Retribution Paladin DPS Guide - Battle for Azeroth 8.3 - World of Warcraft

Welcome to our Retribution Paladin guide for World of Warcraft — Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.3. 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.

If you were looking for WoW Classic content, please refer to our Classic Retribution Paladin DPS guide.

Pages in this Guide

Paladin Leveling Guide

Retribution Paladin PvP 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 Ny'alotha as Retribution Paladin 10 The Eternal Palace as Retribution Paladin 11 Stat Priority 12 Gems, Enchants, and Consumables 13 Macros and Addons 14 Gear and Best in Slot 15 Corruption 16 Simulations 17 How to Improve 18 Frequently Asked Questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE

Retribution Paladin Overview

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

Shadowlands Changes for Paladins

We are maintaining a list of changes for Paladins for Shadowlands, the upcoming World of Warcraft expansion, which you can access using the link below. We also have pages for the new Covenant abilities and Anima Powers.

Shadowlands Paladin Class Changes Paladin Anima Powers Paladin Covenant Abilities

Patch 8.3 Changes for Retribution Paladins

There are no Retribution Paladin specific changes in Patch 8.3. However, we do have:

new gear from the Ny'alotha raid, which can drop corrupted (see our guide to Corrupted Items for more information);
a new Legendary Cloak;
7 new Patch 8.3 Essences;
changes to existing Essences (including a 3rd Minor slot);
a new Azerite trait ( Heart of Darkness);
and a new reusable augment rune ( Lightning-Forged Augment Rune).

Strengths of Retribution Paladins

Great single-target burst & sustained damage
Great AoE burst & sustained damage
Can switch targets without downsides
Many utility spells such as Greater Blessing of Wisdom, Blessing of Protection, and Blessing of Freedom
Strong defensives like Divine Shield, Eye for an Eye, and Shield of Vengeance

Weaknesses of Retribution Paladins

Low mobility
Uptime-reliant

Retribution Paladin Viability in the Current Patch

With Patch 8.3, Retribution did not receive any direct balancing changes, but with the addition of the new corrupted system and the new and rebalanced essences, Retribution gameplay and performance changes positivly in almost every scenario. The only scenario where we continue to struggle are encounter where enemies are spread across the room.

