Icy Veins is recruiting LoL writers
Home/World of Warcraft/Classes/Retribution Paladin

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

Last updated on Jan 27, 2020 at 21:21 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 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 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 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

  • 27 Jan. 2020 (Ny'alotha page): Page added.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (Essences 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 (how to improve page): Updated for Patch 8.3. Added high Corruption vs uptime note.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (gear page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (talents 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 (FAQ page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 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 (easy mode page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (rotation page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (stats 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 (this page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 14 Jan. 2020 (simulations page): Updated for Patch 8.3.
  • 05 Aug. 2019 (The Eternal Palace page): Updated for Mythic.
  • 18 Jul. 2019 (gear page): Made further updates for Eternal Palace.
  • 18 Jul. 2019 (stats page): Updated base stat priority.
  • 17 Jul. 2019 (mythic+ page): Added Essence recommendations and Beguiling notes.
  • 17 Jul. 2019 (azerite traits and gear page): Added new Azerite note and Undulating Tides warning.
  • 17 Jul. 2019 (easy mode page): Added Expurgation, Azerite, and Essences recommendations.
  • 17 Jul. 2019 (this page): Reworded viability section.
  • 17 Jul. 2019 (talents page): Updated for The Eternal Palace.
  • 10 Jul. 2019 (talents page): Added Execution Sentence as viable option with Expurgation note.
  • 10 Jul. 2019 (gear page): Updated for The Eternal Palace raid opening.
  • 10 Jul. 2019 (Essences page): Added sims for powers.
  • 10 Jul. 2019 (stats page): Added Expurgation stat priority.
  • 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 (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 (this page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (stats page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 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 (talents page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (mythic+ page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (azerite traits and gear 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 (rotation page): This page has been reviewed for the release of Patch 8.2 and no changes are necessary.
  • 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 (easy mode page): Updated for Patch 8.2.
  • 24 Jun. 2019 (Essences page): Created the page.
  • 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 (Uldir 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.
  • 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 (Uldir page): Inquisition has been added as a viable Talent.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (rotation 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 (gear page): Updated for Crucible of Storms.
  • 15 Apr. 2019 (Crucible of Storms page): Guide added.
  • 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 (enchants 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 (stats 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 (talents 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 (FAQ 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 (easy mode 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 (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 (spells page): Updated for 8.1.5.
  • 11 Mar. 2019 (simulations page): Updated for 8.1.5.
  • 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 (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 (azerite traits and gear 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 (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 (how to improve 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.
  • 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 (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.
  • 17 Feb. 2019 (enchants page): Added Raidbots gems and enchants disclaimer.
  • 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 (Battle of Dazar'alor page): Page added.
  • 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 (gear 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 (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 (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 (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 (stats 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.
  • 17 Dec. 2018 (simulations page): Added Food simulations.
  • 17 Dec. 2018 (FAQ page): Added racials and Haste cap questions.
  • 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 (Uldir page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (FAQ 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 (enchants page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (how to improve page): This page has been reviewed for Patch 8.1 and no changes are necessary.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (easy mode page): Updated Divine Storm target requirements for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (azerite traits and gear page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (simulations page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (spells 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 (gear page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (talents page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (this page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (rotation page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 10 Dec. 2018 (mythic+ page): Updated for 8.1.
  • 22 Nov. 2018 (this page): Added viability section.
  • 12 Nov. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results.
  • 12 Nov. 2018 (Uldir page): Added Uldir Mythic talent recommendations and tips. Updated a few Normal/Heroic boss talent recommendations.
  • 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 (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 (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 (easy mode page): Updated talents for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (enchants page): Updated potion for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (FAQ page): Updated all simulation results for Uldir.
  • 05 Sep. 2018 (talents page): Updated tier 1, 2, 4, and 5 talent sections slightly.
  • 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 (gear page): Added Azerite Gear rankings.
  • 27 Aug. 2018 (simulations page): Updated all simulation results.
  • 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 (FAQ page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (spells page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (talents page): Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
  • 13 Aug. 2018 (gear 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 (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 (simulations 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 (easy mode page): Changed recommended targets for Divine Storm to 3.
  • 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.
  • 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 (enchants 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 (this page): Updated for the Battle for Azeroth pre-patch.
Show more
Show less
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 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 Simulations 16 How to Improve 17 Frequently Asked Questions

More Paladin Guides

Protection Paladin Simulations
Holy Paladin Stat Priority
Holy Paladin Mythic+ Tips
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