Retribution Paladin DPS Guide (Legion 7.3)

Table of Contents

• ×Introduction
  • 1. Class Overview
  • 2. Patch 7.3 Changes
  • 3. Patch 7.2.5 Changes
  • 4. Patch 7.2 Changes
  • 5. Contents
  • 6. ChangeLog
• +Easy Mode
  • 1. The Basics
  • 2. Talent Choice
  • 3. Stat Choice
  • 4. Basic Rotation
  • 5. Cooldowns
  • 6. ChangeLog
• +Spell Summary
  • 1. Introduction
  • 2. Main Resource
  • 3. Basic Abilities
    • 3.1. Utility
  • 4. Cooldowns
  • 5. ChangeLog
• +Builds and Talents
  • 1. Talent Choices
  • 2. Talent Cheat Sheet
    • 2.1. Single Target
    • 2.2. 2 Targets
    • 2.3. 3+ Targets
  • 3. Tier 1 (Level 15) Talents
  • 4. Tier 2 (Level 30) Talents
  • 5. Tier 3 (Level 45) Talents
  • 6. Tier 4 (Level 60) Talents
  • 7. Tier 5 (Level 75) Talents
  • 8. Tier 6 (Level 90) Talents
  • 9. Tier 7 (Level 100) Talents
  • 10. ChangeLog
• +Artifact Traits and Relics
  • 1. Artifact Progression
  • 2. Relic Choice
  • 3. ChangeLog
• +Netherlight Crucible Relic Paths
  • 1. General Optimization Advice
  • 2. Tier 2 Upgrade Priority
  • 3. Tier 3 Upgrade Priority
  • 4. ChangeLog
• +Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities
  • 1. Single Target Rotation
  • 2. Opening Rotation
    • 2.1. With Liadrin's Fury Unleashead
    • 2.2. Without Liadrin's Fury Unleashed
  • 3. Multiple Target Rotation
  • 4. Cooldown Usage
  • 5. Optional Read: Mastering Your Retribution Paladin
    • 5.1. Mastery: Divine Judgment
    • 5.2. Artifact Ability
    • 5.3. Holy Power Subtleties
    • 5.4. Abilities and Cooldowns from Talents
      • 5.4.1. Tier 7 Talents
  • 6. ChangeLog
• +Stat Priority
  • 1. Basics
  • 2. Getting a Better Understanding
    • 2.1. Statistics Priority
  • 3. ChangeLog
• +Gems, Enchants, and Consumables
  • 1. Gems
  • 2. Enchants
  • 3. Consumables
  • 4. ChangeLog
• +Macros and Addons
  • 1. Macros
    • 1.1. Generic Macros for Paladins
      • 1.1.1. Blessing Mouseover Macros
      • 1.1.2. Lay on Hands Mouseover Macro
      • 1.1.3. Mouseover Cleanse Toxins Macro
      • 1.1.4. Divine Shield
      • 1.1.5. Rebuke
    • 1.2. Specific Macros for Retribution Paladins
      • 1.2.1. Hekili
  • 2. Addons
    • 2.1. Generic Addons for Paladins
      • 2.1.1. ElvUI
      • 2.1.2. Boss Mods: Deadly Boss Mods or Bigwigs
      • 2.1.3. GTFO
      • 2.1.4. Parrot or Mik's Scrolling Battle Text
      • 2.1.5. Recount / Skada / Details!
      • 2.1.6. Weak Auras
      • 2.1.7. TellMeWhen
      • 2.1.8. Omen Threat Meter
      • 2.1.9. Grid and GridClickSets (Optional)
    • 2.2. Specific Addons for Retribution Paladins
  • 3. ChangeLog
• +Gear, Legendaries, and Best in Slot
  • 1. Best in Slot List
  • 2. Tier 20 Set Bonuses
  • 3. Legendary Items
  • 4. Loot Competition
  • 5. ChangeLog

General Information

Welcome to our Retribution Paladin DPS guide for World of Warcraft Legion 7.3. Here, you will learn everything you need to know about playing a Retribution Paladin in a raid environment and in Mythic+ dungeons.

About Our Reviewers

This guide has been reviewed and approved by Fardion, a top Retribution Paladin. You can follow him on Twitter, and you can also reach him on the official Paladin Discord channel if you have any questions about the spec.

