Mage or Warlock

[Naeox]

The title pretty much says it all. I've been playing a priest for a while now, and I'm looking into another aspect of the game, the dps-stuff.

I generally don't like Rogues, so I won't be playing that class, and don't even mention hunters. I'm more interested in the Mage and Warlock, but the question is which one to pick.

I really don't care about PvP in any form, so don't tell me how locks wtfpwn everyone and needs to be nerfed.
I don't care about any instances pre-tbc.
Actually I only care about one thing: End-game content.

Is a lock as hot as a mage in end-game raiding, or are they not really wanted?

What's the damage difference? Are there like huge gaps between the lock and mage in instances, or are they somewhat the same?

[earindur]

if you dont like rogues, rolling a warlock is not the wisest move as a good rogue will stunlock you to death without you having any input.

I play a lvl 70 lock and my GF a lvl 70 mage. Locks and mages play a similar role in end game. warlocks dont have the same Crowd Control we can fear/seduce given the right environment but not as reliably as sheep. but we offer other advantages like soulstones, summoning and healthstones.

mages do huge burst damage but are very squishy. warlocks do damage over time with afflictions and can nuke pretty hard, but not as hard as mages. we also are slightly* more survivable (*or quite a bit more depending on spec). at 70 mages and warlocks are very similar for damage. the difference is their utility.

[Mortshd]

I'm currently leveling both mage and lock (both lvl 65) and enjoy playing either one. Each one has its own merit. For crowd control, mage has sheep for humanoid/beast/critter and lock has banish/enslave for elemental/demon. Either one always gets a position in the instance runs.

[Eonblue]

In addition...I have found both classes are very popular in TBC. With extra mob each pull in alot of instances mages sheep is great to have, but locks have so much versatility now and with more instances having demons and elementals along with our Seed of Corruption and Ritual of Souls, I have never been told 'no we dont need a warlock' for a run.

IMHO
My favorite 5 man group comp is (assuming all are decently geared and play their class well).

Tank
Healer
Mage
Warlock
Rogue

:)

[Tanitha]

Pick Mage. I don't want more competition for the slot as coolest Warlock.