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Retribution Paladin DPS Guide — Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.2

Last updated on Jun 24, 2019 at 23:45 by Urthearso 50 comments
General Information

Welcome to our Retribution Paladin guide for World of Warcraft — Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.2. Here, you will learn how to play as a Retribution Paladin in both raids and Mythic+ dungeons: from the very beginning to maximizing your DPS.

Pages in this Guide
1 Introduction 2 Easy Mode 3 Spell Summary 4 Builds and Talents 5 Azerite Traits and Armor 6 Essences 7 Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities 8 Mythic+ Tips 9 Crucible of Storms as Retribution Paladin 10 Battle of Dazar'alor as Retribution Paladin 11 Uldir as Retribution Paladin 12 Stat Priority 13 Gems, Enchants, and Consumables 14 Macros and Addons 15 Gear and Best in Slot 16 Simulations 17 How to Improve 18 Frequently Asked Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE

1. Retribution Paladin Overview

In single-target DPS, the Retribution specialization is currently performing well, compared to most other classes. The AoE performance is very good.

2. Patch 8.2 Changes for Retribution Paladins

3. Patch 8.1.5 Changes for Retribution Paladins

4. Patch 8.1.0 Changes for Retribution Paladins

  • Divine Storm Icon Divine Storm has been buffed by 20%, so we now can use it against 2 or more targets.
  • Greater Blessing of Wisdom Icon Greater Blessing of Wisdom no longer restores Health, and can no longer stack.
  • Greater Blessing of Kings Icon Greater Blessing of Kings's absorb shield has been buffed by 19%, and can no longer stack.
  • Divine Purpose Icon Divine Purpose now can chain proc again. The Holy Power spender damage and healing has been reduced to 20%, down from 30%. Divine Purpose is slightly more powerful after those changes.
  • Consecration Icon Consecration has been buffed by 20%.
  • Light's Decree Icon Light's Decree replaces the Retribution specific Azerite trait Zealotry.
  • Empyrean Power Icon Empyrean Power replaces the Retribution specific Azerite trait Divine Right.
  • Empyreal Ward Icon Empyreal Ward replaces the generic Azerite trait Azerite Fortification for all Paladins.
  • Ultimate Retribution Icon Ultimate Retribution is a new PvP trait.

5. Strengths of Retribution Paladin

6. Weaknesses of Retribution Paladin

  • Low mobility
  • Uptime-reliant

7. Retribution Paladin Viability in the Current Patch

Retribution Paladin is doing well in BfA raids, but that is only as far as melee are concerned. When there is only a very small amount of melee slots available, other melee specs are preferred over Retribution for their raid-wide class buffs. Currently, Retribution is not filling a specific niche, so there is no hard requirement or situation where you have to bring one into the raid. In dungeons, Retribution brings decent damage and can make use of its utility kit to support the healer. Overall, the spec is probably sitting in the middle of the pack so it could be better, but also worse. The new Essences supplement our strengths by allowing us to pick and mix between increasing our already strong burst damage, reducing the cooldown of our strong burst, or by increasing our sustained damage.

