Protection Paladin Pre-Patch Guide for WotLK Classic

Last updated on Aug 27, 2022 at 02:10 by Sellin 6 comments

The Pre-Patch period of Wrath of the Lich King Classic is a time to allow players to level or gear up characters while experiencing some of the class changes of the coming expansion before its official launch. Here you will find recommended talents, gear, and some rotation tips for a Protection Paladin when you can only reach a maximum level of 70.

1.

Overview

Protection Paladin continues as a great AoE tank. Though it has lost its title as the strongest AoE tank in the game, it is by far the most well-rounded and stable tank against all types of incoming damage and no longer depends on Spell Power gear thanks to Touched by the Light IconTouched by the Light. It, and a focus on weapon damage, has resulted in Protection Paladin becoming a much stronger version of itself during Wrath of the Lich King. This page will go over how to play your Protection Paladin, gear you should seek out during the pre-patch, how you should spend your talent points, and what consumables you should use if you are considering tackling some of the Burning Crusade raid content while waiting for Wrath to officially start!

2.

Talent Calculator

There are many great talents in the Protection tree that will keep us mostly focused there as opposed to branching out to some smaller gains that can be found in the other two trees. This build is primarily focused on doing Maximizing your threat and personal survivability.

3.

Stat Priority for Protection Paladin

  1. Defense to 540;
  2. Stamina;
  3. Block Rating;
  4. Expertise;
  5. Hit;
  6. Dodge;
  7. Parry;
4.

Rotation

The Protection Paladin rotation at Level 70 is very similar to that at Level 80, with the only main difference being the lack of Divine Plea IconDivine Plea which allows you to remain entirely Mana-positive while doing your rotation. However, due to much shorter fight lengths in the Wrath of the Lich King pre-patch and the changes made to Spiritual Attunement IconSpiritual Attunement Mana should not be much of an issue.

4.1.

Single-Target Rotation

Similar to other Paladin specs, Protection largely follows an order of priorities as opposed to a rotation. Following such order will lead to your maximum possible single-target threat output.

  1. Apply Seal of Vengeance IconSeal of Vengeance to the target;
  2. Apply Holy Shield IconHoly Shield before pulling;
  3. Cast Exorcism IconExorcism and Avenger's Shield IconAvenger's Shield on pull if the boss fight does not start in melee:
    • DO NOT cast Exorcism IconExorcism if you risk being melee attacked during its cast;
    • Use Avenger's Shield IconAvenger's Shield only for snap threat if you are not able to cast Exorcism IconExorcism without being hit during its cast;
    • Hand of Reckoning IconHand of Reckoning can also be used for a bit of additional damage as it will cause a small amount of damage if you are not actively holding threat on the target;
  4. Hammer of the Righteous IconHammer of the Righteous;
  5. Judgement of Wisdom IconJudgement of Wisdom;
  6. Consecration IconConsecration;
  7. Holy Shield IconHoly Shield.
4.2.

AOE Rotation

Similar to single-target as a Protection Paladin, you will be using a list of priorities when AoEing as opposed to a rotation. The AoE rotation is extremely similar except with an emphasis on getting Consecration IconConsecration down.

  1. Apply Seal of Vengeance IconSeal of Vengeance to the target;
  2. Cast Exorcism IconExorcism and Avenger's Shield IconAvenger's Shield on pull if the boss fight does not start in melee:
    • DO NOT cast Exorcism IconExorcism if you risk being melee attacked during its cast;
    • Use Avenger's Shield IconAvenger's Shield only for snap threat if you are not able to cast Exorcism IconExorcism without being hit during its cast;
    • Hand of Reckoning IconHand of Reckoning can also be used for a bit of additional damage as it will cause a small amount of damage if you are not actively holding threat on the target;
  3. Holy Wrath IconHoly Wrath should only used when you are fighting an Undead or Demon mob type.
  4. Hammer of the Righteous IconHammer of the Righteous;
  5. Consecration IconConsecration;
  6. Judgement of Wisdom IconJudgement of Wisdom;
  7. Holy Shield IconHoly Shield.
5.

Early Upgrades

Listed below will be a list of some items that are very powerful and require a relatively low time investment to get to help you get a bit more powerful during the Wrath of the Lich King pre-patch as you prepare to head to Northrend and continue your journey through WoW classic.

Slot Item Source
Helm
Back
Wrist
Waist
Ring
Trinket
Trinket
6.

Consumables

Spicy Hot Talbuk Icon Spicy Hot Talbuk is your best well-fed buff if you are not hit-capped, Roasted Clefthoof Icon Roasted Clefthoof if you are hit capped, as your goal is to maximize your Strength.

Flask of Relentless Assault Icon Flask of Relentless Assault is your typical go-to against most mobs. The exception to this is that when fighting Demons, Elixir of Demonslaying Icon Elixir of Demonslaying by itself is stronger than any flask and can be paired with a Guardian Elixir of your choosing.

Haste Potion Icon Haste Potion is our best choice as the added Haste allows for more melee swings to maximize damage.

7.

Changelog

  • 23 Aug. 2022: Page added.
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