Retribution Paladin leveling guide
Retribution is the fastest way to level a Paladin from 60 to 70. Crusader Strike keeps your judgements active, Seal of Command with a slow two-handed weapon gives big hits, and Sanctified Judgement returns mana every time you judge. In TBC Anniversary Blood Elves can be Paladins too, so the spec is open to both factions.
Strengths and weaknesses
- Plate armor, Holy Light, Divine Shield and Lay on Hands make you hard to kill.
- Crusader Strike, Seal of Command and Consecration give steady damage.
- Pursuit of Justice speeds up your running between quests.
- Mana can still run low in long fights, and you have few ranged tools.
Talents by level
At level 60
- In Retribution: Benediction 5/5, Improved Judgement 2/2, Improved Seal of the Crusader 3/3, Conviction 5/5, Seal of Command, Pursuit of Justice 2/2 and Crusade 3/3.
- Two-Handed Weapon Specialization 3/3, Sanctity Aura, Improved Sanctity Aura 2/2, Vengeance 5/5, Sanctified Judgement 3/3, Repentance, Fanaticism 4/5 and Crusader Strike, for 41 points.
- In Protection: Improved Devotion Aura 5/5, Precision 3/3 and Guardian’s Favor 2/2.
Level 61 to 70
- Toughness 5/5 and Blessing of Kings.
- Improved Hammer of Justice 3/3 and Anticipation 1/5, for 20 points in Protection.
Rotation
One enemy
- Blessing of Might, Sanctity Aura and Seal of Command before the pull.
- Judgement when the enemy reaches you, a new seal, then Crusader Strike whenever it is ready.
- From level 64, Seal of Blood for the Horde or Seal of Vengeance for the Alliance, and Hammer of Wrath on enemies below 20% health.
Two enemies
- Consecration under both enemies, and Seal of Command so your hits jump to more targets.
- Repentance on a humanoid, or Hammer of Justice on the enemy that hits hardest.
Staying alive
- Hammer of Justice, then Holy Light while the enemy is stunned.
- Divine Shield and Lay on Hands when a fight goes badly, and Avenging Wrath from level 70 to end it quickly.
- Crusader Aura from level 62 makes you faster while you ride between quests.
Leveling route
| Level | Alliance | Horde |
|---|---|---|
| 60-62 | Hellfire Peninsula (Honor Hold) | Hellfire Peninsula (Thrallmar) |
| 62-64 | Zangarmarsh (Telredor) | Zangarmarsh (Zabra’jin) |
| 64-65 | Terokkar Forest (Allerian Stronghold) | Terokkar Forest (Stonebreaker Hold) |
| 65-67 | Nagrand (Telaar) | Nagrand (Garadar) |
| 67-68 | Blade’s Edge Mountains (Sylvanaar) | Blade’s Edge Mountains (Thunderlord Stronghold) |
| 68-70 | Netherstorm (Area 52), Shadowmoon Valley (Wildhammer Stronghold) | Netherstorm (Area 52), Shadowmoon Valley (Shadowmoon Village) |
Dungeons worth the detour: Hellfire Ramparts and The Blood Furnace from level 60, The Slave Pens and The Underbog around 62, and Mana-Tombs and Auchenai Crypts from 64.
Stats, weapons and tradeskills
- Strength first, then Crit, Hit and Expertise. Intellect helps your mana.
- The slowest two-handed weapon you can find.
- Enchants: Mongoose or Crusader on the weapon, Brawn on the bracers and Assault on the gloves.
- Tradeskills: Mining with Blacksmithing, or Mining with Jewelcrafting for your own gems.