While we are talking about class changes, let's chat.

I compared the toolkits of all mage specs to look at why Fire and Frost seem to be consistently more popular specs than #Arcane.

It's clear that Arcane is lacking in a number of ways (Thread)

#Shadowlands #Warcraft

The first sheet compares the current meta build for each spec, the one attached to this tweet is an overview of all possible spells accounting for talent choices.

First you may notice how few damaging abilities Arcane has compared to the other two specs. They also have nothing to be cast as a filler while moving and no unique AOE spells.

The only AOE spell Arcane mages have is also accessible to the other two specs. PLUS, it requires Arcane mages to be in melee range, yet, the arcane prismatic barrier is the only shield that does not provide extra protection from melee damage??

Next you may be thinking, well most of Arcane's damage comes from damage cooldowns, and we only have really 1 extra damage cool down. PLUS we have to deal with more resource management than the other two specs.

The point of this comparison is to illustrate the disparities between the specs. Instead of just nerfing Fire, maybe it's time to look at expanding the range and toolkits of the other specs. Maybe frost and arcane could have more dots? Arcane could get more AOE?

And to those of you who say that Arcane is fine because there are a few people in Mythic Raid making it work, that's not the point of this and that is another argument entirely. Less than 1,500 Arcane mages can make it work versus almost 60k fire? Something has to change.

I think we should look at the Heroic charts as most players cap their content at Heroic raiding. And in that comparison the need for changes to Arcane become more clear.

This is some food for thought from someone who plays Arcane and continues to try and encourage people to explore the spec. I will continue to research and talk to other mages about what would improve their experience when speced to Arcane.

Thank you to @anniefuchsia For inspiring me with her chart comparing Fire mages and Warlocks in Pvp, I realized then how wonderful and useful a visual comparison is!

I also have a full paragraph form analysis of this information that includes more suggestions for changes. @Wowhead If you are interested please let me know.