Mage has possibly the highest burst damage in the game since general skills are first casted when MP is full while physical classes have to gather rage first. Mages are also able to cast spells of different elements, meaning they can choose the elements enemies are weak against. Moreover, Mage spell range is farther than bows so they may attack bosses from a safe distance. Mage can control up to 4 soldiers.
Despite their pros having multiple spells mean needing to learn multiple spells thus the need to collect various skill books, meaning that the require more farming or invenstment than other class. Mage use staffs, which is a heavy weapon meaning they can’t carry any shields. When choosing weapons, focus on “General skill boost” instead of ATK since mage will always be casting spells. Mage has the longest spell casting time of all classes meaning they are either stuck in place during the cast or lose out on damage if they cancelled the class. Like other magic classes, you have the “intensify” skill, which allows you to land stronger skill attack. Being the hardest hitting class means they are a glass cannon type; high damage low survivability. Mage requires heavy investment as you will be competing with other mages who might have a higher enhanced gear without much option to build on defense.
Without much options for defense Mage usually focus on Wit as their primary stat to increase damage output. Their secondary stat can either be Spi or Con. Spi will add to both magic damage and magic resistance while Con will focus solely on survival. In this case, Spi may be preferable to advanced players who want to maximize their damage while Con may be preferable to players who want a safer option.
Mage being allowed only 4 soldiers, or only 2 at higher levels. You may want to run
1.) 1 healer + 1 dps,
2) 2 healers or
3) just 1 healer only so you will have more points to put in Wit Spi or Con instead of Cha.