The Mage class in Last Epoch has always been a fan favorite thanks to its versatility, high damage potential, and flexible playstyles. With the arrival of Season 3 and the introduction of Primordial Uniques, the class has only grown stronger. Many players argue that Mages benefited more than most other classes this season, with multiple viable builds that can take on endgame content and even push into Uber fights.

If you're looking to start Season 3 with a Mage but aren't sure which build to commit to, this guide highlights four of the best options: Lightning Blast Runemaster, Shatter Strike Spellblade, Hydrahedron Runemaster, and Glacier Sorcerer. These builds represent the strength of all three Mage masteries and can scale into powerful late-game characters.

1) Lightning Blast Runemaster

The Lightning Blast Runemaster takes one of the Mage's earliest skills and turns it into an endgame powerhouse. By leveraging Runic Invocation, players can consistently generate both damage and Ward for survivability.

·Core Gameplay Loop: Cast Lightning Blast to gain Runes, then unleash Runic Invocation with the Cold → Fire → Cold combination. Thanks to the Immutable Order node, you can lock in this elemental chain if your hotbar includes Runebolt, Frost Wall, and Flame Ward.

·Strengths: Incredible synergy between constant Ward generation and single-target burst. Damage scaling is easy, even with low-legendary-potential gear.

Key Uniques:

·Mad Alchemist's Ladle

·Fragment of the Enigma

·Vilatria's Crown (set piece)

·Legends Entwined (Primordial Ring)

·Twisted Heart of Uhkeiros

Additional items like Static Shell, Foot of the Mountain, and Grasp of the Blood Mage push the build's survivability further. You can use Last Epoch gold to buy them. If you don't have enough coins, you can buy Last Epoch gold at eld.gg. While not a one-button playstyle, its damage loop is smooth and reliable, making it one of the most popular Mage builds this season.

2) Shatter Strike Spellblade

If you're looking for burst damage and fast-paced melee gameplay, the Shatter Strike Spellblade is the way to go. This build excels at clearing both mob packs and bosses by combining cold-themed AoE with strong defensive layering.

·Core Gameplay Loop: Use Mana Strike to regenerate mana, then spam Shatter Strike with nodes like Whiteout Recast, Cold Presence, and Absolute Zero for massive AoE bursts. Enchant Weapon boosts damage, while Flame Ward and Teleport provide defense and mobility.

·Strengths: Probably the most aggressive Mage build in the game. Strong AoE clears, smooth mana sustain, and surprisingly tanky thanks to Flame Ward scaling with Ward and defenses.

Key Uniques:

·Wings of Argentus

·Scissor of Atropos

·Eye of Reen

·Siphon of Anguish

·Chains of the Ox

Stacking Dexterity, Health, and Cold Damage affixes gives the build more consistency. If you want to dive headfirst into enemies while deleting them in icy explosions, this build is a top pick for Season 3.

3) Hydrahedron Runemaster

For players who enjoy turret-style gameplay and automated damage, the Hydrahedron Runemaster offers a unique experience. Instead of relying on direct casts, you'll summon Hydrahedrons through Runic Invocation and let them melt enemies for you.

·Core Gameplay Loop: Using the Lightning → Fire → Fire combination in Runic Invocation, you can summon Hydrahedrons. With the Immutable Order node and hotbar setup (Flame Ward, Flame Rush, and Frost Wall), this combo becomes reliable. The Epilogue node also makes Flame Rush auto-cast Runic Invocation, streamlining the rotation.

·Strengths: Excellent for players who prefer a semi-passive, mobile playstyle. You can kite enemies while your summoned Hydrahedrons do the heavy lifting.

Key Uniques:

·Fundamental Criterion

·Reowyn's Fortress

·Telfun's Mirage

·Box of Hydrae

Stacking Attunement and Fire Penetration affixes amplifies damage. Overall, this build feels like playing a hybrid of summoner and caster, giving it a distinct identity among Mage builds.

4) Glacier Sorcerer

The Glacier Sorcerer is arguably the best AoE-clear Mage build in Last Epoch Season 3. With large-scale freezing explosions and infinite mana sustain, it's both beginner-friendly and powerful in the endgame.

·Core Gameplay Loop: Use Glacier as your main AoE nuke. Nodes like Critical Rejuvenation and Cold Victory keep mana flowing, while Greater Destruction and Endless Frost maximize damage. For single-target DPS, supplement with Volcanic Orb and buff with Arcane Ascendance and Rune of Winter.

·Strengths: One-button powerhouse with exceptional screen-clearing potential. Despite its simplicity, the build scales very well into higher corruption and Uber bosses.

Key Uniques:

·Scales of Eterra

·Unstable Core

·Horn of the Bone Wisp

·Twisted Heart of Uhkeiros

·Transient Rest

For luxury items, Orian's Eye and Orian's Descent can add serious late-game power. Mana and Intelligence affixes are crucial to optimize this setup.

Final Thoughts

Season 3 of Last Epoch has positioned the Mage as one of the most endgame-ready classes, thanks in large part to the synergy between Primordial Uniques and the mastery skill trees. Whether you prefer the turret-style Hydrahedron Runemaster, the burst-heavy Shatter Strike Spellblade, the balanced Lightning Blast Runemaster, or the one-button Glacier Sorcerer, there's a Mage build to match every playstyle.

What's more, all four of these builds scale well into Uber content, making them safe investments for players who want long-term endgame viability. If you're looking for a class that feels powerful, flexible, and rewarding to master in Season 3, Mage should be your go-to pick.