Protection Paladin leveling guide
Protection is the tank spec of the Paladin. In Classic Era it has no taunt, but it holds many enemies at once very well: 
Consecration, 
Blessing of Sanctuary, 
Retribution Aura and later 
Holy Shield damage everything that hits you. Alone you pull several weaker enemies and kill them together. In Classic Era the Paladin is Alliance only, for Humans and Dwarves.
Strengths and weaknesses
- Holds groups of enemies in dungeons thanks to Consecration and Holy Shield.
- Very hard to kill with a shield, plate armor and your own heals.
- Kills several weaker enemies at once while leveling.
- No taunt, low damage against one strong enemy, and mana runs out quickly.
Talents by level
Level 10 to 30
- In Holy:
Divine Strength 5/5 and 
Divine Intellect 5/5, then Consecration at level 20. - In Protection:
Redoubt 5/5 and 
Toughness 5/5.
Level 31 to 40
Improved Righteous Fury 3/3 and 
Shield Specialization 3/3.- Blessing of Kings and Precision 3/3.
Level 41 to 60
- Blessing of Sanctuary at level 41,
Improved Devotion Aura 5/5, 
One-Handed Weapon Specialization 4/5 and Holy Shield at level 51. - One-Handed Weapon Specialization 5/5, for 32 points in Protection, then
Improved Seal of Righteousness 5/5 and 
Healing Light 3/3 in Holy.
Rotation
One enemy
Blessing of Might and Retribution Aura, then Seal of Righteousness.
Judgement as the enemy reaches you, a new seal, and melee. 
Exorcism against Undead and Demons.
Seal of Wisdom from level 38 when your mana runs low.
Groups of enemies
- Pull three or four enemies a few levels below you and gather them around you.
- Blessing of Sanctuary, Retribution Aura and Consecration damage all of them at once. From level 51, Holy Shield adds damage on every block.
- Pull only as many enemies as your mana can handle.
Staying alive
Hammer of Justice, then Holy Light while the enemy is stunned.
Divine Shield from level 34, and 
Lay on Hands when nothing else helps.- In dungeons, turn on Righteous Fury and open with Consecration so every enemy attacks you.
Leveling route
| Level | Alliance |
|---|---|
| 1-12 | Elwynn Forest, Dun Morogh |
| 12-20 | Westfall, Loch Modan, Darkshore |
| 20-30 | Redridge Mountains, Duskwood, Wetlands |
| 30-40 | Stranglethorn Vale, Arathi Highlands, Desolace |
| 40-50 | Tanaris, Feralas, The Hinterlands |
| 50-60 | Un’Goro Crater, Felwood, Western Plaguelands, Winterspring |
Dungeons worth the detour: Scarlet Monastery from level 30 to 40, Zul’Farrak around 45 and Blackrock Depths from 52.
Stats, weapons and tradeskills
- Stamina and armor first, then Strength and Intellect. Defense matters for dungeons at level 60.
- A one-handed weapon with a shield. Holy Shield only works with a shield.
- Enchants: Crusader on the weapon, and Stamina on the bracers and the shield.
- Tradeskills: Mining with Blacksmithing for plate, shields and weapons. Your own heals make First Aid less important.