View source for Mega Fire Arch Mage Luxury Sub-Guide by Sophie/Joan

[[Category:Arch Mage]]

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: 20px; margin-right:0;border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color:#ffffff00; float:right;"
! colspan="6" style="background-color:#FF8512; " | '''R.ClickToRename261971'''
|-
| colspan="6" |[[File:JillTheRipper.jpg|250px]] <div style="text-align: center;">
|-
| colspan="6" style="background-color:#2A76E8;" | <center> '''Arch Mage''' </center>
|-
|}

= Introduction =
<page under construction (last update 30 Dec 2025)>

Hello I'm Sophie/Joan (Guide Start Date: 30/Dec/2025). You would often see me playing in D1/D2/LoF/ToT/CT/HoL with my Arch Mage (AM) char R.ClickToRename261971 or with characters of other jobs. Feel free to hit me up to join my #LFG calls. 

This guide is merely what I do on my AM centered around pure fire element {{#skill:5235}} (Core Skill, Single Target) and {{#skill:5222}} (depending on situations), supported by {{#skill:5217}} (Shadow element, to not be purely fire element locked) but is not optimized (dm me on discord/In-game if you can improve upon it). The reason that I found the class attractive is that AM simply dish out crazy amount of single target DPS, nuff said. However the potential also comes with inherent disadvantage of the build namely the low HP base, no mobility skills and less versatility in general, and the build is somewhat forced to use two handed staff (so no shield) beside somewhat a requirement for general understanding of Wizard Builds before you are dishing out the damage on maximum potential, so I would advice you readers to first familiarize yourself with the more common skills and complications of Wizard class in general.

= Scope/For Whom this guide is Intended for =
End game luxury of nice to have and fun to do things for those players who have reached end game and have collected most if not all BiS gears or their equivalent or those who skips TDRC and trying around various classes after getting their highly refined {{#item:400724}} and various Episode 21 Past Heroes cards. This guide is not intended to be a stand-alone and more of practical/hands on/pedagogical complimentary (statements written in this guide is from live testing and personal experiences) for other more comprehensive magic build guides such as [[Choi%27s_Guide_To_Magic|Choi's Guide to Magic]]. Also as a '''Trivia''', this guide was requested by '''Canis''' and the stated reason was that she said, quote on quote, '''Choi's is outdated'''. 

This guide is very subjective and intuitive as I do not provide exact numbers and optimization, but for that case you can find me to test out or experiment with any gears/luxuries that are listed/mentioned within this guide, unless I specifically stated to not have them. In this guide you are assumed to have already worn BiS (Best in Slot) equipment or incomplete BiS (enchanting in progress). End game optimization problem is that for some people, some gear/enchant/MVP setups suit them better as it touches the specifics of their playing styles (some people are QoL supremacist and other are very nimble with their hands and is able to swap in and out skills and equipments very fast and accurately). So we will not assume a narrow-minded stance on this issue and would tolerate a bit lesser or bigger DPS in defining the BiS towards itemization choices, and whatnots and that the BiS designation probably should also consider other aspects beside damage on Arch Mage case and as long as things work well (to our dear readers: you will obtain DPS envy immunity if you play this class, but don't tell people around because we don't want AM to over-saturate this server, amirite?). 

[[File:Arch_Mage_Biden.png|400px|thumb|left|Too many wizards on my block]]