Changelog

24 May 2020 (mythic+ page): Added non Empyrean Power build based on Mastery corruptions.
20 May 2020 (Corruption page): Updated for Gushing Wounds nerf and corruption vendor.
20 May 2020 (enchants page): Updated for corruptions vendor / Masterful stacking build.
02 May 2020 (gear page): Updated Corruption section.
02 May 2020 (Corruption page): Added Corruption Page.
11 Apr. 2020 (easy mode page): Updated recommendations.
11 Apr. 2020 (The Eternal Palace page): Updated talent and essence recommendations.
11 Apr. 2020 (talents page): Updated talent recommendations.
11 Apr. 2020 (gear page): Updated BiS note.
11 Apr. 2020 (mythic+ page): Updated talent and essence recommendations.
11 Apr. 2020 (Ny'alotha page): Updated talents and essences and added Mythic tips.
27 Jan. 2020 (Ny'alotha page): Page added.
14 Jan. 2020 (talents page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (FAQ page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (Essences page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (how to improve page): Updated for Patch 8.3. Added high Corruption vs uptime note.
14 Jan. 2020 (mythic+ page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (The Eternal Palace page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (this page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (stats page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (easy mode page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (simulations page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (enchants page): Removed strength food and gem recommendation because they are no longer worth using starting with 8.3 LFR gear. Added new augment rune.
14 Jan. 2020 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
14 Jan. 2020 (gear page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
14 Jan. 2020 (spells page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.3 and no changes are necessary.
05 Aug. 2019 (The Eternal Palace page): Updated for Mythic.
18 Jul. 2019 (stats page): Updated base stat priority.
18 Jul. 2019 (gear page): Made further updates for Eternal Palace.
17 Jul. 2019 (easy mode page): Added Expurgation, Azerite, and Essences recommendations.
17 Jul. 2019 (this page): Reworded viability section.
17 Jul. 2019 (mythic+ page): Added Essence recommendations and Beguiling notes.
17 Jul. 2019 (talents page): Updated for The Eternal Palace.
17 Jul. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Added new Azerite note and Undulating Tides warning.
10 Jul. 2019 (stats page): Added Expurgation stat priority.
10 Jul. 2019 (Essences page): Added sims for powers.
10 Jul. 2019 (easy mode page): Added Essences.
10 Jul. 2019 (gear page): Updated for The Eternal Palace raid opening.
10 Jul. 2019 (talents page): Added Execution Sentence as viable option with Expurgation note.
09 Jul. 2019 (The Eternal Palace page): Page added.
01 Jul. 2019 (gear page): Updated Benthic gear section.
29 Jun. 2019 (gear page): Added Benthic gear.
24 Jun. 2019 (FAQ page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
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 (simulations page): Removed obsolete sims from CoS, while we wait for the Patch 8.2 sims.
24 Jun. 2019 (gear page): Removed Crucible of Storm gear while we work on Patch 8.2 gear lists.
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 (enchants page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
24 Jun. 2019 (stats page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
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 (Crucible of Storms page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
24 Jun. 2019 (mythic+ 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 (Essences page): Created the page.
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 (spells 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.
24 Jun. 2019 (this 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.
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 (talents 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 (Uldir page): Inquisition has been added as a viable Talent.
15 Apr. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for for Crucible of Storms.
15 Apr. 2019 (stats 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 (mythic+ page): Inquisition has been added as a viable Talent.
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 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
15 Apr. 2019 (how to improve 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 (FAQ page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
15 Apr. 2019 (this 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.
15 Apr. 2019 (rotation 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 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Inquisition has been added as a viable Talent.
13 Mar. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for Inquisition change affecting auto attacks.
11 Mar. 2019 (addons 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 (easy mode 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 (spells page): Updated for 8.1.5.
11 Mar. 2019 (stats 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 (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 (azerite traits and gear 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 (mythic+ 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.
11 Mar. 2019 (FAQ 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 (stats page): Removed Stat Weights note and added Top Gear. Added Haste GCD reduction caps. Added Mastery whitelist.
17 Feb. 2019 (rotation page): Updated Divine Purpose - Wake of Ashes opener. Added Blade of Justice encounter pull note.
17 Feb. 2019 (enchants page): Added Raidbots gems and enchants disclaimer.
17 Feb. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Added Mythic recommendations.
21 Jan. 2019 (enchants 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 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and M+ Season 2.
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 (addons 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 (spells 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 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Page added.
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 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
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 (simulations page): Updated for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor.
21 Jan. 2019 (this page): Updated for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor.
21 Jan. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and M+ Season 2.
17 Dec. 2018 (simulations page): Added Food simulations.
17 Dec. 2018 (gear page): Added Geti'ikku once again for 8.1.
17 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): Added racials and Haste cap questions.
16 Dec. 2018 (enchants page): Added 85 Strength food, Boralus Blood Sausage.
11 Dec. 2018 (Uldir page): Adjustments to talent advice for N'Zoth and Zul.
11 Dec. 2018 (mythic+ page): Necrotic now is a physical bleed, so you can use Blessing of Protection to remove it.
10 Dec. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated Divine Storm target requirements for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (stats page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
10 Dec. 2018 (simulations page): Updated for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (gear 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 (Uldir page): Updated for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (talents page): Updated for 8.1.
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 (this page): Updated for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (mythic+ page): Updated for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (spells page): Updated for 8.1.
10 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated for 8.1.
22 Nov. 2018 (this page): Added viability section.
12 Nov. 2018 (Uldir page): Added Uldir Mythic talent recommendations and tips. Updated a few Normal/Heroic boss talent recommendations.
12 Nov. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results.
12 Nov. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results.
12 Nov. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Added Azerite Gear piece rankings for head, shoulders, and chest.
21 Oct. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Reconstructed the page and updated Divine Right duration.
19 Sep. 2018 (gear page): Updated to adjust Geti'ikku value.
19 Sep. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results for the recent tuning pass.
19 Sep. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results for the recent tuning pass.
12 Sep. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results for Uldir Mythic opening.
12 Sep. 2018 (FAQ 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 (gear page): Updated for Geti'ikku change.
06 Sep. 2018 (simulations page): Updated for Geti'ikku change.
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 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results for Uldir.
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 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (spells 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 (easy mode page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
13 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
02 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated Wake of Ashes + Divine Purpose opener.
25 Jul. 2018 (talents page): Fixed Divine Punisher description.
25 Jul. 2018 (talents page): Removed Blade of Wrath note.
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 (rotation page): Fixed some typos.
18 Jul. 2018 (enchants page): Removed Strength gem.
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

Paladin Leveling Guide

Retribution Paladin PvP Guide

More Paladin Guides

Protection Paladin Macros and Addons

Holy Paladin Stat Priority

Holy Paladin Gems, Enchants, and Consumables

Holy Paladin Crucible of Storms as Holy Paladin

Guides from Other Classes

Affliction Warlock Guide

Holy Priest Guide

Feral Druid Guide

Fire Mage Guide

Raid Guides

Drest'agath Loot

Maut Guide

Prophet Skitra LFR Encounter Journal

Ra-den Guide

BfA Guides

Patch 8.3 Jewelcrafting Guide

Horrific Visions Food

Patch 8.3 Monk Changes

Lesser Visions Guides

Patch 8.3 Profession Changes

Patch 8.3 Alchemy Guide

Patch 8.3 Cooking Guide

Patch 8.3 Enchanting Guide

Patch 8.3 Tailoring Guide

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This guide has been written by Urthearso, theorycrafter for Retribution Paladins. If you have any questions about the spec you can reach him on the official Paladin Discord, on Twitter, and during his streams on Twitch.

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Retribution Paladin DPS Guide — Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.3