WoW Wrath Classic: Retribution Paladin PVE Guide (WotLK) (2024)

Table of Contents

Paladin Specialization PvE Guides
Basics	Talents	Skill Rotation
Cooldowns	Stat Priority	Best Professions
Best In Slot Gear

Retribution Paladin Basics In Wrath Classic

Ret Paladins did solid DPS in Burning Crusade Classic. While they didn't often top the DPS meters, they still did more than respectable DPS. Headed into Classic Wrath of the Lich King, they're receiving some considerable buffs and changes that makes the class far more attractive. While they still don't top our WotLK PvE DPS tier list, it's a spec that's fun to play and can dish out some serious damage.

This guide will focus specifically on level 80 content and abilities. It will be updated throughout the Wrath of the Lich King expansion as more content rolls out.

Important New and Reworked Talents and Abilities

Judgements have been reworked. This is a big update for Paladins; they will no longer be refreshed with Crusader Strike or auto attacks. In addition, Judgements have been split up into three different types:

• Judgement of Wisdom
• Judgement of Justice
• Judgement of Light

Using a Judgement will no longer consume your Seal.

Divine Storm - This is essentially the Paladin version of Whirlwind and is a new core ability for your rotation.

Hammer of Wrath - There is no longer a cast time for this ability. It functions like a full-blown execute.

Blessing of Kings - This is now baseline for all Paladins, regardless of spec.

Crusader Strike - Cooldown is now 4 seconds, down from 6.

Talent Build for Retribution Paladins in WotLK

This is the default talent build for Ret Paladins as they begin endgame content Wrath of the Lich King Classic, complete with the ideal glyphs as well.

See Also

Retribution Paladin PvP Gear Guide

Do note that your Ret Paladin glyphs are dependent on gearing and other situational uses.

The third minor glyph should be related to the Blessing you're casting in raid.

Retribution Paladin Skill Rotation

The rotations for Ret Paladins is fairly easy in Classic Wrath of the Lich King.

There is a handy weak aura that tells you the optimal ability to cast.

As a reference, your rotation is a priority system as follows:

Single Target Priority Rotation

1. Crusader Strike
2. Judgement of Wisdom
3. Divine Storm
4. Consecration
5. Exorcism
6. Holy Wrath - Note: not every enemy can be hit with this. Only use it against undead and demon enemy types.

AOE Rotation

1. Crusader Strike
2. Divine Storm
3. Judgment of Wisdom
4. Holy Wrath - Note: not every enemy can be hit with this. Only use it against undead and demon enemy types.
5. Consecration
6. Exorcism

Cooldowns

Ret Paladins don't have much available in terms of cooldowns.

• Avenging Wrath - Your big damage dealing cooldown. This can be a 2 minute cooldown and can line up nicely with on-use trinkets or, if pre-potted, a potion on longer fights.
• Potion of Speed - Your potion cooldown of choice

WotLK Ret Paladin Stat Priority

The most important stats for Retribution Paladins in Wrath of the Lich King Classic are as follows, in order:

• Hit Rating
• Expertise
• Strength
• Agility
• Critical Strike
• Attack Power
• Haste
• Armor Penetration

Your biggest stat goals should be reaching Hit cap (263 hit rating, or 8%) and Expertise cap (215).

Despite the fact that you are a mana user, Intellect is pretty irrelevant.

Keep in mind that Haste and Armor Penetration won't be that important in phase one.

Best Wrath Professions for Retribution Paladins

• Engineering is too good for DPS classes, and Ret Paladins are no exception. Between Nitro Boosts, sappers, bombs, and accelerators for your gloves, it's a no-brainer.
• Jewelcrafting is the preferred second option because it gives Ret Paladins more strength when compared to Blacksmithing.
• Blacksmithing will eventually be the preferred option when Epic gems are available in later phases.

Best In Slot Ret Pally Gear Pre-Raid and Phase 1 WotLK

e've created a separate article detailing the best-in-slot (BiS) gear for both Pre-Raid and Phase 1 of the expansion. It highlights a number of great options for each equipable item slot. There are also best-in-slot lists for all Paladin specializations at the top of the article.

• Retribution Paladin: Best in Slot Gear (WotLK)