=General Overview=
=== Stats&Traits ===

The actual distribution of stats and traits is more loosely defined (this is not a starter player's guide) but we aim to fulfill these '''Objectives''' (by priority):
# Instant Cast: hurt others faster than they can hurt you and also you don't want to be hurt because of the small HP pool. We will aim to get 100% vct% reduction purely from items (instead of stats)
# <Only For Farming otherwise this can be skipped> One Hit (OH) damage capability: This is less of an issue for Arch Mage because the single instance of any of the skills in the rotation ({{#skill:5235}} (0.3s CD, single target), {{#skill:5222}} (6s CD, puddle), and {{#skill:5217}} (4s CD, puddle)), and perhaps {{#skill:5220}} (0.7s CD, single target affecting small area around target) all have decent damage and either way if it doesn't OH, the cooldown is either very short so you just hit the mobs again or the skills are '''puddle''' type (lingering on area DPS).  You will want to use {{#skill:5235}} or/and {{#skill:5220}} mostly for your farming depending on the map, while {{#skill:5222}} and {{#skill:5217}} is very nice puddle type skills but the cooldowns are relatively high and you could just throw them out before teleporting away if the map is of high mobs density.
# <Only For Bossing otherwise this can be skipped> DPS and Damage Flow: ASPD requirement is quite high for full rotation spam maybe above 188 ASPD (4 actions per second peak activity: 3 CA, 1 All Bloom) or even as high as 190 ASPD (5 actions per second peak activity:  3 CA, 1 All Bloom, 1 Comet). The reason is {{#skill:5235}} (0.3s CD) alone has requirement of 3.33 actions per second (round it down to 185 ASPD, 3 actions per second), and that with higher acd% we can cram in 1 or 2 other skills in the rotation faster (also that we have revamped the '''Turbo Mode''' into something even better than before, Thanks Mr Muh). Not sure if it works like this (?) but I can confirm increased DPS as ASPD is increased, assuming the comparative methodology is not wrong.
# DPS and Damage Flow: Acd% Requirement, assuming acd% is only there for {{#skill:5235}} (0.3 sec skill cooldown, 0.5s after cast delay), it means acd% reduction is theoretically at least 40% but it can always be higher so you can cram in other rotation skills faster.
# Survivability: HP pool, damage resistance in general, and/or evasion (Arch Mage is very glass cannon and the two handed staff build means we don't use shield)
# Curse immunity
# Non-priority niches (carry weight, ASPD, Lucky Flee, etc). 

====== Stats ======

* STR - 0-90; Carry weight but not priority.

* AGI - 80-130; high ASPD requirements as said for the rotation spam.

* VIT -  71-130; Put just enough for stun immunity minimum. Can put minimum amount when in a party with devo. Put more when going solo or in a unreliable pub party as Shiranui have small base HP.

* INT - 100-120; nice to have bigger SP pool.

* DEX - 0-110; Some points might be nice for some boost in ASPD and some damage.

* LUK - 90-100; For Curse Immunity and little MATK bonus.

Example (My stats for general play in D1/D2/casual harder maps with pub or solo, fully glass cannon):

* STR - 90

* AGI - 120

* VIT - 100

* INT - 110

* DEX - 92

* LUK - 90

====== Traits ======

* SPL - 90-110; Magic Damage 
* CON - 90-110; Magic Damage, Evasion
* WIS/STA - 72-112 total; MRES/RES/Survivability

=== Core Skills ===

===== Passive Skills =====

{{#skill:5228}}: Level it for Arch Mage Stone garment and Warlock Low Stone combo bonus. Beside the magic damage bonus in itself which is nice (but it secondary to the stone size% bonus).

{{#skill:2208}}: Very good skill to increase cast range.

===== Buff / Debuff / Other Skills =====

{{#skill:157}}: Standard Job 1 Buff.

{{#skill:366}}: More 50% MATK%. Too bad the duration is very short at 60s.

{{#skill:2206}}: Allows you to always deal maximum damage. Too bad the duration is very short at 170s.

{{#skill:5232}} level 3: Turns {{#skill:5222}} into Area DPS '''puddle''' type skill that lasts for 6s (?, unconfirmed). Deals crazy amount of damage with {{#item:640035}} and {{#item:300593}}, which consists around 1/3 of your damage (the rest is from '''Crimson Arrow''') but it is as hard as or harder than some other jobs hitting.

{{#skill:5232}} level 4: Turns {{#skill:5222}} into debuff that amplifies Fire element intake on affected target by 100% for 30s. It makes {{#skill:5235}} absolutely melts bosses. Use it in group fight.

{{#skill:2213}}  (20s CD): Debuff that decreases target elemental resistance by 50% for 20s. Include this in the rotation.

===== Active Skills =====

You will rotate ({{#skill:5235}} (0.3s CD), {{#skill:5222}} (6s CD, either climax 3 or climax 4 type), {{#skill:2213}} (20s CD, debuff) and {{#skill:5217}} (4s CD, optional)) lets define these as rotational skills and it is the utmost of importance on this build. I play the rotation like this and this is the reason why the '''Objective''' parts was formulated as such. But I am not saying that this is the only correct way to play around with Arch Mage skills rotations/combinations. For example: When solo DPS fighting Betel on CT, you will always use {{#skill:5222}} with climax 4 and you will not use {{#skill:5217}}, in contrast to other playstyle like party centered plays in HoL. If you want to modify this playstyle, you only need to alter and adapt the '''objectives''' accordingly yourself and it is not a problem.

