Retribution Paladin DPS Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities in Battle for Azeroth (BfA) 8.0.1

Table of Contents

• +Introduction
  • 1. Class Overview
  • 2. Patch 8.0.1 Changes for Retribution Paladins
  • 3. Strengths of Retribution Paladin
  • 4. Weaknesses of Retribution Paladin
  • 5. Contents
  • 6. ChangeLog
• +Easy Mode
  • 1. Foreword
  • 2. The Basics of Retribution Paladins
  • 3. Talent Choice for Retribution Paladins
  • 4. Stat Choice for Retribution Paladins
  • 5. Basic Rotation for Retribution Paladins
  • 6. Azerite Traits
  • 7. ChangeLog
• +Spell Summary
  • 1. Introduction
  • 2. Main Resource of Retribution Paladins
  • 3. Basic Abilities for Retribution Paladins
    • 3.1. Utility for Retribution Paladins
  • 4. Cooldowns for Retribution Paladins
  • 5. ChangeLog
• +Builds and Talents
  • 1. Talent Choices for Retribution Paladin
  • 2. Tier 1 (Level 15) Talents for Retribution Paladins
  • 3. Tier 2 (Level 30) Talents for Retribution Paladins
  • 4. Tier 3 (Level 45) Talents for Retribution Paladins
  • 5. Tier 4 (Level 60) Talents for Retribution Paladins
  • 6. Tier 5 (Level 75) Talents for Retribution Paladins
  • 7. Tier 6 (Level 90) Talents for Retribution Paladins
  • 8. Tier 7 (Level 100) Talents for Retribution Paladins
  • 9. PvP Talents (War Mode)
    • 9.1. Retribution Paladin War Mode Talents
      • 9.1.1. General PvP Talents
      • 9.1.2. Retribution Paladin PvP Talents
  • 10. ChangeLog
• +Azerite Traits and Armor
  • 1. Azerite Traits for Retribution Paladin
  • 2. Outer Ring Traits for Retribution Paladin
    • 2.1. Retribution Paladin specific Outer Ring Traits
    • 2.2. Generic Outer Ring Traits
  • 3. Middle Ring Traits for Retribution Paladin
  • 4. Inner Ring Traits for Retribution Paladin
  • 5. Azerite Traits Details and Rotation Changes for Retribution Paladin
  • 6. Relative strength of Azerite Traits for Retribution Paladin
    • 6.1. Single Target Azerite Traits comparison for Retribution Paladin
      • 6.1.1. Outer Ring Trait Comparisons for Retribution Paladin on Single Target
      • 6.1.2. Middle Ring Trait Comparisons for Retribution Paladin on Single Target
    • 6.2. AoE/Cleave Azerite Traits comparison for Retribution Paladin
      • 6.2.1. Outer Ring Trait Comparisons for Retribution Paladin on AoE/Cleave
      • 6.2.2. Middle Ring Trait Comparisons for Retribution Paladin on AoE/Cleave
    • 6.3. Inner Ring Trait Comparisons for Retribution Paladin
      • 6.3.1. Inner Ring Traits for Raiding
      • 6.3.2. Inner Ring Traits for Raiding for Mythic+
  • 7. Find Azerite Armor By Trait/Power
  • 8. ChangeLog
• ×Rotation, Cooldowns, and Abilities
  • 1. Single Target Rotation for Retribution Paladins
    • 1.1. Additional Notes
  • 2. Multiple Target Rotation for Retribution Paladins
  • 3. Cooldown Usage for Retribution Paladins
  • 4. Optional Read: Mastering Your Retribution Paladin
    • 4.1. Greater Blessings
  • 5. Opening Rotations for Retribution Paladins
    • 5.1. Inquisition
      • 5.1.1. With Divine Judgment
      • 5.1.2. With Consecration
      • 5.1.3. With Wake of Ashes
    • 5.2. Crusade
      • 5.2.1. With Divine Judgment
      • 5.2.2. With Consecration
      • 5.2.3. With Wake of Ashes
    • 5.3. Divine Purpose
      • 5.3.1. With Divine Judgment
      • 5.3.2. With Consecration
      • 5.3.3. With Wake of Ashes
    • 5.4. Abilities and Cooldowns from Talents
      • 5.4.1. Level 15 Talents
      • 5.4.2. Level 30 Talents
      • 5.4.3. Level 60 Talents
      • 5.4.4. Level 100 Talents
  • 6. ChangeLog
• +Mythic+ Tips
  • 1. Retribution Paladin in Mythic+
    • 1.1. Retribution Paladin Mythic+ Rotation
