Fire Rift Mage Build (2024)

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In this post, I will go through the Rift Mage Fire build in the Dragon Age: Inquisition. They use the Fade to manipulate energies in the world. This results in throwing enemies around and weakening their combat potential together with an arsenal of Fire spells.

Contents

  • Rift Mage Fire Build
    • Abilities - before Specialization, Levels 1-10
    • Abilities - detailed progression
    • Abilities - Overview
    • Stats
    • Equipment Recommendations
    • Tactics and Tips
  • Conclusion

Rift Mage Fire Build

This build's main concentration is crowd control through putting enemies in Fear or Knocking them down. You can be sure that by usingVeilstrikeenemies will stay down. Moreover, the applied Weakened effect will restore MP using the Restorative Veil passive.

Moreover, being able to use Pull of the Abysstogether withFire Minewill create an instant-killer combo against normal foes. So not only do you have extremely strong spells, but also ways to regenerate MP and put enemies under control.

Abilities - before Specialization, Levels 1-10

Early in the game, your inquisitor should be a simple mage with these core abilities:

OrderSkillDescription
1BarrierA great ability to survive critical encounters. Recommend having it at the start of the game, especially if you play on Nightmare.
2Fire Rift Mage Build (2)Immolate + WildfireEasily accessible AOE fire ability. The upgrade gives more damage and a shorter cooldown
3Fire Rift Mage Build (3)Peaceful Aura
The Inquisitor will generate less threat
4Fire Rift Mage Build (4)Dispel
Good early in the game, when rift enemies can be strong. You can use it to take out summoning circles
5Fire Rift Mage Build (5)Energy Barrage + Energy BombardmentThis is an amazing ability, releasing multiple particles. With it, there is a higher chance of generating a critical hit for the next passive ability. Moreover, the element damage depends on the staff you have equipped
6Flashpoint
If you land a critical hit, your next spell does not have a cooldown
7Fire Rift Mage Build (7)Pyromancer
We take this mainly to unlock the next ability
8Fire Rift Mage Build (8)Fire Mine
Very strong ability allowing to deal 1600% of weapon damage.

It is a well-rounded skill allocation, allowing for an effective way to deal with enemies. At about levels 10-12, you should get Rift Mage specialization. Once you have it respec your abilities.

Abilities - Progression till Endgame

Here I will explain the order in which the abilities should be obtained for the Rift Mage build.

OrderSkillDescription
1Fire Rift Mage Build (9)Stonefist + ShatterstoneThis ability has a short cooldown and it can apply a weakened state. Moreover, it deals damage and also knockouts enemies in AOE with the upgrade.
2Fire Rift Mage Build (10)Encircling VeilIncreases spell duration bonus against weakened enemies.
3Fire Rift Mage Build (11)Veilstrike + Punching DownThis ability does not deal damage. However, it sets Weakened state + knockback enemies in the AOE range. However, for me, it gives a small breather as the ability enters the tactical camera to go through what is happening in the field
4Fire Rift Mage Build (12)Restorative VeilOne of your main abilities that will restore mana when Inquisitor deals damage to weakened enemies.
5BarrierThis is a good ability to put up a barrier when low on HP or starting a battle
6Fire Rift Mage Build (14)FlashfireThis is a decent ability, but quite costly. You can keep it in the hot bar until you obtain Fire Mine
7FlashpointIf a spell scores a critical hit the next spell used will have no cooldown. Will work well with Energy Barrage
8Fire Rift Mage Build (16)CleanburnEach spell used decreases spell cooldowns by 1 second
9Fire Rift Mage Build (17)Wall of FireA great AOE ability that puts enemies into fear. Works well with Pull of the Abyss. However, you can use it to protect yourself or your allies from incoming enemies
10Fire Rift Mage Build (18)Energy Barrage + Energy BombardmentA staple ability for most mage builds. It works well with Flashpoint. However, the main reason why we take it is that it will use elements from the staff damage. This way you can have other elements that deal damage besides Fire
11Fire Rift Mage Build (19)Fade Step + Energizing StepA frost ability that has two purposes:
- Reposition yourself and run away
- Restore mana with each enemy you pass by
12Fire Rift Mage Build (20)Twisting VeilDamage bonus to weakened enemies
13Fire Rift Mage Build (21)Pull of the Abyss + Shaken VeilI prefer the damage upgrade for this ability in this particular build:
- You already have two spells that apply weakened state
- This upgrade will do Spirit damage, which is the least resistant by the enemies
14Fire Rift Mage Build (22)PyromancerAlthough we take it for the next ability it still provides decent bonuses to fire and fear duration
15Fire Rift Mage Build (23)Fire Mine + upgradeOne of the strongest abilities of the mage. Use it together with Pull of the Abyss to take out a group of enemies. Moreover, you can use it on yourself or your allies to protect from incoming enemies.