Swap Equip: You might want to quickly swap between pure glass cannon magic build and into tank build depending on the map/instance.

{{#skill:5235}} (0.3s CD): Your main bread and butter. Fire element locked. Single Target. Boosted by both {{#item:640049}} (BiS for this skill only) and {{#item:640035}} (BiS for the whole rotation). If you prioritize QoL and won't swap weapons, just put on {{#item:640035}} and {{#item:300507}} + {{#item:300520}} combo for the whole rotation and don't bother with {{#item:640049}}.

{{#skill:5222}} (6s CD): Your adaptive debuff/area damage skill. Fire element locked. Put on {{#item:640035}} and {{#item:300593}} + {{#item:27384}} with {{#skill:5222}} lvl 3 climax and swap out with {{#item:640049}} and {{#item:300507}} + {{#item:300520}} combo for {{#skill:5235}} in the rotation. This is for weapon swapping/tryhard play style (not QoL at all).

{{#skill:5217}} (4s CD): Area damage skill. Shadow element locked. We like this skill because (beside fire,) shadow element is boosted by {{#item:300145}} and {{#item:300521}}.

{{#skill:5220}} (0.7s CD): Single target skill to be use on situations where Fire element usage is sub-optimal. Ghost Element locked.

= Gears and Min-Max Technicalities: Mega Fire Build =

=== About Magical Damage Modifiers for Crimson Arrow All Bloom Mega Fire Arch Mage Build (Yorscalp Crown + Past Heroes Meta) ===

The general aim of the min-maxing process (as of Date: 30/Dec/2025) is to equalize these damage modifiers while maximizing their overall multiplicative result. You should be aware of diminishing returns as you add up a single damage modifier. The contextual reason of the importance on this matter is because of the aforementioned '''DPS''' and '''One Hit''' (OH) Objectives, that we want each hit of our magical skills damage to be as high as possible whenever allowed.

Listed from most precious to least worthy, type @bs in game to see yours:

* '''Class%/Boss%:''' Hardest and most expensive to get, generally speaking. You will have around 20%-100%. Main Sources: {{#item:300472}}, Demigod Set, HoL accessories and enchantments, White Knight Pet. (This is probably why {{#item:300472}} was so expensive in contrast to the physical builds which have plethora of '''Class%/Boss%''' sources)
* '''Enemy_Element%:''' Rare modifier mostly seen on more modern iterations of items (post 2016), but is less expensive than Class%. You will have around 45%-95%. Main Sources: CoL Autumn garment and its 2nd slot enchantment, Dimensions/Time Gap Weapons 3rd slot enchant, Jitterbug combo and proc, {{#item:400724}} Proc.
* '''Enemy_Size%:''' You will have around 90% (with {{#item:300593}} on Flush Staff) to 130%-145%. Main Sources: Cards on Weapon slots, {{#item:400724}} and its Proc, Shadow Gears.
* '''Skill%:''' Easier to get now with Yorscalp Crown and Past Heroes card combo. You will have around 132% for for {{#skill:5222}} and less for other skills. Main Sources: Weapon, {{#item:400724}} and {{#item:300593}} combo, Shadow Gears.
* '''Enemy_Race%:'''  You will have 86%-136%. Main Sources:{{#item:4441}}-like MVP cards on shoes, HoL accessories and enchantments, various equipments.
* '''MRes_Ignore%:''' You will have around 10-30%. The effect is only roughly 5-10% pure damage increase for every 20% MRes_Ignore%, though it is nice, because it is outside all other modifier calculations. The source is: the Magical/Spell/Sorcery Master Shadow Gears for 20%, {{#item:400724}}.
* '''MATK%''': You will have more than 170-250% MATK%. Still a bit harder to get than Spl so we are prioritizing this above it. Main Sources: {{#item:450173}}, Shadow Gear Enchantments for MATK%, {{#item:4441}}-like MVP cards on shoes, {{#item:300243}} that can be used on both accessories slot, various other cards and equipments.
* '''Spl''': You will have around 200-250 or more. Main Sources: {{#item:470204}}, Shadow Gear enchantments,
*'''S.MATK''': You will have around 320-400 or more. Main Sources: various equipments,
* '''Ele%''': You will easily have around 320-460% or more. Main Sources: {{#item:27362}}-like MVP cards on garment, various equipments. Used to be less on previous meta (around 100-250% top), that is why additional damage boost from {{#item:27362}}-like MVP cards on garment felt bigger, because the 100% ele is of bigger ratio.

