Retribution Paladin leveling guide
Retribution is one of the strongest leveling specs in WotLK Classic. Crusader Strike, Divine Storm and Judgement hit hard with a two-handed weapon, The Art of War turns your critical strikes into instant Exorcisms or Flash of Lights, and Judgements of the Wise and Divine Plea keep your mana topped up. You rarely have to stop, and you can heal yourself whenever you need to.
Strengths and weaknesses
- High damage with very little downtime thanks to Judgements of the Wise and Divine Plea.
- Divine Storm and Consecration handle groups of enemies well.
- The Art of War gives instant Flash of Lights and Exorcisms.
- Few ways to escape once a fight goes wrong, besides Divine Shield.
Talents by level
At level 70
- In Retribution: Benediction 5/5, Improved Judgements 2/2, Heart of the Crusader 3/3, Vindication 2/2, Conviction 5/5, Seal of Command, Pursuit of Justice 2/2, Sanctity of Battle 3/3 and Crusade 3/3.
- Two-Handed Weapon Specialization 3/3, Sanctified Retribution, Vengeance 3/3, Divine Purpose 2/2, The Art of War 2/2, Judgements of the Wise 3/3 and Fanaticism 3/3.
- Crusader Strike, Sheath of Light 3/3, Righteous Vengeance 3/3 and Divine Storm, for 51 points. In Protection: Divinity 5/5 and Divine Strength 5/5.
Level 71 to 80
- Anticipation 5/5.
- Toughness 5/5, for 20 points in Protection.
Rotation
One enemy
- Seal of Command, then Judgement as the fight starts.
- Crusader Strike and Divine Storm on cooldown, and Consecration on a strong enemy.
- Exorcism when The Art of War makes it instant, and Hammer of Wrath below 20% health.
Groups of enemies
- Pull several enemies together, then Consecration and Divine Storm.
- Seal of Righteousness or Seal of Command on groups, and Avenging Wrath for a big pull.
Staying alive
- An instant Flash of Light from The Art of War whenever you drop below half health.
- Divine Protection when you take a lot of damage, and Lay on Hands or Divine Shield as a last resort.
- Divine Plea from level 71 on long fights, and Sacred Shield from level 80.
Leveling route
| Level | Alliance | Horde |
|---|---|---|
| 70-72 | Borean Tundra (Valiance Keep), Howling Fjord (Valgarde) | Borean Tundra (Warsong Hold), Howling Fjord (Vengeance Landing) |
| 72-74 | Dragonblight (Wintergarde Keep) | Dragonblight (Agmar’s Hammer) |
| 74-75 | Grizzly Hills (Amberpine Lodge) | Grizzly Hills (Conquest Hold) |
| 75-76 | Zul’Drak (Zim’Torga) | Zul’Drak (Zim’Torga) |
| 76-78 | Sholazar Basin (Nesingwary Base Camp) | Sholazar Basin (Nesingwary Base Camp) |
| 78-80 | The Storm Peaks (K3), Icecrown (Argent Vanguard) | The Storm Peaks (K3), Icecrown (Argent Vanguard) |
Dungeons worth the detour: Utgarde Keep and The Nexus from level 70, Azjol-Nerub and Ahn’kahet: The Old Kingdom around 72, and Drak’Tharon Keep and The Violet Hold from 74.
Stats, weapons and tradeskills
- Strength first, then Hit, Expertise, Crit, Haste and Armor Penetration.
- The slowest two-handed weapon with the highest damage you can find.
- Enchants: Berserking or Massacre on the weapon, Crusher on the gloves and Greater Assault on the bracers.
- Tradeskills: Mining with Blacksmithing for plate gear and extra sockets, or Jewelcrafting for strong gems.