Mages, whether they delve in the black or white arts, are the back-bone of any party in Final Fantasy XI. If the Black Mage isn't present, who will deal the insane damage that they do? If the White Mage isn't present, who will keep everyone else alive? Regardless of what argument can be conjured up, or how cocky any player is, mages are vastly important and are crucial to survival. Though, with mages, there are many players who do not know how to play these characters correctly in battle. When these situations arise, they're more like pylons, then anything else. The purpose of this guide is to shed light on how to play mages effectively.

Survival Perhaps the most important aspect to playing a mage character in Final Fantasy XI is possessing the ability to stay alive during fights. This may seem ridiculous to some, but we have to realize that mages have considerably low defense. Therefore, there are certain strategies that must be implemented in order to stay alive and to even advance your character.

• It is very important to stay far away from the fight at all costs. Though, stay close enough so you can cast on party members (if you're WHM) and close enough so you can cast spells on monsters (if you're BLM). This way, you can stay alive and at the same time be able to do your duty in battle.
• Conserving spells is also very important to survival. There is a "hate" variable in every monster (which will be explained later) and you never want to build up a large amount of hate. To put it simply, hate is accumulated by attacking monsters (different attacks have different values). Once you accumlate a certain amount of hate, the monster will start attacking you, the player, and as a mage this is not want you want.

MP ConservationThe "newbie" player to a mage will often have the hardest time when it comes to MP conservation. The reason is, they will not have the experience under their belt, to actively predict how many spells that they should cast in order for a battle to be victorious. Many MP conservation skills come with experience, but even some veterans could use helpful advice in order to further themselves.

• Don't go on a casting streak. Just because you think the tanks are taking too long long to kill the monster (BLM only). The reason that they're there is to inflict damage and being able to take that damage in return. There is no need for you to waste MP and indirectly cause downtime for the rest of the party.
• It is very important not to over-heal (WHM only). The reason is because the "Cure" spells are perhaps one of the largest "hate accumluation" spells in the game. Only heal what is necessary; else you'll end up dead (sometimes you'll build up so much monster hate that the tanks will not be able to stop the monster from attacking you).
• Rest during battle. once you have some experience under your belt, you'll know which times you'll be needed and which times your not. When you're needed; do your job. When you're not; rest.

HateThe "hate" variable is a hidden variable that only the AI can view during any battle. Each player starts out with a "0" hate value and by using different skills, spells and attacks, will that value rise. It is important to be wary of what you're casting to avoid accumulating a very high hate.

• Chain casting is a one way ticket to accumlating hate and quickly. Be sure to spread out your casting (or when you notice the monster is starting to attack you; take it down a notch).
• Do not heal a party member every time they take damage in battle. Only heal necessary wounds.

In almost every MMORPG, it is often said that mages are very difficult characters to play - this holds true in Final Fantasy XI. It's not an easy road for anyone; much death will be met along the path. Though, if you keep in mind these tips and strategies, the innumerable deaths that you will inevitably encounter, will decrease by a large margin.