    • 1.2. Retribution Paladin Utility
  • 2. Mythic+ Talents
  • 3. Mythic+ Affixes
  • 4. Azerite Traits for Mythic+
  • 5. Outer Ring Azerite Traits for Mythic+
  • 6. Middle Ring Azerite Traits for Mythic+
  • 7. Inner Ring Azerite Traits for Mythic+
  • 8. ChangeLog
• +Common and Worst Mistakes
  • 1. Wasting Global Cooldowns
  • 2. Staying in Front of Your Target
  • 3. Overcapping Holy Power
  • 4. Prioritizing Crusader Strike
  • 5. Not using Shield of Vengeance
  • 6. Not using cooldowns
  • 7. Delaying Execution Sentence
  • 8. Delaying Judgment with Divine Judgment
  • 9. Using Inquisition with Low Uptime
  • 10. Not Knowing How to Sim Yourself
  • 11. Analyzing Your Mistakes as a Retribution Paladin
• +Frequently Asked Questions
  • 1. Battle for Azeroth Frequently Asked Questions
    • 1.1. Which Race Performs Best?
    • 1.2. What Piece is Better, X or Y?
    • 1.3. How Much of X Stat Should I Have?
  • 2. ChangeLog
• +Boss by Boss Strategies
  • 1. Disclaimer
  • 2. Retribution Paladin in Uldir
    • 2.1. Talent Cheatsheet
  • 3. Taloc
    • 3.1. Suggested Talents for Retribution Paladin on Taloc
    • 3.2. Retribution Paladin Playstyle on Taloc
  • 4. M.O.T.H.E.R.
    • 4.1. Suggested Talents for Retribution Paladin on M.O.T.H.E.R.
    • 4.2. Retribution Paladin Playstyle on M.O.T.H.E.R.
  • 5. Fetid Devourer
    • 5.1. Suggested Talents for Retribution Paladin on Fetid Devourer
    • 5.2. Retribution Paladin Playstyle on Fetid Devourer
  • 6. Zek'voz, Herald of N'Zoth
    • 6.1. Suggested Talents for Retribution Paladin on Zek'voz, Herald of N'Zoth
    • 6.2. Retribution Paladin Playstyle on Zek'voz, Herald of N'Zoth
  • 7. Vectis
    • 7.1. Suggested Talents for Retribution Paladin on Vectis
    • 7.2. Retribution Paladin Playstyle on Vectis
  • 8. Zul, Reborn
    • 8.1. Suggested Talents for Retribution Paladin on Zul, Reborn
    • 8.2. Retribution Paladin Playstyle on Zul, Reborn
  • 9. Mythrax the Unraveler
    • 9.1. Suggested Talents for Retribution Paladin on Mythrax the Unraveler
    • 9.2. Retribution Paladin Playstyle on Mythrax the Unraveler
  • 10. G'huun
    • 10.1. Suggested Talents for Retribution Paladin on G'huun
    • 10.2. Retribution Paladin Playstyle on G'huun
  • 11. ChangeLog
• +Stat Priority
  • 1. The Basics of Stats for Retribution Paladin
  • 2. Getting a Better Understanding of Retribution Paladin Stats
    • 2.1. Stat Caps
    • 2.2. Statistics Priority
  • 3. ChangeLog
• +Gems, Enchants, and Consumables
  • 1. Gems for Retribution Paladins
  • 2. Enchants for Retribution Paladins
  • 3. Consumables for Retribution Paladins
  • 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. Cleanse Toxins Mouseover Macro
      • 1.1.4. Divine Shield
      • 1.1.5. Rebuke
    • 1.2. Specific Macros for Retribution Paladins
      • 1.2.1. Combined Consecration and Wake of Ashes Macro
      • 1.2.2. Hammer of Wrath Focus Macro
    • 1.3. War Mode Macros
      • 1.3.1. Hammer of Reckoning Focus Macro
      • 1.3.2. Blessing of Sanctuary Mouseover Macro
  • 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
      • 2.2.1. Hekili
  • 3. ChangeLog
• +Gear and Best in Slot
  • 1. Azerite Gear
    • 1.1. Azerite Head
    • 1.2. Azerite Shoulders
    • 1.3. Azerite Chest
  • 2. Evaluating Upgrades
  • 3. Weapons
  • 4. Trinkets
  • 5. ChangeLog
• +Simulations
  • 1. Disclaimer Page
  • 2. Retribution Paladin Weapon Enchants Patchwork Simulation
  • 3. Retribution Paladin Potions Patchwork Simulation
  • 4. Retribution Paladin Talents Pre Raid Patchwork Simulation
  • 5. Retribution Paladin Talents T22M Patchwork Simulation
  • 6. ChangeLog

