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Before we break down the Wizard’s beta toolset, let’s get one thing straight.  You are not the Sorceress.  There are tons of differences, but three really stand out.

• You don’t have infinite mana. Arcane Power is a fast recharging resource but it has a low ceiling, which prevents super spell spamming.
• Teleport has a cooldown so you’re not going to make it to Baal in 45 seconds.
• Your spell damage is based on your weapon damage.  You're not killing people naked anymore!

All of these add up to a different kind of build necessary to thrive and survive in Diablo 3.  The wizard is still a spell slinging powerhouse, but you have much more to decide on and use as you slay.  His or her spells are split into two major schools – signature and high powered.  Academic spells are super cheap on arcane power, and as you level, eventually become free to cast.  The big spells will always deplete your reserves in a hurry, but give you results that are both flashy and devastating.

Academic does not mean weak or lame looking.  

Diablo 3 Wizard Academic Spells

Magic Missile – Flinging a single target burst at long range, the Wizard keeps himself out of harms way and does decent single target damage.  You start with it and you’ll probably end with it.

Shock Pulse – Essentially Charged Bolt, it releases 3 random pulses of lightning. Keeps groups down and does good damage if all 3 hit.

Spectral Blade - Slashes very quickly in front of you, dealing great damage in a hurry.  When I say in front of you though, I mean at melee range.  This is not typically where a Wizard wants to be!

Electrocute – While it drains you very quickly, this deals with groups and single targets very effectively.  It will eventually become efficient, just not at these beta levels!

Diablo 3 Wizard Offensive Spells

Wave of Force – A Nova that says “get outta here!”, dealing good damage, reflecting projectiles and sending enemies reeling.  Has a medium cooldown however, so use with caution.

Arcane Orb – Toss hot death that explodes on contact , dealing fantastic aoe splash damage to packs.  Will deplete your arcane power very quickly, but has no cooldown.  If you want to make a room melt before they can even agro you, here’s your spell.

Energy Twister – Slinging wind as well as water and lightning, the Wizard creates storm force winds that deal good damage over time.  Efficient and powerful, but won’t instagib anything.

Disintegrate – A beam of pure energy does huge arcane damage per second and leaves nothing in its wake.  If there are resurrectors nearby, this will make sure they’re bored and can’t do their job.

Explosive Blast – A delayed explosion that does big damage around you after a second, and requires you to be in the fray for that second.  Risky, but high reward.

Hydra – A Diablo 2 favorite returns and is still fairly safe to fling and forget, but it isn’t a strong spell by itself and is expensive.  Useful for kiting and battles of attrition.  You’ve got better spells to deal with small fry though.

One of the things you'll notice is that your wizard isn't afraid to get into his spells.  He/she isn't as flatfooted as the Diablo 2 Sorceress!

Diablo 3 Wizard Utility Spells

Frost Nova – Damn it, you got WoW in this class too Blizzard?  A ring freezes all nearby enemies in place for some time, including most bosses, and does damage.  Has a decent cooldown, so you have to make it count.

Ice Armor  - Chill out, enemies!   This will make you much beefier and make it very easy to kite, much like the mage/sorceress equivalent.

Magic Weapon – For those of us that like to bring the pain personally, this grants a solid damage boost to your weapon.  It’s not Enchant, but it’ll do.

Diamond Skin – A wonderful ‘oh shit’ button that makes you immune to all but the most grievous of damage for 5 seconds.  Super high cooldown, but If you want to sit on a boss and cast without worry, this will let you do so.  Don’t leave hardcore without it!