===Gears===
Recommended gears (as of Date: 30/Dec/2025):

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:85%;"
!Type
!Item
!Card
!Enchants and Notes
|- style=height:13em
|'''Upper'''
| align="center" | +15 [A] {{#item:400724}} (Core Item)
| 
<small> 
*{{#item:300377}}(possible BiS, proven useful for farming with full drop rate gears because of the fct reduction)
*{{#item:4403}}(Luxury, might or might not be needed)
*{{#item:4480}}(Luxury, might or might not be needed)
*{{#item:4366}}
*{{#item:4583}}(or any that suits your farm)
</small>
|
*Enchanted with any lvl 3 or 4 enchantments that you need for the 3rd slot..
*I personally use {{#item:313420}} for acd% and ASPD boost, beside of its interoperability with other classes's build in general.
|- style=height:11em
|'''Middle'''
| align="center" | {{#item:410233}}
| 
<small>
*{{#item:4403}}(Luxury, might or might not be needed)
*{{#item:4583}}(or any that suits your farm)
</small>
|
*Enchanted with any of the following:
**MATK% +8-10% (Ele% falls in grace as CoL Autumn and HoL acc set and combo gives a lot of that Ele% modifier compared to previous meta)
**VCT% reduction +8-10% (only if you still have a VCT% problem)
**MaxHP +8-10% (Experimental), the reason is that sometimes additional HP is simply better when you already have saturated every other damage source modifier.
|-
|'''Lower'''
| align="center" | {{#item:420213}} (BiS) <br> and/or <br> {{#item:420269}} (Experimental)
| <center><small> N/A </center></small>
|
*Enchanted with any of the following:
**'''1st line''': VIT +5 / INT +5 / any (stats are not that important) 
**'''2nd line''': Ele% +6-7% ''or''  S.MATK +6-7% (BiS)
|- style=height:9em
|'''Armor'''
| align="center" | +12 to +15 [A] {{#item:450173}}
| 
<small>
*{{#item:300472}} (BiS)
*{{#item:300529}} (Combo with {{#item:300521}} or {{#item:300522}} on garment)
</small>
|
*Enchanted with {{#item:310688}}, {{#item:310738}}(BiS) or {{#item:310744}}(Experimental), and {{#item:4714}}(BiS) or {{#item:4744}}. 
**For more info on how to enchant, check this [[Constellation_Tower_Enchants|page]].
|- style=height:18em
|'''Weapon'''
| align="center" | +11 to +15 [A] {{#item:640035}} <br> or/and <br> +12 to +15 [A] {{#item:640049}}
| 
<small>
*{{#item:300593}}(Optional for boosting '''All Bloom''' in limited capacity, switching weapons playstyle)
*{{#item:27384}} 
*{{#item:300455}}
*{{#item:300507}} 
*{{#item:300520}} 
</small>
|
[[Mega_Fire_Arch_Mage_Luxury_Sub-Guide_by_Sophie/Joan#Active_Skills|click for details on previous part of this guide]]. You either go with only {{#item:640035}} (QoL-maxxing) or both (switching/tryhard)

*For a list of possible enchants, refer to [[Einbech#Flush_Weapons|this]] for +12A {{#item:640035}} i would advise to get one with {{#item:311393}} and {{#item:311404}}.
*and [[Varmundt%27s_Biosphere_Depth_2#Dimensions_Weapons_Enchants|this]] for dimensions weapon. Enchants of your choice will vary depending on your needs, and the race/elemental property of the mobs you're going to prioritize.
|- style=height:21em
|'''Garment'''
| align="center" | +12 to +15 [A] {{#item:480351}}
| 
<small> 
*{{#item:300145}}(BiS)
*{{#item:4678}}(Experimental)
*{{#item:300521}}(Combo with '''Yoscopus Conjurator Card''' on body)
*{{#item:300424}}
*{{#item:4657}}
</small>
|

