Cataclysm Classic Retribution Paladin Guide

This page contains all relevant information needed for Retribution Paladin before the release of Cataclysm Classic. Be sure to check back as we get closer to the release date, as this page will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available.

Yes! Retribution Paladin is incredibly powerful in Cataclysm due to their ability to deal both great single target and AoE damage while also providing powerful buffs for their group in the form of Communion, as well as various Blessings and Hands. Paladin is now also able to interrupt with the addition of Rebuke making them even more desirable as they were one of few melee DPS without a reliable interrupt until Cataclysm.

Strengths

• Strongest on-demand burst in the game thanks to Avenging Wrath, Zealotry and Guardian of Ancient Kings.
• Strong buffs and utility such as Blessings, Hands, and Auras.
• Ability to dispel Poison and Diseases with Cleanse.
• Brings the incredibly powerful Communion buff that provides both 3% Damage to the raid and Replenishment.

Weaknesses

• Limited mobility makes closing gaps difficult.
• Very awkward/limited rotation when fighting 2-3 mobs due to Divine Storm only generating Holy Power against 4 or more mobs.
• Very dependent on cooldowns to deal damage.

Tauren are now able to be Paladin, while Tauren start with more Strength rating the DPS difference between Tauren and Blood Elf is extremely small so I would recommended choosing whichever you prefer the look of though both races offer great unique utility. As a Tauren you have access to War Stomp which can act as an emergency AoE stun. As a Blood Elf you have Arcane Torrent which is an AoE interrupt that also restores a considerable amount of mana.

As Alliance there is not a specific Race that stands out among your choices, though Human maintaining their racial weapon specializations makes them a great choice. Expertise can be difficult to come by especially in earlier phases of gearing.

1. Engineering — Engineering remains king largely due to Synapse Springs which synergizes incredibly with any kind of damage increase like Avenging Wrath. Grounded Plasma Shield adds another solid defensive cooldown to help you mitigate incoming damage especially when your Divine Protection may be on cooldown but you need to hold onto your Divine Shield for something else Nitro Boosts also provides a ton of movement speed which as a Paladin is incredibly valuable due to the fact your mobility options as a Paladin are very limited.
2. Blacksmithing — Lets you add an extra socket to both your Gloves and Bracers thanks to Socket Gloves and Socket Bracer. As a Paladin Strength is incredibly valuable compared to most secondary stats and these bonus sockets only become more valuable as the expansion progresses onward and Epic Gems are introduced.

Addons and Macros can greatly improve your quality of life during Cataclysm. Listed below are some of our recommendations on Addons and Macros to help get the most out of your time playing the game.