The Archmage is a very powerful class if played correctly, especially in RvR, where the player can make the most use of the High Magic mechanic. This is a guide to some of the best tips and tricks for each of the Archmage masteries and the class overall.
The Archmage is a unique and powerful class for many reasons, including its powerful healing and helpful utility spells, but one of the things that makes it most useful, especially in RvR, is the High Magic mechanic. The way this works is when you cast a damaging spell, you build up force, which allows you to cast healing spells faster or more efficiently, and casting healing spells does the opposite. In RvR, this is not as useful as it sounds, as you often don't have enough time to make use of it, but it does allow healing and damage spec'd classes to throw out powerful heals or nukes. No matter how you play your archmage, use this to your advantage. An instant Blessing of Isha or Radiant Lance can make a difference, so be aware of your High Magic. Also, make sure you learn to use Walk Between Worlds. This ability reduces incoming damage by a significant amount, and when combined with lambent aura or shield of saphery, it can allow you to escape otherwise life-ending situations.
When playing the Path of Isha, the Archmage is most suited to a support role. While at this current point in time, some game imbalances have made Warrior Priests better healers in volume, Archmages still have extremely powerful healing tactically and overall. For the first twenty levels, you will want to try and keep Lambent Aura and Healing Energy up on as many of your teamates as you can. Your large heal is slow and easily interrupted, so you want to preempt as much damage as possible with HoTs. Once you reach 20, you should give preference to Blessing of Isha - don't spam it, unless it is necessary, and if you need to, make good use of Drain Magic (which sucks action points from your enemy and will benefit from the Tranquility you've built up). Don't be afraid to use your damaging spells, especially if you've built up a lot of Tranquility. Sometimes you can't count on your allies to protect you, and with full High Magic you can do enough damage to at least discourage would-be attackers, or buy time until your allies can get to you.
Continue on to the next page for more Archmage RvR tips.