The following compares the current state of Arcane Mages to Retribution Paladins using the latest SimulationCraft data for end-game PvE in World of Warcraft The War Within patch 11.0.2.
Comparison
Category
Winner
Arcane Mage
+15.36%
When simulating boss fight encounters, Arcane Mages averaged 15.36% more DPS than Retribution Paladins (+246K DPS).
Retribution Paladin
+23.4%
When simulating AoE DPS, Retribution Paladins averaged 23.4% more DPS than Arcane Mages (+236K DPS).
Arcane Mage
+36.12%
Arcane Mages have higher spike damage potential, achieving +3.5M more DPS than Retribution Paladins.
Spike damage is the peak DPS achieved in any given moment and is not sustained DPS.
Arcane Mage
+2.03%
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +44 ilvl, Arcane Mage DPS improved the most, +2.03% more than Retribution Paladin. In total, Arcane Mages DPS increased by 67.76% and Retribution Paladins by 65.73%.
Retribution Paladin
+26.61%
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 3.18% for Retribution Paladins.
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 29.78% for Arcane Mages.
When introducing occasional movement and real-world latency, Retribution Paladins performed better, as Arcane Mages suffered a +26.61% DPS loss.
Arcane Mage
When evaluating abilities used during boss encounters, Arcane Mages had fewer damaging abilities in total, indicating a potentially less complex rotation.
The comparisons above highlight some of the key differences between Arcane Mage and Retribution Paladin in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Arcane Mage
Retribution Paladin