1. Class Overview

In both single target and AoE DPS, the Retribution specialisation is currently performing well, compared to most other classes. While it is not at the top of the DPS rankings, it is in a good place.

2. Patch 7.3 Changes

• Buffs to many abilities (notably Mastery, Judgment, and Execution Sentence) result in roughly a 4% DPS increase for the specialisation.
• The Chain of Thrayn legendary was nerfed slightly, as were the Wrath of the Ashbringer and Righteous Blade artifact traits.

3. Patch 7.2.5 Changes

• Divine Hammer received a nerf, while overall damage for the specialization was increased slightly.
• Blessing of the Ashbringer now provides 4% Strength instead of 2,000 Strength.
• The Tier 3 Repentance and Blinding Light talents no longer deal damage.
• Two new legendary items, Soul of the Highlord and Scarlet Inquisitor's Expurgation, were added.

4. Patch 7.2 Changes

• Artifact traits have been slightly reworked. After spending 35 points, you now open up a new path, made up of 5 new traits ( Ferocity of the Silver Hand, Righteous Verdict, Blessing of the Ashbringer, Judge Unworthy, and Concordance of the Legionfall) and all traits with 3 ranks get an additional 4th rank that you can invest in.
• Judgment of Light has received a buff.

5. Contents

To make it easy to navigate the guide, we have split it into 10 pages:

• Easy Mode: TL;DR to own without reading much;
• Spell Summary: see a summary of all your useful spells;
• Builds and Talents: learn how to choose your talents;
• Artifact Traits and Relics: discover how to level up your Artifact;
• Netherlight Crucible Relic Paths: choose the right paths on your Netherlight Crucible;
• Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities: master your rotation and your cooldowns;
• Stat Priority: read up on the respective values of your statistics;
• Gems, Enchants, and Consumables: choose the best gems, enchantments, etc.;
• Macros and Addons: step up your game with useful macros and addons;
• Gear, Legendaries, and Best in Slot: find the best gear you can wear.

