This page is maintained to show how Arcane Mages and Fire Mages compare in PvE end-game at level 80 — and was last updated for patch 11.1.5 of the The War Within expansion.
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Comparing DPS (Arcane Mage vs. Fire Mage)
Anytime the game updates, we run simulations using BiS profiles and SimulationCraft to analyze the current meta of all specs in WoW. Below shows which spec had the highest DPS for each category. To view more information in a category, click the Details button.
Performance ComparisonPatch 11.1.5
Arcane+4.58% DPS
When simulating for maximum theoretical single-target DPS, Arcane Mages averaged 4.58% more DPS than Fire Mages (+132K DPS).
Fire+0.4% DPS
When simulating for light AoE DPS potential, with small waves of adds, Fire Mages averaged 0.4% more DPS than Arcane Mages (+18K DPS).
Fire+0.44% DPS
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +40 ilvl, Fire Mage DPS improved the most, +0.44% more than Arcane Mage. In total, Fire Mages DPS increased by 68.85% and Arcane Mages by 68.41%.
This category evaluates the burst DPS potential of each spec by simulating a short encounter with full raid buffs and bloodlust.
This category evaluates the solo DPS potential of each spec by simulating a typical solo delve encounter with no raid buffs.
This category evaluates the pure AoE DPS potential of each spec by simulating both specs to fight intense groups of adds, with nearly 16 adds at any given moment.
This category evaluates the performance of each spec when introducing occasional movement and stuns during boss encounters.
This category evaluates the latency tolerance of each spec by simulating both specs with moderate-to-high latency. This can indicate which spec performs better when facing high latency, whether due to far server/realm location or limited access to quality internet.
This category evaluates the skill level required to play each spec by simulating both specs with greatly reduced player skill. This can indicate which spec is more forgiving of mistakes or has a simpler rotation.
The comparisons above highlight some of the key differences between Arcane Mage and Fire Mage in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Arcane Magevs Fire Mage
Arcane+4.58% DPS 
Fire+0.4% DPS