I used to main a mage and loved arcane. Loved its mobility and (at least in legion) loved stacking arcane missile and obliterating someone, but then bfa…
In bfa I have seen a few Arcane mages in the AWC and the commentators would all basically say that arcane’s low damage was a non-threat. The arcane mage was there to harass and distract people, keep the healer from drinking, and drag out the match into dampening.
Do you think the 8% buff will be enough to change its arena role from harassing to damage dealing?
I don’t think 8% chances the meta a whole lot. Simply put, mechanics will keep arcane from topping fire mage or frost mage. Arcane is very mobile and can spam spell steal, but the damage is still mostly DOT damage with NT and Barrage while staying mobile and bursting with 2 POM ABs. In order to really pump damage, you have to stand still and cast your cc and damage school.
It might be good in 2s with this change, but greater pyro puts out far more pressure with a rogue.
Maybe a healer/arcane might be good that can rot people down while staying alive with mobility.
Shortly put, the commentators have no idea how to play Arcane and are going off outdated information, Arcane has had great damage in PvP since 8.2.
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Was just discussing this with my two friends in discord last night as I was once again struggling with the “do I go back to arcane” dilemma (I’m not).
Both are pvp’ers and basically said for any serious meta, you’re going to go fire or frost for mage pvping. They specifically said the greater pyro’s make fire mages an optimal choice.
From what I’m hearing though, high-end pvpers specifically don’t use greater pyro in arena.
As for the OP’s question, the buff can only help (it sure helps in pve) but given how arcane pvp functions (not being able to turret), your role is more than likely still the same.
I’ve seen gpyro used at the AWC and by the winning team.
I don’t pvp at all. Just passing on what the boys said last night. They SOUNDED like they knew what they were talking about lol.
Hard to say, easy to find out. With low expectations I am going to give it a shot. (PvP that is) My guess is that the fire mage will still be better for PvP.
After several rounds as a arcane mage it became apparent that although there is improvement, arcane falls short with fire in rbg’s.
Disclaimer. I am a bit rusty as arcane but have played arcane a lot.