Get Flaming Array upgrade if you feel confident getting close to enemies. Otherwise, choose Searing Glyph for knockdowns

16Fire Rift Mage Build (24)Conductive CurrentA good passive upgrade that increases the damage for each mana % that you miss.

Here are some additional abilities that you could consider once you get more points:

  • Barrier upgrade Elegant Defense
  • Peaceful Aura
  • Gathering Storm
  • Lasting Flames - Wall of Fire upgrade
  • Winter Stillness
  • Dispel

Abilities - Overview

Here is a short overview of how you should allocate your abilities. For a detailed explanation check the next section.

Spirit Tree

Fire Rift Mage Build (25)

Storm Tree

Fire Rift Mage Build (26)

Inferno Tree

Fire Rift Mage Build (27)

Winter Tree

Fire Rift Mage Build (28)

Rift Mage

Fire Rift Mage Build (29)

Stats

As with most builds at the start of the game, your priority should be base stats and critical chance. Later on, you should be concentrating on critical damage to maximize your DPS.

  • Critical chance - with Ring of Doubt, try to keep it at 20%, without it 50%+ is recommended

  • Critical Damage – your priority from level 15~ or when you reach 50% critical chance

  • Attack - boosts overall damage, usually, the bonuses are higher than attribute-based ones
  • Willpower - boosts Rift mage overall damage and also gives magic defense.
  • Magic - boosts overall damage

  • Armor – a priority for low levels, up to level 12

Fire Rift Mage Build (30)

Equipment Recommendations

In this section, I will go through the recommended equipment for the Dragon Age Inquisition Rift mage build

Weapons - obtainable

The staves are quite good, however, they are usually surpassed once you can get Tier 4 materials

PriorityItemDescription
1Hakkon's WisdomThis staff gives +100% critical damage. It is a good alternative to Isana's Song if you have at least a 50% Critical chance
2Isana's SongThis staff can be obtained in The Descent DLC. Provides +41 to magic. In terms of pure damage, it has no equals. It also has a 10% chance to cast Chain Lightning.
3Earnest ReprisalI recommend this staff, only if you have a high critical chance of 50% or more. Or you have equipped Ring of Doubt
4Staff of the VoidThe staff is obtained from high dragon Hivernal. Moreover, it provides adequate stats

Weapons - craftable

Generally, I prefer craftable staves if you have good masterwork and other materials

PriorityItemDescription
1Staff of Corruption SchematicAlthough this is Tier 4, I would still go for Wrath of Lovias Schematic that provides better slots for the end game.
2Encore SchematicOne of the best staves in the game as it gives offensive buffs for all party members
3Wrath of Lovias SchematicThe stave gives leather slots for increased critical chance or critical damage

Helmets - obtainable

PriorityItemDescription
1Cowl of the PureCan be an alternative to the Mask of the Grand Duchess. However, it will only increase attack and not critical stats
2Helm of the Drasca
A mid-tier helmet, I would recommend equipping this if you do not have the Winter Palace masks or Cowl of the Pure
3Fire Rift Mage Build (40)Ambassador's MaskI would still recommend Mask of the Grand Duchess. However, if you have a high critical rate (50%+), this helmet is much better.
4Mask of the Grand DuchessThe best helmet in terms of the boost to critical chance.