*Enchanted with {{#item:313018}}, {{#item:312558}}, and {{#item:312489}}.
* We like {{#item:300145}} and {{#item:300521}} because it boosts all three main damage skills in the rotation: {{#skill:5235}}, {{#skill:5222}}, and {{#skill:5217}} 
* On dummy test for AC spam, {{#item:300145}} (BiS) 185 resting ASPD (healer buff + '''berserk potion''' only) vs {{#item:4678}} (Experimental) 189 resting ASPD (healer buff + '''berserk potion''' only), no jitterbug, bloom-climax 4, comet, self buffs only, damage difference is around: 7.5% - 12.5%, mean at 10%.
|- style=height:16em
|'''Shoes'''
| align="center" | +12 to +14 [A] {{#item:470204}}
| 
<small> 
*{{#item:300248}}
*{{#item:300262}}  
*{{#item:4441}}
*{{#item:300281}} 
*{{#item:300458}} 
</small>
|
*MoC is still very strong with its +SPL bonus
|- style=height:14em
|'''Accessory (Right)'''
| align="center" | <br> {{#item:490136}}
| 
<small>
*{{#item:4145}} (Experimental)
*{{#item:300469}}
*{{#item:300268}} (if you prefer MATK%)
</small>
|
*Enchanted with {{#item:313038}},  
**{{#item:310711}} and {{#item:310711}}(BiS)
**There are some crazy fringe item like {{#item:310716}} and {{#item:310716}}, but you should just avoid them if you haven't got your double {{#item:310711}} first (it's fun tho). 
**For more info on how to enchant, check this [[Constellation_Tower_Enchants|page]].
|-
|'''Accessory (Left)'''
| align="center" | {{#item:490485}}
| 
<small> 
*{{#item:4145}} (Experimental)
*{{#item:300216}}
*{{#item:300267}}(if you have ASPD problem)
</small>
|
*Enchanted with {{#item:312996}} and {{#item:312981}}.
**For more info about purchasing and enchanting the accessory, check this [[Circulation_of_Life_Accessories|page]].
|}
*Pets: {{#item:9134}}
*Shadow Gears:
**Magical Spell Shadow Shield+Shadow Weapon combo with Full Spell Armor-Shoes Combo: very strong, most likely old BiS.
**Needing Full Tempest acc combo for 100% magic penetration.
**Otherwise single/double +10/+10 Magical/Spell/Sorcery Master Shadow Gears is not bad. Combine it with the class shadow gear as needed:
***{{#item:24971}},{{#item:24972}} seems very strong on paper only for '''All Bloom''' but is probably not worth making. Be aware that we already have a lot of '''All Bloom''' skill% modifier. Exhaustive practical testing still take precedence.
*Currently not-haves list: {{#item:300377}}, {{#item:24971}},{{#item:24972}}.

=== Miscellaneous and Hot Tips (for AM in general) ===

= Sophie's Industrious Alts Mass Production Recommendation (Arch Mage) =
=== Preparation Phase ===
Not going to be your typical leveling guide, because this approach will prioritize:
* Enable sharing non-core Equipment among characters of different classes Alts Mass Production (coming soon) as much as possible, while only core items for AM will be highlighted on this guide.
* Monotonous, but will be predictable. Important because this leveling is a not chill routine, but more like 30 minutes of triathlons 
* Not cost conscious, though time and stress speaking it is worth it if you plan to make more than, say, 10-15 characters of various jobs (just switch out the core item) each reaching lvl 250. I will explicitly say it here that basically you are investing in multiples of low level gears, which cumulatively in total may worth up to hundreds of millions zeny just to save time around 30 minutes to 2h per character creation and leveling up to lvl 250. Only do this when you're theoretically losing more potential value from that  farming hours loss.

