Retribution Paladin leveling guide

Retribution is the damage spec of the Paladin and the usual way to level one. Seal of Command at level 20 turns a slow two-handed weapon into big hits, Vengeance adds damage after every critical strike, and your own heals and Divine Shield keep you alive. In Classic Era the Paladin is Alliance only, for Humans and Dwarves.

Strengths and weaknesses

• Hard to kill: plate armor, Holy Light, Lay on Hands and Divine Shield.
• Seal of Command with a slow two-handed weapon gives large hits.
• Blessings and auras make you useful in every group.
• Fights take long, mana runs low, and you have few tools against enemies that run away.

Talents by level

Level 10 to 30

• Benediction 5/5, Improved Judgement 2/2 and Deflection 3/5.
• Seal of Command at level 20.
• Conviction 5/5, Deflection 5/5, Vindication 2/3 and Two-Handed Weapon Specialization 1/3 at level 30.

Level 31 to 40

• Two-Handed Weapon Specialization 3/3, Sanctity Aura and Vindication 3/3.
• Vengeance 5/5, then Repentance at level 40.

Level 41 to 60

• Improved Blessing of Might 5/5, for 36 points in Retribution.
• In Protection: Improved Devotion Aura 5/5, Precision 3/3, Toughness 5/5 and Guardian’s Favor 2/2.

Rotation

One enemy

• Blessing of Might and Retribution Aura before the fight, then Seal of the Crusader.
• Judgement as the enemy reaches you, then Seal of Command for the rest of the fight. Before level 20, use Seal of Righteousness.
• Exorcism against Undead and Demons, and Hammer of Wrath from level 44 on enemies below 20% health.

Two enemies

• Hammer of Justice on the second enemy, or Repentance if it is humanoid, and kill the first.
• Retribution Aura damages every enemy that hits you.

Staying alive

• Hammer of Justice, then Holy Light while the enemy is stunned.
• Divine Shield from level 34 makes you immune, and Lay on Hands restores all your health.
• Seal of Wisdom from level 38 restores mana while you fight.

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

• Strength first, then Crit and Hit. Stamina and Intellect mean fewer breaks.
• The slowest two-handed weapon you can find, because Seal of Command hits harder with a slow weapon.
• Enchants: Crusader on the weapon, and Strength on the gloves and bracers.
• Tradeskills: Mining with Blacksmithing for plate and weapons, or Mining with Engineering. Your own heals make First Aid less important.