Retribution Paladin DPS Spec, Builds, and Talents — Midnight Pre-Patch (12.0)

Retribution can choose between Crusading Strikes and Templar Strikes for different types of Holy Power generation in its builds. Although the builds recommended here are Crusading Strikes builds, Templar Strikes perform very close behind and are also competitive. There are no other talent changes needed to play Templar Strikes instead.

2.

Best Talents for Retribution Paladin in The War Within

Templar Single-Target Templar Cleave/Mythic+ Herald of the Sun Single-Target Herald of the Sun Cleave/Mythic+ Templar Open World/Delves

3.

Best Templar Single-Target Talent Build for Retribution Paladin

This build is best for pure single-target situations. Judgment of Justice can be swapped for Sanctify for similar damage, but slightly worse mobility.

Use the 'Export Talents' button to import the best build directly into your game.

3.

Best Templar Cleave/Mythic+ Talent Build for Retribution Paladin

This build drops the worst single-target talents for stronger AoE options. If you want to retain more single-target damage, you can take Jurisdiction over Tempest of the Lightbringer if you only want passive cleave, or Empyrean Power if you only want burst AoE.

Use the 'Export Talents' button to import the best build directly into your game.

3.

Best Herald of the Sun Single-Target Talent Build for Retribution Paladin

This build is best for pure single-target situations. Judgment of Justice can be swapped for Sanctify for similar damage, but slightly worse mobility.

Use the 'Export Talents' button to import the best build directly into your game.

3.

Best Herald of the Sun Cleave/Mythic+ Talent Build for Retribution Paladin

This build drops the worst single-target talents for stronger AoE options. If you want to retain more single-target damage, you can take Jurisdiction over Tempest of the Lightbringer if you only want passive cleave, or Empyrean Power if you only want burst AoE.

Use the 'Export Talents' button to import the best build directly into your game.

3.

Best Delves and Open World Talent Build for Retribution Paladin

This build works best for short-duration multi-target combat and frequent movement from enemy to enemy. For longer sustained combat where enemies live for more than a few seconds like higher level Delves, the regular Mythic+ builds should be used instead.

Use the 'Export Talents' button to import the best build directly into your game.

Retribution has two Hero Talent trees, Templar and Herald of the Sun:

Templar gives you access to Hammer of Light after casting Wake of Ashes, which is a separate Holy Power spender that does significant AoE damage. It also has extra bonus effects such as Divine Hammer and Empyrean Hammer that do additional AoE damage passively.

Herald of the Sun procs Dawnlights when Wake of Ashes is cast, which are powerful DoT effects that grant extra bonuses while active. It also significantly increases the power of Hammer of Wrath through talents like Walk Into Light.

Mythic+ talent choices can differ depending on the utility required and the desired damage profile. For more context on Mythic+ talent choices, see the dedicated Mythic+ guide below:

Many talents can cause your rotation to change significantly to accommodate them. For specific advice on how to best use the talents recommended, see the Rotation guide.

"War Mode" is an opt-in feature that enables cross-faction PvP combat in the open-world. Enabling War Mode provides the following benefits:

• PvP talents enabled in the outdoor world.
• 10% increase in World Quest rewards at maximum level.
• 10% more experience gained while leveling.
• Earn Conquest Points, which can reward gear every week.

With the benefits of enabling War Mode for leveling and PvE content, it is recommended enabling the feature to maximize your leveling and rewards at maximum level. However, you will make yourself available for open-world PvP, and the possibility of being "ganked" while leveling or doing World Quests exists.

No War Mode talents have any impact on open-world PvE content for Retribution. For PvP talents, see the guide above.