Retribution Paladin Dragonflight Leveling Guide From 1 to 70 (Dragonflight 10.0.2)

In most cases, you will want to prioritize item level as you are going through the leveling process. This means selecting whatever has the highest item level. There is one exception to this rule and that is when you have a ring or neck with only 1 secondary stat instead of having 2. In these rare cases, selecting the item with the lower item level is acceptable.

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This is our recommended talent tree up to level 70.

When you first create your Paladin, you will only have one ability available to you: Crusader Strike. It is your first Holy Power generator. At level 2 you will unlock Shield of the Righteous, your first Holy Power spender. At level 3 you gain Judgment. Consecration is unlocked at level 6. At Level 9, you learn the class ability Hand of Reckoning, which is a 30-yard range taunt on a 8-second cooldown. Make extensive use of this long range taunt to pull more mobs when you no longer have any long range damage abilities available. At level 10 you can officially spec into Retribution and gain access to Templar's Verdict. From now you need to switch to a Two-Handed weapon, otherwise you will not be able to use your new abilities. Say goodbye to Shield of the Righteous, because you will never waste Holy Power on it again.

1. Cast Crusader Strike on cooldown as long as you have 4 or less Holy Power.
2. Cast Shield of the Righteous once you have 3 or more Holy Power generated.
3. Cast Judgment on cooldown.
4. Cast Consecration.

Starting at Level 10, you are able to queue for dungeons with the in-game group finder. Always queue as DPS, so you have the correct training environment to practice your Retribution kit at your given level in a dungeon situation. In order to understand in-depth how to use this Retribution kit, especially when reaching higher levels, check out our rotation page, but we have added a short summary below:

1. Cast Avenging Wrath off cooldown.
2. Cast Avenging Wrath: Might off cooldown.
3. Cast Shield of Vengeance when taking damage to reflect it back around you once it explodes when it got consumed or runs out.
4. Follow the priority list below until you have 3 or more Holy Power.
   • Cast Wake of Ashes off cooldown (With 2 Holy Power or less).
   • Cast Judgment (With 4 Holy Power or less).
   • Cast Hammer of Wrath (With 4 Holy Power or less).
   • Cast Blade of Justice (With 3 Holy Power or less).
   • Cast Consecration (Can be used before the fight if you are sure where the enemies will be tanked).
   • Cast Crusader Strike (With 4 Holy Power or less).
   • Refresh Consecration (Regardless of remaining duration).