8. Changelog

  • 24 Jun. 2019 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (gear page): Removed Crucible of Storm gear while we work on Patch 8.2 gear lists.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (Essences page): Created the page.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (spells page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (stats page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (Uldir page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (this page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (simulations page): Removed obsolete sims from CoS, while we wait for the Patch 8.2 sims.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (enchants page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (FAQ page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (talents page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (easy mode page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 13 May 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): Added Mythic notes.
  • 19 Apr. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for Legplates of Unbound Anguish.
  • 19 Apr. 2019 (gear page): Added Legplates of Unbound Anguish.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (mythic+ page): Inquisition has been added as a viable Talent.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (this page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): Guide added.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (easy mode page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Inquisition has been added as a viable Talent.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (Uldir page): Inquisition has been added as a viable Talent.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for for Crucible of Storms.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (gear page): Updated for Crucible of Storms.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (talents page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (enchants page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (spells page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 13 Mar. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for Inquisition change affecting auto attacks.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (gear page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (mythic+ page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (this page): Updated for 8.1.5.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (easy mode page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (enchants page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (spells page): Updated for 8.1.5.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for 8.1.5.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 20 Feb. 2019 (stats page): Added Indomitable Justice and Empyrean Power to whitelist to clarify that the additional damage indeed buffs the base dmg of the abilities and therefore is affected by Mastery.
  • 17 Feb. 2019 (enchants page): Added Raidbots gems and enchants disclaimer.
  • 17 Feb. 2019 (stats page): Removed Stat Weights note and added Top Gear. Added Haste GCD reduction caps. Added Mastery whitelist.
  • 17 Feb. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Added Mythic recommendations.
  • 17 Feb. 2019 (rotation page): Updated Divine Purpose - Wake of Ashes opener. Added Blade of Justice encounter pull note.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (this page): Updated for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (talents page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (gear page): Updated for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (spells page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Page added.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (easy mode page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and M+ Season 2.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and M+ Season 2.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (enchants page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 17 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): Added racials and Haste cap questions.
  • 17 Dec. 2018 (simulations page): Added Food simulations.
  • 17 Dec. 2018 (gear page): Added Geti'ikku once again for 8.1.
  • 16 Dec. 2018 (enchants page): Added 85 Strength food, Boralus Blood Sausage.
  • 11 Dec. 2018 (mythic+ page): Necrotic now is a physical bleed, so you can use Blessing of Protection to remove it.
  • 11 Dec. 2018 (Uldir page): Adjustments to talent advice for N'Zoth and Zul.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (talents page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (mythic+ page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (enchants page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (simulations page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated Divine Storm target requirements for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (this page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (Uldir page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (gear page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (spells page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 22 Nov. 2018 (this page): Added viability section.
  • 12 Nov. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results.
  • 12 Nov. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results.
  • 12 Nov. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Added Azerite Gear piece rankings for head, shoulders, and chest.
  • 12 Nov. 2018 (Uldir page): Added Uldir Mythic talent recommendations and tips. Updated a few Normal/Heroic boss talent recommendations.
  • 21 Oct. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Reconstructed the page and updated Divine Right duration.
  • 19 Sep. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results for the recent tuning pass.
  • 19 Sep. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results for the recent tuning pass.
  • 19 Sep. 2018 (gear page): Updated to adjust Geti'ikku value.
  • 12 Sep. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results for Uldir Mythic opening.
  • 12 Sep. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results for Uldir Mythic opening.
  • 07 Sep. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Increased Relentless Inquisitor duration after hotfix.
  • 06 Sep. 2018 (simulations page): Updated for Geti'ikku change.
  • 06 Sep. 2018 (gear page): Updated for Geti'ikku change.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated talents for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (talents page): Updated tier 1, 2, 4, and 5 talent sections slightly.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (enchants page): Updated potion for Uldir.
  • 04 Sep. 2018 (mythic+ page): Major update to the page.
  • 03 Sep. 2018 (Uldir page): Added content for Uldir release.
  • 27 Aug. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results.
  • 27 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results.
  • 27 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Added Azerite Gear rankings.
  • 27 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated rankings.
  • 26 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Added Battle Potion of Strength recommendation for cleave.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (this page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (spells page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 02 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated Wake of Ashes + Divine Purpose opener.
  • 25 Jul. 2018 (talents page): Removed Blade of Wrath note.
  • 25 Jul. 2018 (talents page): Fixed Divine Punisher description.
  • 23 Jul. 2018 (enchants page): Updated Haste food.
  • 21 Jul. 2018 (easy mode page): Changed recommended targets for Divine Storm to 3.
  • 21 Jul. 2018 (talents page): Removed Divine Storm at 2 targets recommendation with Divine Judgment.
  • 21 Jul. 2018 (rotation page): Updated Wake of Ashes + Inquisition and Wake of Ashes + Crusade opener.
  • 20 Jul. 2018 (addons page): Added War Mode talent macros.
  • 19 Jul. 2018 (addons page): Added Consecration + Wake of Ashes macro.
  • 18 Jul. 2018 (enchants page): Removed Strength gem.
  • 18 Jul. 2018 (rotation page): Fixed some typos.
  • 17 Jul. 2018 (talents page): Updated for the Battle for Azeroth pre-patch.
  • 17 Jul. 2018 (this page): Updated for the Battle for Azeroth pre-patch.
  • 17 Jul. 2018 (enchants page): Updated for the Battle for Azeroth pre-patch.
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Pages in this Guide
1 Introduction 2 Easy Mode 3 Spell Summary 4 Builds and Talents 5 Azerite Traits and Armor 6 Essences 7 Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities 8 Mythic+ Tips 9 Crucible of Storms as Retribution Paladin 10 Battle of Dazar'alor as Retribution Paladin 11 Uldir as Retribution Paladin 12 Stat Priority 13 Gems, Enchants, and Consumables 14 Macros and Addons 15 Gear and Best in Slot 16 Simulations 17 How to Improve 18 Frequently Asked Questions

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