6. ChangeLog

+ show all entries - show only 10 entries

• 12 Sep. 2017 (artifact page): Updated relic priority.
• 12 Sep. 2017 (enchants page): Updated neck enchants.
• 12 Sep. 2017 (gear page): Slightly updated legendary ranking.
• 12 Sep. 2017 (Netherlight Crucible page): Added Netherlight Crucible page for Retribution Paladin.
• 12 Sep. 2017 (talents page): Updated tier 1 talent discussion.
• 07 Sep. 2017 (talents page): Updated the discussion for The Fires of Justice talent to no longer state that it is never worth taking.
• 05 Sep. 2017 (talents page): Added mention of Final Verdict being best against 2 targets if using the Whispers of the Nathrezim cloak and removed an outdated mention of Blinding Light dealing damage.
• 31 Aug. 2017 (this page): Updated Patch 7.3 change summary slightly.
• 31 Aug. 2017 (easy mode page): Updated tier 1 and 2 talent recommendations and stat priority.
• 31 Aug. 2017 (gear page): Slightly improved the Convergence of Fates recommendation.
• 31 Aug. 2017 (talents page): Updated tier 1 and 2 talent discussions.
• 28 Aug. 2017 (this page): Added summary of Patch 7.3 changes.
• 28 Aug. 2017 (enchants page): Added Lightforged Augment Rune and new 7.3 epic gems.
• 28 Aug. 2017 (stats page): Slightly tweaked stat priority.
• 28 Aug. 2017 (gear page): Updated trinket and legendary rankings slightly.
• 28 Aug. 2017 (talents page): Updated tier 1 talent choices to reflect that Execution Sentence is best against a single target.
• 28 Aug. 2017 (rotation page): Updated rotation slightly to mention using Execution Sentence before Judgment so that it lands during the Judgment window.
• 16 Aug. 2017 (gear page): Updated the legendary ranking.
• 16 Aug. 2017 (easy mode page): Added Zeal as a recommended talent with the 4-piece Tier 20 Set Bonus.
• 18 Jul. 2017 (rotation page): Added Wake of Ashes to the opening rotation (omitting it was an error).
• 10 Jul. 2017 (rotation page): Updated the opening rotation with Liadrin's Fury Unleashed.
• 24 Jun. 2017 (gear page): Updated the legendary ranking to mention that Liadrin's Fury Unleashed is only the top legendary with the Tier 20 4-piece Set Bonus, and updated the source of the tier chest.
• 22 Jun. 2017 (talents page): Made a few updates to account for the fact that the Tier 20 2 and 4-piece Set Bonuses were reversed.
• 15 Jun. 2017 (gear page): Updated Tier 20 recommendations to account for the fact that the Set Bonuses were switched.
• 13 Jun. 2017 (gear page): Updated the legendary list slightly.
• 13 Jun. 2017 (gear page): Added a mention of simming your character.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (gear page): Updated BiS and legendary lists and trinket and set bonus recommendations to account for Patch 7.2.5.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (enchants page): Page reviewed and deemed updated for 7.2.5.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (this page): Added summary of Patch 7.2.5 changes.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (talents page): Updated talent cheatsheet slightly to better reflect the recommendations and made a small tweak to tier 1 talent discussion.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (artifact page): Updated relic priority.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (stats page): Page reviewed and deemed updated for 7.2.5.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (easy mode page): Updated talent cheatsheet slightly.
• 12 Jun. 2017 (rotation page): Made a small tweak to the opening rotation (without the legendary ring).
• 12 Jun. 2017 (spells page): Page reviewed and deemed updated for 7.2.5.
• 11 May 2017 (gear page): Updated trinket list.
• 11 May 2017 (artifact page): Updated relic priority.
• 01 Apr. 2017 (enchants page): Fixed an error where we were mentioning that the food buffs grant Intellect instead of Strength.
• 28 Mar. 2017 (enchants page): Changed food recommendation to Lavish Suramar Feast.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (gear page): No changes needed for Patch 7.2.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (talents page): Changed the evaluation of Judgment of Light following its buff in Patch 7.2.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (this page): Slightly updated the opening paragraph to reflect that Retribution Paladins deal good AoE DPS. Added summary of Patch 7.2 changes.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (artifact page): Added path for the Artifact traits added in Patch 7.2.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (stats page): No changes needed for Patch 7.2.
• 27 Mar. 2017 (rotation page): Added mentions to both single and multiple target rotations to help take advantage of some of the Artifact traits added in Patch 7.2.
• 09 Mar. 2017 (easy mode page): Changed tier 1 talent recommendation to Final Verdict.
• 13 Feb. 2017 (gear page): Updated the trinket analysis link.
• 31 Jan. 2017 (gear page): Added the Claw of the Crystalline Scorpid trinket to the list.
• 31 Jan. 2017 (talents page): Added a mention that Final Verdict is only slightly behind Execution Sentence on pure single target and that simming your character is recommended.
