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

Last updated on Jan 14, 2020 at 00:00 by Urthearso 68 comments
General Information

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
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 The Eternal Palace as Retribution Paladin 10 Stat Priority 11 Gems, Enchants, and Consumables 12 Macros and Addons 13 Gear and Best in Slot 14 Simulations 15 How to Improve 16 Frequently Asked Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE
1.

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.

2.

Patch 8.3 Changes for Retribution Paladins

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

3.

Strengths of Retribution Paladins

4.

Weaknesses of Retribution Paladins

  • Low mobility
  • Uptime-reliant
5.

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.

6.

Changelog

  • 14 Jan. 2020 (how to improve page): Updated for Patch 8.3. Added high Corruption vs uptime note.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (easy mode page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (simulations page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (talents page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 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 (azerite traits and 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.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (this page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (rotation 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 (stats page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (mythic+ 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 (gear page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (The Eternal Palace page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 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 (mythic+ page): Added Essence recommendations and Beguiling notes.
  • 17 Jul. 2019 (this page): Reworded viability section.
  • 17 Jul. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Added new Azerite note and Undulating Tides warning.
  • 17 Jul. 2019 (talents page): Updated for The Eternal Palace.
  • 17 Jul. 2019 (easy mode page): Added Expurgation, Azerite, and Essences recommendations.
  • 10 Jul. 2019 (stats page): Added Expurgation stat priority.
  • 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.
  • 10 Jul. 2019 (Essences page): Added sims for powers.
  • 10 Jul. 2019 (easy mode page): Added Essences.
  • 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 (Essences page): Created the page.
  • 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 (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 (easy mode 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 (spells 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 (addons page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (talents page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (enchants page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (stats page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (azerite traits and gear 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 (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 (this page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 13 May 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): Added Mythic notes.
  • 19 Apr. 2019 (gear page): Added Legplates of Unbound Anguish.
  • 19 Apr. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for Legplates of Unbound Anguish.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (stats 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 (gear page): Updated for Crucible of Storms.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (FAQ 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 (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 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for Crucible of Storms and no changes are necessary.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (talents 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 (this 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 (simulations page): Updated for for Crucible of Storms.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (Uldir 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 (mythic+ page): Inquisition has been added as a viable Talent.
  • 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 (simulations page): Updated for 8.1.5.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (addons 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 (stats 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 (how to improve 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.
  • 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.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (this page): Updated for 8.1.5.
  • 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 (spells page): Updated for 8.1.5.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (gear 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 (rotation page): Updated Divine Purpose - Wake of Ashes opener. Added Blade of Justice encounter pull note.
  • 17 Feb. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Added Mythic recommendations.
  • 17 Feb. 2019 (stats page): Removed Stat Weights note and added Top Gear. Added Haste GCD reduction caps. Added Mastery whitelist.
  • 17 Feb. 2019 (enchants page): Added Raidbots gems and enchants disclaimer.
  • 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 (easy mode 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 (talents 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 (enchants page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (this 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 (stats 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 (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 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Page added.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (gear page): Updated for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor.
  • 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 (FAQ 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 (simulations page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (gear page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 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 (Uldir page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (mythic+ page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (rotation 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 (spells 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 (enchants page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 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 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results for the recent tuning pass.
  • 19 Sep. 2018 (gear page): Updated to adjust Geti'ikku value.
  • 19 Sep. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results for the recent tuning pass.
  • 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 (enchants page): Updated potion for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (talents page): Updated tier 1, 2, 4, and 5 talent sections slightly.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated talents for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results 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 (gear page): Added Azerite Gear rankings.
  • 27 Aug. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results.
  • 27 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated rankings.
  • 27 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results.
  • 26 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Added Battle Potion of Strength recommendation for cleave.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (gear 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 (easy mode 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.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (talents 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.
  • 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 (rotation page): Updated Wake of Ashes + Inquisition and Wake of Ashes + Crusade opener.
  • 21 Jul. 2018 (talents page): Removed Divine Storm at 2 targets recommendation with Divine Judgment.
  • 21 Jul. 2018 (easy mode page): Changed recommended targets for Divine Storm to 3.
  • 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
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 The Eternal Palace as Retribution Paladin 10 Stat Priority 11 Gems, Enchants, and Consumables 12 Macros and Addons 13 Gear and Best in Slot 14 Simulations 15 How to Improve 16 Frequently Asked Questions

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