Retribution Paladin Pre-Patch Guide for WotLK Classic

While Retribution Paladin in The Burning Crusade had a very unique playstyle thanks to sealtwisting, in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion Retribution becomes a much more complete and more powerful spec, consistently placing among the top melee DPS specs while still providing the amazing class utility that Paladin is known for. This page will go over how to play your Retribution 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!

There are many great talents in the Retribution 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 dealing maximum DPS.

1. Hit Chance (To cap);
2. Expertise;
3. Strength;
4. Agility
5. Attack Power;
6. Crit Chance;
7. Haste;
8. Armor Penetration;

The Retribution Paladin rotation at Level 70 is very similar to that at Level 80, with the only main difference being the lack of Divine Plea which allows you to remain entirely Mana positive while doing your rotation. Due to much shorter fight lengths in the Wrath of the Lich King pre-patch and the addition of replenishment through Judgements of the Wise, Mana should be no issue.

As opposed to a set rotation Retribution Paladin follows a strict list of priorities. Following such order will lead to your maximum possible single-target DPS output.

1. Apply Seal of Vengeance to the target if fighting in single-target; use Seal of Command if you will be consistently hitting 2 or more targets;
2. Crusader Strike;
3. Judgement of Wisdom;
4. Divine Storm;
5. Hammer of Wrath;
6. Consecration;
7. Exorcism; (Only with The Art of War procs active)
8. Holy Wrath should be the lowest in your priority and only used when you are fighting an Undead or Demon mob type.

Similar to single-target, as a Retribution 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 down.

1. Apply Seal of Command;
2. Consecration;
3. Divine Storm;
4. Judgement of Wisdom;
5. Holy Wrath should only be used when you are fighting an Undead or Demon mob type.
6. Crusader Strike;
7. Hammer of Wrath;
8. Exorcism; (Only with The Art of War procs active)

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.

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

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

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