Undergoing Assumptions:
* Exp Event ongoing and you use the {{#item:7803}} (very important for efficiency). When {{#item:7803}} expires you will use {{#item:12411}} or {{#item:100351}}
* You spend on episode ticket 16, 17.1, and 17.2.
* You are using Guyak Pudding(very important), Eden Food buff separately / {{#item:50035}} / or at the very least {{#item:23204}}. Teleport items, infinite fly wing, fly wing, or creamy card is mandatory.
* Is leveling up single character only per attempt (different methods might be needed for mass leveling multiple chars). And that you One Hit or Two Hit most if not all mobs listed on all maps on the Steps part.
* You have done your research, mastered the basic (I leave it to your wisdom to decide which level range you want which non-core equipment will be worn and what equipment you will skip), and that you have invested and plan well for item progressions each level range, e.g.: 
** +9/+11 {{#item:400023}} combo with {{#item:490099}} or its derivatives ({{#item:490100}}/{{#item:490101}} but not really recommended unless you need HP/SP leech early and you don't need acd% nor fct this early) starting at level 1.
** [[Old_Glast_Heim#Temporal_Boots|Temporal Boots]] and [[Temporal_Manteaus|Temporal Manteaus ]]for level 100 and up.
** [[17.1_Illusion#Illusion_Equipment_and_OS_Weapons| Illusions Set]] starting at level 120/130 up to 150/160. 
**  [[Convertible_Wings|Convertible Wings]]/[[Horror_Toy_Factory#Equipment|Celine Set]]/[[Automatic_Equipments_and_Enchants_(17.2)|Automatic]]/[[Bio_5:_The_Bed_of_Honor_(Nightmare_Biolab)#Fallen_Warrior_Manteau|FWM]]/[[Bioresearch_Laboratory#Edda_Weapons|EDDA]] set starting at level 150/160/170.
** [[18_Direction_of_Prayer#Gray_Wolf_Armor|Grey Wolf]] set starting at level 190.
** [[Equipment_Crafting#Pirate_Mayne_-_Pirate_Captain's_Coat,_Moan_of_Corruption,_Crown_of_Beelzebub,_Fish_Head_Hat|MVP equips]] (e.g. +9[C] or +11[C] PCC is nice, don't over invest for leveling item)/[[Good_and_Evil_Headgears|Good and Evil]] set starting at level 200/205.
** [[Varmundt_Equipment_Reform#Varmundt_Equipment_Reform|Varmundts]] pieces (e.g. +9[C] or +11[C] Death Rune Manteau is nice)/Glacier set starting at level 230.
* Other methods out there might be more efficient and effective than mine, I just don't know it yet so be adaptable and don't treat this guide as if written in stone. Mine is expected to reach level 230-250 in around 30 min when I do it myself, and roughly at worst you will be able to reach lvl 250 in around to 1-2h depending on your performance and investment level.

Non-core Equipment and Secondary Skills (passives, buffs, debuffs) will not be specifically named on the phases below (this is not a newbie guide), you will just have to do the best with what you currently possess. Though result may vary if your non-core equipment are far too weaker compared to the original assumption.

=== Phase 1: lvl 1 to post-Rebirth lvl 100 ===

Primary Skill: {{#skill:17}}

Core item: 

*{{#item:1602}} with 4x {{#item:27384}}

Estimated Time (Consumed On Battle Manual, re-gearing and resupplying time is not counted): 3-5 minutes

Steps:

1. Payon Dungeon + Eden Quest, don't claim yet.

2. Orc Dungeon + Eden Quest, don't claim yet.

3. Amatsu Dungeon + Eden Quest, don't claim yet.

4. Keep hitting either Orc Dungeon 2 mobs or the kill Novus outside Abyss Lake (is also Eden Quest) until Rebirth.

5. Rebirth and kill mobs on Payon Dungeon until you change class into high mage, then start to claim Eden Quests as you progress.

6. Keep hitting either Orc Dungeon 2 mobs or the kill Novus outside Abyss Lake (is also Eden Quest) until job change to Job 3.

=== Phase 2: lvl 100 Job 3 to lvl 200 ===

Primary Skill: {{#skill:2202}} + {{#skill:5012}}, {{#skill:2212}} & {{#skill:2204}} depending on the leveling map.

Core item: 
*double +9~+11 {{#item:550030}} with 2x {{#item:27384}} at lvl 120. Get Vct% enchantment which is very strong.
*double +9~+11 {{#item:2058}} with 2x {{#item:27384}} at lvl 170. Nice staff that boosts fire and ghost element. Ples DM me if you find better staff for lvl 170 range (not gonna lie this staff feels kind of weak).

Favorite item (optional but all from my personal experience, aim for as much vct% as possible ideally 100% for instant cast): 

*{{#item:18849}}, {{#item:2980}}, {{#item:32237}}, {{#item:450179}} combo because of the great amount of vct% reduction and some FCT reduction

*{{#item:22009}} with {{#item:4826}} and {{#item:4876}} hits above its weight, also with some vct% reduction.