• 31 Jan. 2017 (rotation page): Made an improvement to the Divine Storm usage against multiple targets.
• 31 Jan. 2017 (easy mode page): Made a small tweak to the multiple target playstyle (using Divine Storm against 2+ targets if you have a fully unlocked weapon).
• 26 Jan. 2017 (easy mode page): Added easy mode page.
• 26 Jan. 2017 (gear page): Updated trinket list.
• 26 Jan. 2017 (spells page): Page added.
• 25 Jan. 2017 (enchants page): Removed mentions of Haste breakpoints.
• 24 Jan. 2017 (gear page): Updated BiS list and added a spreadsheet for trinket recommendations.
• 24 Jan. 2017 (talents page): Updated Crusade description to account for hotfix.
• 19 Jan. 2017 (gear page): Removed Convergence of Fates from the trinket list and updated the order slightly.
• 17 Jan. 2017 (gear page): Added a Best in Slot section.
• 17 Jan. 2017 (stats page): Removed mentions of a Haste breakpoint.
• 17 Jan. 2017 (rotation page): Moved Judgment up on the priority lists for the opening rotations.
• 17 Jan. 2017 (artifact page): Updated the introduction to the Relic priority to mention that Relics that improve Wrath of the Ashbringer are preferable even if they provide a lower item level.
• 13 Jan. 2017 (artifact page): Removed a mention of how different Relic item level bonuses can influence your choice (particularly with regards to Wrath of the Ashbringer).
• 11 Jan. 2017 (talents page): Added talent tree cheatsheet.
• 10 Jan. 2017 (talents page): Further updated some evaluations.
• 10 Jan. 2017 (gear page): Updated trinket and legendary item recommendations.
• 10 Jan. 2017 (gear page): Further updated trinket and legendary recommendations.
• 10 Jan. 2017 (this page): Added summary of Patch 7.1.5 changes.
• 10 Jan. 2017 (addons page): Added Hekili addon.
• 10 Jan. 2017 (enchants page): Checked and confirmed for Patch 7.1.5.
• 10 Jan. 2017 (stats page): Checked and confirmed for Patch 7.1.5.
• 10 Jan. 2017 (rotation page): Updated the rotation and opening rotation, and removed mentions of Greater Blessing of Might (since it is no longer in the game).
• 10 Jan. 2017 (rotation page): Tweaked and improved the opening rotations.
• 10 Jan. 2017 (artifact page): Updated the Relic priority.
• 10 Jan. 2017 (talents page): Updated talent descriptions for Patch 7.1.5 and made some tweaks to talent evaluations.
• 21 Dec. 2016 (stats page): Updated the amount of Haste you need for the soft cap slightly.
• 21 Dec. 2016 (enchants page): Updated the Haste soft cap wording to be more consistent with the stats page.
• 12 Dec. 2016 (gear page): Removed Aran's Relaxing Ruby from the trinket list following its nerf.
• 28 Nov. 2016 (enchants page): Added a mention that Versatility can be a worthy alternative to Critical Strike, depending on your simulation results.
• 27 Nov. 2016 (gear page): Updated the trinket list slightly (moved Swarming Plaguehive to number 2 in the list).
• 27 Nov. 2016 (rotation page): Updated the Holy Power section of the guide and removed mentions to some talents that are never recommended.
• 22 Nov. 2016 (gear page): Re-added Aran's Relaxing Ruby to the trinket list (but in a different place than it was previously).
• 20 Nov. 2016 (talents page): Fixed a typo.
• 20 Nov. 2016 (gear page): Removed Aran's Relaxing Ruby from the trinket list as it no longer works for Retribution Paladins.
• 16 Nov. 2016 (rotation page): Updated the Greater Blessing of Might recommendation since the previous recommendation was made invalid.
• 14 Nov. 2016 (rotation page): Added a mention about using Greater Blessing of Might.
• 14 Nov. 2016 (artifact page): Removed the Artifact path that suggested resetting your Artifact, as it is no longer relevant.
• 14 Nov. 2016 (stats page): Added a mention about the importance of using Simcraft to find out your own stat weights.
• 14 Nov. 2016 (gear page): Removed the Best in Slot list as it does not make sense given the highly variable stat weights. Added suggestion to use Simcraft instead. Also updated trinket recommendations slightly.
• 03 Nov. 2016 (gear page): Moved Eye of Command in the trinket order to second place.
• 31 Oct. 2016 (gear page): Added Eye of Command to the trinket list.
• 31 Oct. 2016 (talents page): Improved the Blade of Wrath section.
• 31 Oct. 2016 (rotation page): Updated the opening rotation.
• 31 Oct. 2016 (artifact page): Added a mention of the value of the Wrath of the Ashbringer-enhancing Relics.
• 28 Oct. 2016 (talents page): Reworked the tier 4 talent discussion.
• 28 Oct. 2016 (gear page): Added Swarming Plaguehive to the list of trinkets.
• 25 Oct. 2016 (rotation page): Updated the page to account for the change of Blade of Wrath into a passive talent.
• 25 Oct. 2016 (talents page): Updated Blade of Wrath and Holy Wrath descriptions to account for Patch 7.1 changes.
• 22 Oct. 2016 (talents page): Updated the Virtue's Blade discussion slightly.
• 22 Oct. 2016 (stats page): Fixed a typo and emphasised that Critical Strike, Haste, and Versatility are close in value to each other.
• 16 Oct. 2016 (talents page): Updated tier 7 talent discussion.
• 12 Oct. 2016 (talents page): Updated tier 4 talent (Virtue's Blade) evaluation.