General Information

On this page, we list your Retribution Paladin core abilities and how they should be used together (rotation) in World of Warcraft Battle for Azeroth 8.0.1. We also explain when to use your various cooldowns. Then, we go deeper and present all the subtleties that you will need to know if you want to excel at playing a Retribution Paladin.

The other pages of our Retribution Paladin guide can be accessed from the table of contents on the right.

About Our 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.

1. Single Target Rotation for Retribution Paladins

The single target rotation consists of alternating Holy Power generation and Holy Power expenditure.

We begin with the priority of Holy Power generation, which you should utilize until you are either at 5 Holy Power, or until the next generator you use would put you over 5 Holy Power (thus wasting the excess).

1. Cast Wake of Ashes.
2. Cast Blade of Justice.
3. Cast Judgment.
4. Cast Hammer of Wrath.
5. Cast Consecration.
6. Cast Crusader Strike at 2 charges.
7. Cast Crusader Strike at 1 charge.
8. Cast Arcane Torrent (if Blood Elf).

To spend your Holy Power, use the following priority.

1. Cast Inquisition with at least 2 Holy Power.
2. Cast Execution Sentence.
3. Cast Templar's Verdict.

It is important to note that, when generating Holy Power, if you have only 1 Crusader Strike charge available, you should immediately stop generating Holy Power and go to the Holy Power-spending priority. Stop immediately if you have 2 Crusader Strike charges available and you are using the Hammer of Wrath talent, and one of the following two conditions is true:

• Avenging Wrath or Crusade is active;
• your target has less than 20% Health.

Always cast Avenging Wrath on cooldown.

1.1. Additional Notes

Spend Holy Power once you are either at the 5 Holy Power cap or when there are only Holy Power generators left that would over-cap your Holy Power. The exception is that you should spend Holy Power before using Crusader Strike at 1 charge. If you also have Hammer of Wrath talented, you spend Holy Power before using Crusader Strike at 2 charges during Avenging Wrath or Crusade, and while your target has less than 20% Health.

2. Multiple Target Rotation for Retribution Paladins

When facing multiple enemies, you will be using mostly the same rotation as above, except that you should replace Templar's Verdict with Divine Storm against 3 or more enemies.

3. Cooldown Usage for Retribution Paladins

As a Retribution Paladin, you only have one DPS cooldown by default, Avenging Wrath. It should be used as many times as possible during the encounter.

It is also worth attempting to time it so that it is up during key points of the fight (when you require burst damage) such as on the pull, when the boss is taking increased damage, or when adds are spawning. You should also attempt to stack Avenging Wrath with Heroism/ Bloodlust/ Time Warp.

Your talents can provide you with a few other important abilities. We cover them in a subsequent section.

In addition to this, you have an ability called Shield of Vengeance. This grants you a 15-second damage absorption shield (which absorbs up to 30% of your maximum Health), which explodes when it expires or is consumed by damage. This explosion deals Holy damage divided between all enemies within 8 yards. You can use this ability both defensively (to protect yourself from damage) and offensively (to reflect damage taken on to your enemies, even by sometimes standing in harmful effects to proc the shield).

4. Optional Read: Mastering Your Retribution Paladin

In this section, we will give you more details about how to execute your rotation based on the priorities mentioned above.

4.1. Greater Blessings

Greater Blessing of Kings should be placed either on a tank or on yourself, while Greater Blessing of Wisdom should be placed on a healer. It makes no real difference which healer you place Greater Blessing of Wisdom on, although you could check with your raid to see who needs the Mana regeneration most.

5. Opening Rotations for Retribution Paladins

These are the lists of sequences of abilities you should use at the start of the encounter. This depends on which talents you are using.

