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Retribution Paladin DPS Guide — Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.1.5

Last updated Yesterday at 12:30 by Urthearso 50 comments

Welcome to our Retribution Paladin guide for World of Warcraft — Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.1.5. 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 Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities 7 Mythic+ Tips 8 Crucible of Storms as Retribution Paladin 9 Battle of Dazar'alor as Retribution Paladin 10 Uldir as Retribution Paladin 11 Stat Priority 12 Gems, Enchants, and Consumables 13 Macros and Addons 14 Gear and Best in Slot 15 Simulations 16 How to Improve 17 Frequently Asked Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THIS PAGE

1. Retribution Paladin Overview

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

2. Patch 8.1.5 Changes for Retribution Paladins

3. 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.

4. Strengths of Retribution Paladin

5. Weaknesses of Retribution Paladin

  • Low mobility
  • Uptime-reliant

6. 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. Retribution still lacks an instantaneous gap closer mobility tool to deal with certain raid mechanics as efficiently as most of the other melee can. 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.

7. Changelog

  • 19 Apr. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for Legplates of Unbound Anguish.
  • 19 Apr. 2019 (gear page): Added Legplates of Unbound Anguish.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for 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 (azerite traits and gear 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 (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 (Crucible of Storms page): Guide added.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Inquisition has been added as a viable Talent.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (easy mode 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 (Uldir page): Inquisition has been added as a viable Talent.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (stats 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 (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 (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.
  • 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 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1.5 and no changes are necessary.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (simulations 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.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (addons 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 (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 (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 (easy mode 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 (mythic+ 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 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Added Mythic recommendations.
  • 17 Feb. 2019 (enchants page): Added Raidbots gems and enchants disclaimer.
  • 17 Feb. 2019 (rotation page): Updated Divine Purpose - Wake of Ashes opener. Added Blade of Justice encounter pull note.
  • 17 Feb. 2019 (stats page): Removed Stat Weights note and added Top Gear. Added Haste GCD reduction caps. Added Mastery whitelist.
  • 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 (gear 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 (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 (addons 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 (easy mode page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Page added.
  • 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 (rotation 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 (mythic+ page): Updated for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and M+ Season 2.
  • 21 Jan. 2019 (talents page): This page has been reviewed for the opening of Battle of Dazar'alor and no changes are necessary.
  • 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 (easy mode page): Updated Divine Storm target requirements 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 (simulations page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (this page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (spells 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 (talents page): Updated 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 (Uldir 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 (mythic+ page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (gear 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.
  • 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 (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.
  • 19 Sep. 2018 (gear page): Updated to adjust Geti'ikku value.
  • 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 (simulations page): Updated for Geti'ikku change.
  • 06 Sep. 2018 (gear page): Updated for Geti'ikku change.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (talents page): Updated tier 1, 2, 4, and 5 talent sections slightly.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (enchants page): Updated potion for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated talents for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (simulations 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 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated rankings.
  • 27 Aug. 2018 (gear page): Added Azerite Gear rankings.
  • 27 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results.
  • 27 Aug. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results.
  • 26 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Added Battle Potion of Strength recommendation for cleave.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (azerite traits and gear 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 (simulations page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (spells page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (enchants page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (gear 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): 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 (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 (this page): Updated for the Battle for Azeroth pre-patch.
  • 17 Jul. 2018 (talents 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 Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities 7 Mythic+ Tips 8 Crucible of Storms as Retribution Paladin 9 Battle of Dazar'alor as Retribution Paladin 10 Uldir as Retribution Paladin 11 Stat Priority 12 Gems, Enchants, and Consumables 13 Macros and Addons 14 Gear and Best in Slot 15 Simulations 16 How to Improve 17 Frequently Asked Questions

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