What Class Does This Group Need?

[Atmas]

Originally Posted by Izmael [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I would love to hear about the "lot of utility" a wizard adds to a group. Actually I never played a wizard mysel past level 4 (I think) so it's a legit question. I thought all wizards can do is port, nuke, root and AE snare.

Yes a wizard can do those things and more but extrapolate on that:

-Wizards are good rooters which can help with CC in general and is even more beneficial when the enchanter isn't around.
-Wizards have stuns which can and should be used to interrupt casting mobs.
-Wizards can port which is great to have on hand when trying to get your group to get your group formed up and to an xp spot. Yeah there are things like dial a port but in group porting is even more convenient and cost effective. Especially if you get to an xp spot see its over-camped and want to go elsewhere or replace/recover a group member.
-Wizards sustained dps is not great but they have huge burst dps. A smart wizard maintains a level of mana useful for emergencies which allows them to burst down mobs like no other class can when their group is in a bad spot being overwhelmed.
-Stun/burst/snare also makes it easier to deal with annoying mobs who have low health traits.
-Evac in very dire situations.
-Tflux staff is arguably the best pulling item in the game.
-Best AoE damage (you won't always be in a conventional group)
-Can snare kite (you won't always be in a conventional group)
-Can solo well (you won't always be in a conventional group)

Like many other classes there is a good level of difference between a well played wizard and a lazy one.

There are also some game changing gear possibilities if you get your wizard to the end game, I won't really bother with going into detail because it's kind of out of the scope of this discussion. I will mention though that if you get to the end game a wizard will have more added value than a lot of other classes. For example having more than x number of enchanters or magicians at a certain point doesn't provide much benefit.