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.