5.1. Inquisition

5.1.1. With Divine Judgment

1. Prepot;
2. Blade of Justice;
3. Judgment;
4. Crusader Strike;
5. Inquisition;
6. Avenging Wrath;
7. Hammer of Wrath or Crusader Strike;
8. Crusader Strike;
9. Execution Sentence or Templar's Verdict;
10. Continue your normal rotation.

5.1.2. With Consecration

1. Prepot;
2. Blade of Justice;
3. Judgment;
4. Consecration;
5. Crusader Strike;
6. Inquisition;
7. Avenging Wrath;
8. Hammer of Wrath or Crusader Strike;
9. Execution Sentence or Templar's Verdict;
10. Continue your normal rotation.

5.1.3. With Wake of Ashes

1. Prepot;
2. Blade of Justice;
3. Judgment;
4. Inquisition;
5. Avenging Wrath;
6. Wake of Ashes;
7. Execution Sentence or Templar's Verdict;
8. Hammer of Wrath or Crusader Strike;
9. Templar's Verdict;
10. Continue your normal rotation.

5.2. Crusade

5.2.1. With Divine Judgment

1. Prepot;
2. Blade of Justice;
3. Judgment;
4. Crusader Strike;
5. Crusade;
6. Hammer of Wrath;
7. Execution Sentence or Templar's Verdict;
8. Continue your normal rotation.

5.2.2. With Consecration

1. Prepot;
2. Blade of Justice;
3. Judgment;
4. Consecration;
5. Crusade;
6. Hammer of Wrath
7. Execution Sentence or Templar's Verdict;
8. Continue your normal rotation.

5.2.3. With Wake of Ashes

1. Prepot;
2. Blade of Justice;
3. Judgment;
4. Crusade;
5. Execution Sentence or Templar's Verdict.
6. Wake of Ashes;
7. Templar's Verdict;
8. Hammer of Wrath or Crusader Strike;
9. Templar's Verdict.

5.3. Divine Purpose

5.3.1. With Divine Judgment

1. Prepot;
2. Avenging Wrath;
3. Blade of Justice;
4. Judgment;
5. Hammer of Wrath;
6. Execution Sentence or Templar's Verdict;
7. Continue your normal rotation.

5.3.2. With Consecration

1. Prepot;
2. Avenging Wrath;
3. Blade of Justice;
4. Judgment;
5. Hammer of Wrath;
6. Consecration;
7. Execution Sentence or Templar's Verdict;
8. Continue your normal rotation.

5.3.3. With Wake of Ashes

1. Prepot;
2. Avenging Wrath;
3. Wake of Ashes;
4. Execution Sentence or Templar's Verdict;
5. Blade of Justice;
6. Judgment;
7. Templar's Verdict;
8. Hammer of Wrath or Crusader Strike;
9. Templar's Verdict;
10. Continue your normal rotation.

5.4. Abilities and Cooldowns from Talents

5.4.1. Level 15 Talents

If you have taken Execution Sentence, then you should use this ability as often as possible throughout the fight. If you do never delay it, every 4. Execution Sentence will align with Avenging Wrath.

5.4.2. Level 30 Talents

If you have taken Hammer of Wrath, then you should use this ability to generate Holy Power during Avenging Wrath or Crusade, and while your target has less than 20% Health. You can use Hammer of Wrath on enemies up to 30 yards away from you that have less than 20% Health to build additional Holy Power while fighting somewhere else.

5.4.3. Level 60 Talents

If you have taken Consecration, then use this ability as often as possible throughout the fight. You can delay it if you know there will be adds spawning soon. Make sure you use it when enemies are standing in one place for 6 seconds.

If you have taken Wake of Ashes, then use this ability as often as possible throughout the fight. You can delay it if you know there will be adds spawning soon.

5.4.4. Level 100 Talents

If you have taken Crusade, then you should use this ability as often as possible throughout the fight.

If you have taken Inquisition, then you have to make sure that the buff is up for another 20 seconds before using Avenging Wrath. To refresh Inquisition, you want to use at least 2 Holy Power at 13 or less seconds left.

6. ChangeLog

• 13 Aug. 2018: Updated for Battle for Azeroth launch.
• 02 Aug. 2018: Updated Wake of Ashes + Divine Purpose opener.
• 21 Jul. 2018: Updated Wake of Ashes + Inquisition and Wake of Ashes + Crusade opener.
• 18 Jul. 2018: Fixed some typos.

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