* {{#item:480125}} and its <mid> slot combo (pick one) hits above its weight. Buy it if there's seller who offers fair price because it took a long time with a lot of grinding effort to craft it.

Estimated Time (Consumed On Battle Manual, re-gearing and resupplying time is not counted): 15 minutes or more

Steps:

1. Claim previously stacked Eden Quests.

2. Do and claim Illusion of Moonlight until lvl 150.

3. Do and claim Illusion of Teddy Bear until you are strong enough for Illusion of Twins.

4. Do and claim Illusion of Twins until lvl 200. Otherwise do easier illusion dungeons.

5. (optional, credit to Mango's guide [[Mango%27s_guide_to_leveling_and_farming_with_SA|Mango's guide to leveling and farming with SA]]) ) At lvl 180 do Thanatos Fragments quest from Daily Hunts NPC, buy 10 each of these {{#item:7436}}, {{#item:7437}}, {{#item:7438}} and {{#item:7439}}.

=== Phase 3: Job 4 lvl 200 to 250 and beyond===

Primary Skill: {{#skill:5220}}

Core item: {{#item:19482}} with ME and +9 {{#item:550069}} fully enchanted at level 230. Get one with {{#item:311343}}, {{#item:311294}}, and double {{#item:311353}}. Otherwise generic magical enchantment is fine.

Estimated Time (Consumed On Battle Manual, re-gearing and resupplying time is not counted): 10-15 minutes or more

Steps:

1. Do and claim Powerplant 2 until you are lvl 230. The Eden coin side farming is nice.

2. Do and claim Amiticia 2 until you are 240.

3. Do and claim either Biosphere Glade (if you can OH the Pegasus and all the other mobs) or Biosphere Death (still have to OH all mobs). Otherwise do nif2 as you are farming while leveling up (will be slower). You can also be edgy and farm on Mjol with {{#skill:5235}} (faster than nif2, slower than Varmundts).

4. You are at maximum power at lvl 250 able to wield any equipment (e.g. your main character's best equipment except weapons at lvl 230). D1 or D2 runs would be great at this point provided you are in a good company. Otherwise solo is only recommended if you know what you are doing.

= Afterword=

(30/Dec/2025)

COME BACK PLAYING '''MR CHOI''' AND UPDATE [[Choi%27s_SVS_Arch_Mage_Guide|YOUR GUIDE]]. ALSO GIOIA IS NOT EXODIA ANYMORE!!!

= Glossary=
*BiS: Best in Slot, refers to items/cards that are considered the best according to the ongoing meta. May be subject to change, that is why I put emphasize on dates whenever the term BiS is mentioned on that part.
*Old BiS: Old Best in Slot, was the BiS on previous meta. Some have the potential to be BiS again in the future (e.g. Bio5 MVP Ranger Shecil card in the case future Job 4 Wind Hawk Bio MVP cards will give strong combo bonus), so they are generally still top tier recommended items, though not to die for.
*Experimental: Strong items that could possibly be BiS on some setups, but are not widely accepted as the BiS and still need a lot of testing and discussion for it to be universally designated as BiS. Or items that are situationally considerably better than BiS or offering niches that are considered worth trading with the boons gained from the BiS items depending on your personal playing style.
*Core Item: Item that is characteristic of the build.
*Damage Flow (characteristics that are the underlying of your DPS): Your continuous stream of damage flowing through, it is considered good if you have only skill unique CD as your bottleneck. If your bottleneck is anything else (could be your non-instacast, your ASPD, your aftercast delay,etc) it means your damage flow is not good and you will have to improve upon that. If your bottleneck is PC power or connection (like me) well then it's too bad can't do anything about that but also it means you can be more relaxed and be a bit below theoretical values on some aspects like your '''acd%''' reduction.

= Acknowledgements =

*Discussions and demonstrations from Various Masters (ain't namedropping y'all but you know who you are) mostly but not limited to #archer, #swordsman, and #mage class channels of MuhRo Discord that have educated me on so many things regarding this class beyond general guides. 
*Hurt Locker's Wind Hawk Guide character picture format was used for character picture formatting of this guide.
*Goldie's EM Guide Endgame part table format was used for gears part formatting of this guide.