Helmets - Craftable

PriorityItemDescription
1Superior Skirmisher Hat SchematicGreat slots for increasing critical stats. best craft
2Battlemage Cowl SchematicUpgraded version of Tier 2 schematic. Provides better utility slots. Similar to other Tier 3 schematics
3Superior Seer CowlSimilar to the other options in Tier 3.

Armors - obtainable

Here is a recommended list of obtainable armor that you can wear.

PriorityItemDescription
1The Skin That StalksObtainable only in the Trespasser DLC. Boosts Critical Damage, Critical Chance, and Attack.
2Vestments of the PureSimilar to craftable version. So choose the one that you prefer. Gives 45 points to willpower
3Masterwork Battlemage ArmorReduces the cost of the abilities and spells. Moreover, gives +6 to the magic attribute
4Robes of the High KeeperThe Robe provides decent stats, especially if you use Focus abilities often. However, you have to be an Elf Rift Mage to wear it

Armors - craftable

I think all of the armors listed below are extremely good, choose the one to your liking

PriorityItemDescription
1Superior Battlemage Armor SchematicThis version has one Cloth and a leather utility slot. Quite powerful and can be bought in Hissing Wastes. Moreover, you can add Arms and Legs upgrades to have an even larger boost to damage
2Superb Antaam-saar Schematic
The schematic gives 3 Leather Utility slots to increase offensive stats. I think it trades blows with Superior Battlemage Armor Schematic, due to the leather slots that it provides
3Vestments of the Pure SchematicTop-tier armor schematic. However, it does not have leather utility/offensive slots

Amulets

Try to find and obtain amulets that have higher priority. They are better for this build

PriorityItemDescription
1Andraste’s SacrificeThe best amulet for a mage. Gives higher mana regeneration and decreases ability cooldown. However, you will constantly taunt enemies, so it can be risky without a good Tank.
2Fire Rift Mage Build (53)Superb Amulet of DexterityBoosts dexterity, which increases your critical damage
3Fire Rift Mage Build (54)Superb Amulet of CunningEquip this amulet if you do not have Ring of Doubt. This way you can increase the critical chance naturally.
4Superb Amulet of WillpowerBoosts willpower which increases Rift mage damage health and magic defense

Belts

Try to find and obtain belts that have higher priority. They are better for this build

PriorityItemDescription
1The Bind That GuidesGreat belt, for this build. Unfortunately only available in the Trespasser DLC
2Fire Rift Mage Build (57)Master Belt of Focus or Superior Belt of FocusMore Focus results in more often Mark of the Rift if you are the Inquisitor
3Superb Belt of Health or Belt of LifeBoosts HP resulting in better survivability especially mid-game or in the end game encounters.

Rings

Try to find and obtain rings that have higher priority. They are better for this build

PriorityItemDescription
1Fire Rift Mage Build (59)Ring of DoubtProbably the best ring for the Rift mage. The character will enter stealth during combat which will guarantee a critical hit.
2The Hand That CutsOnly obtainable in Trespasser DLC. However, provides a large boost to critical damage
3Fire Rift Mage Build (61)Superb Ring of Critical DamageBoosts critical damage by 20%. A strong option that will work well with Ring of Doubt
4Fire Rift Mage Build (62)Ring of SlicingExpensive ring bought in Black Emporium. Boosts your critical damage and critical rate. I suggest getting this mid-game.
5Fire Rift Mage Build (63)Superb Ring of Critical ChanceBoosts critical chance. Equip it, if the rift mage has a low critical chance.

Tactics and Tips

I would say this build will require a bit more micromanaging from the team. But it should still be enjoyable. Here are the main tips:

  • The main thing that makes your party make or break is a good Tank. With it, this Rift Mage build becomes extremely powerful.
  • Fade Step should be used to reposition and restore MP
  • Throw out Flashfire after you have Fire Mine.

