefield. This build prioritizes safety and sustainability, allowing you to learn the mechanics of Last Epoch while building a strong foundation for later specializations.

The Build: Sparked by Lightning (and a little Chill)

This build revolves around the Lightning Blast skill, leveraging its chain lightning potential for clear speed, combined with some utility and survivability from Frostbite Shackles and Teleport. We'll be focusing on the Sorcerer mastery later on, which compliments this playstyle perfectly.

Skills and Specializations (Levels 1-20):

Lightning Blast (Essential): Your main source of damage. Focus on: Arcing Power (Chains to additional enemies), Chain Reaction (Extended chain range), Forking Current (Possibility of generating multiple bolts). 
Frostbite Shackles (Crowd Control & Survivability): Slows adversaries and inflicts Chill, enhancing your damage output. Focus on: Prolonged Chill (Extended Chill duration), Cold Embrace (Greater effectiveness of Chill), Bitter Winter (Chance to Freeze). 
Teleport (Mobility & Escape): Crucial for evading attacks and positioning strategically. Focus on: Shimmer Strike (Additional Armor), Arcane Momentum (Increased casting speed post-teleport), Arcane Mirror (Chance to create a distraction). 
Mana Strike (Mana Management): Utilized when your mana is depleted. Alternatives such as Flame Reave or basic attacks are viable in the initial levels until you can invest points here. Focus on: Harmonic Conversion (Increased mana per hit), Arcane Echo (Enhanced mana regeneration for a brief period).

Leveling Strategy:

Focus on Lightning Blast Early: Immediately start allocating points to Lightning Blast. Prioritize chaining nodes for maximum effectiveness.
Introduce Frostbite Shackles: Once Lightning Blast has some chaining, introduce Frostbite Shackles. The Chill effect vastly improves survivability and damage.
Teleport for Survival: Get Teleport online as soon as possible. Mastering its use is key to dodging dangerous mechanics.
Mana Management is Key: Monitor your mana. Use Mana Strike strategically to keep your mana bar topped up.

Gear and Stats:

Intelligence: Your primary stat. Increases your spell damage.
Mana Regeneration: Crucial for sustaining your spells.
Health/Endurance: Prioritize these stats to survive incoming damage.
Resistances: Build up your resistances as quickly as possible. Elemental resistance is especially important.

Key Early Game Uniques (If You're Lucky):

Arian's Crown: Provides mana and spell damage, a great early boost to your power.
Omnar's Embrace: Chest armor offering increased mana and cast speed, ideal for sustaining your spell rotations.

Gameplay Tips:

Positioning is everything: You're a glass cannon. Stay behind your enemies or use Teleport to create distance.
Kite and Cast: Move constantly while casting Lightning Blast to avoid taking damage.
Use Frostbite Shackles Defensively: Cast Frostbite Shackles to slow down approaching enemies, giving you time to react.
Prioritize Chaining: When using Lightning Blast, aim to hit groups of enemies to maximize the chain lightning effect.

Transitioning to Mid-Game:

At approximately level 20, you will be poised to make significant choices regarding your specialization. Opting for Sorcerer Mastery is an excellent decision for this build, as it enhances lightning and various elemental damage. As you advance, you may want to investigate alternative spell specializations such as Ball Lightning or Nova, while still utilizing the advantages of Frostbite Shackles and Teleport. This initial Mage build provides a robust foundation for your adventure in Last Epoch buy Last Epoch Gold. 

By concentrating on effective damage output, crowd control, and strategic positioning, you can navigate the early game obstacles and realize the full potential of the Mage class. Harness the power of lightning, perfect your teleportation skills, and witness your foes succumb to your arcane prowess! Wishing you the best of luck, and may your spells always find their mark!