• 12 Oct. 2016 (gear page): Added Horn of Valor to the "other good trinket" paragraph.
• 09 Oct. 2016 (stats page): Further updated the page to change the Haste breakpoint to 20-22%.
• 09 Oct. 2016 (enchants page): Updated the Haste breakpoints mentioned on the page to 20-22% Haste.
• 08 Oct. 2016 (gear page): Revamped the trinket recommendations and slightly updated the legendary item ranking.
• 08 Oct. 2016 (stats page): Clarified the importance of Strength/item level, and modified the Haste breakpoint to 25%-30%.
• 03 Oct. 2016 (enchants page): Replaced the neck enchant with Mark of the Hidden Satyr.
• 29 Sep. 2016 (talents page): Updated tier 1 and 5 talent discussions (to reflect that Consecration and Justicar's Vengeance are no longer worth taking for raiding).
• 29 Sep. 2016 (rotation page): Removed Justicar's Vengeance from the rotation, since this talent is no longer viable for progression content.
• 24 Sep. 2016 (gear page): Replaced Ravaged Speed Pod trinket with Ursoc's Rending Paw.
• 22 Sep. 2016 (enchants page): Replaced Potion of Deadly Grace with Potion of the Old War.
• 20 Sep. 2016 (artifact page): Updated the amount of Artifact Power you should save up before resetting to 64,000 (down from 67,000).
• 20 Sep. 2016 (enchants page): Removed Mark of the Hidden Satyr from the recommendations.
• 19 Sep. 2016 (stats page): Added a mention that it is not worth sacrificing Strength in order to reach the 30% Haste goal.
• 15 Sep. 2016 (talents page): Updated tier 1 talent descriptions to revisit the value of Execution Sentence.
• 15 Sep. 2016 (rotation page): Removed Execution Sentence from the rotation, since this talent is no longer viable.
• 09 Sep. 2016 (enchants page): Added further recommendations in case you have 30% Haste.
• 08 Sep. 2016 (gear page): Added Gronntooth War Horn to the list of good trinkets.
• 08 Sep. 2016 (rotation page): Added more details to Holy Wrath usage.
• 08 Sep. 2016 (enchants page): Added Mark of the Hidden Satyr as a recommended neck enchant if you have 30% Haste.
• 07 Sep. 2016 (gear page): Added BiS recommendation.
• 04 Sep. 2016 (rotation page): Fixed a small error in the description of Shield of Vengeance.
• 30 Aug. 2016 (rotation page): Added a clarification that Justicar's Vengeance should no longer be used once you have the Echo of the Highlord Artifact trait.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (gear page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (enchants page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (stats page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (artifact page): Added.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (talents page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (this page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 29 Aug. 2016 (rotation page): Updated for Legion's launch.
• 06 Aug. 2016 (addons page): Removed CLCRet add-on since it is no longer being maintained up to date.
• 04 Aug. 2016 (talents page): Added Cavalier talent in place of Divine Steed.
• 30 Jul. 2016 (talents page): Added a mention that Crusade is the best tier 7 choice for encounters that last less than 1 minute.
• 29 Jul. 2016 (rotation page): Added a mention that Justicar's Vengeance is a Holy Power spender that benefits from the Judgment debuff.
• 28 Jul. 2016 (stats page): Removed Haste breakpoint as Haste remains valuable even after that time.
• 23 Jul. 2016 (this page): Added a mention that the rotation revolves around the debuff applied by Judgment.
• 21 Jul. 2016 (rotation page): Fixed a few minor inconsistencies regarding Holy Power pooling and spending (does not affect rotation).
• 21 Jul. 2016 (stats page): Added an explanation for the reason behind the 30% Haste breakpoint.
• 21 Jul. 2016 (talents page): Added a mention that Consecration is worth taking against Shadow-Lord Iskar and Mannoroth.
• 20 Jul. 2016 (addons page): Removed Divine Shield cancelaura macro, since it is no longer needed.
• 20 Jul. 2016 (talents page): Made Blinding Light the best tier 3 talent.
• 19 Jul. 2016 (stats page): Fixed an error with the stat priority which listed Mastery as the best secondary stat, when it is in fact last.
• 19 Jul. 2016 (enchants page): Updated the recommendations for Haste to account for a change in the stat priority.
• 19 Jul. 2016 (talents page): Updated various talent discussions, most notably placing Blade of Wrath, Justicar's Vengeance, and Divine Purpose as the best talent choices in their respective tiers.
• 19 Jul. 2016 (rotation page): Completely revamped the single target rotation and added an opening rotation.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (talents page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (gear page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (rotation page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (this page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (addons page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (enchants page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.
• 18 Jul. 2016 (stats page): Updated for the Legion pre-patch.