How to engage in combat:

  1. At any time in the combat if you see an enemy getting close or targeting you cast Wall of Fire on them to incite Fear.
  2. Cast Barrier on the Inquisitor + companions
  3. Use Fade Step to get close to the enemies like archers that may be far behind.
  4. Activate Veilstrike to weaken and knock down them
  5. Use Fire Mine on the group of enemies.
  6. If you took the Searing Glyph ability upgrade until the mine activates use Pull of the Abyss for a bit more damage and keep the enemy in place
  7. Juggle between Veilstrike + Stonefist + Pull of the Abyss to keep enemies on the whole field in check

Fire Rift Mage Build (64)

Conclusion

Thank you for reading the Dragon Age: Inquisition - Rift Mage Fire build. it is an amazing build and one of the most powerful options in the game. The fast mana regeneration, the all-powerful Fire Mine, and other Rift mage spells will be your bread and butter.

Fire Rift Mage Build (2024)

FAQs

How to become a rift mage? ›

Once you have all the ingredients, you'll need to craft a Tome of Rifts at a requisitions table. Deliver it to Your Trainer to resolve the quest. Her location is not marked on the map but she, like the other trainers, stands near the front gate of Skyhold. Afterward, you can choose to commit to being a Rift Mage.

How good is Rift Mage? ›

Rift Mages manipulate the Fade and the Veil and uses them both as a resource to produce powerful magic. Rift Mages take their mastery of the Fade to the next level with this specialization, allowing them to use powerful offensive spells or dragging and throwing their opponents across the field like rag dolls.

How do you acquire writing on Rift Mage? ›

Writing on Rift Magic methods can be obtained in Skyhold from the table located in Solas' room or from Willvan in Val Royeaux.; reading it unlocks Codex entry: Way of the Rift Mage. Location of Venatori tomes on the Plains.

Which mage spec is strongest? ›

Best boss DPS (in realistic settings)

Frost Mage achieved 24.67% more maximum boss DPS than Arcane Mage when dealing with occasional movement, lag and crowd-control.

What is the best mage spec to level with? ›

Frost is, overall, the best leveling spec for Mages as it gives you access to both damage and (defensive) utility.

Can you be a necromancer in Dragon Age: Inquisition? ›

Dragon Age: Inquisition

You have to have passed a specific story mission, about 1/3 of the way through the game. This opens up Specializations. To be a Necromancer you have to be a mage, and do the quest for your Specialization trainer. You'll need items from the Storm Coast region.

What is the role of mage in wild rift? ›

League of Legends Wild Rift has much diversity in its class selection. However, in this article, Mages will be the focus. Mages are Champions that deal Magic Damage using Ability Power and usually have long ranged AOE (Area of Effect) abilities accompanied by burst damage.

Why can't i use Mark of the Rift? ›

Apparently once you die in In Your Heart Shall Burn, your ability wheel becomes unavailable for you to use and that's why Mark of the Rift won't work (or any other ability). To solve it, just load a previous state where your abilities should be working and it will make the wheel become "available" again.

When can I use Mark of the Rift? ›

Mark of the Rift is powered by focus; energy gathered automatically during combat. One full bar of focus is required to use Mark of the Rift, using more focus will increase the duration of the spell. Mark of the Rift will deal continuous spirit damage and stuns enemies caught in the area of effect.

How do you unlock arcane mage? ›

By receiving the memories from the phylactery, you unlock the Arcane Warrior specialization for the mage as well as 250 XP. In order to unlock the specialization, interact with the phylactery.

What is the highest tier mage? ›

Magus is the highest rank obtainable by a mage. A Magus is someone whose power is equal only to his outstanding merits toward the community and the knowledge he shared with the Magical Association.

What is the best type of mage? ›

The Shield-Wielding Mage is one of the most powerful mage builds you can create. Not only will you be dealing high damage with Destruction spells in one hand, but your other hand will also carry a shield, which allows you to block most of the incoming damage you get from enemies.

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