Retribution Paladin PvP Stat Priority, Gear, and Trinkets — The War Within (11.0.5)

The stat priority for Retribution Paladin in PvP is as follows:

1. Strength;
2. Versatility;
3. Mastery;
4. Haste; = Critical Strike;

Strength is the best stat in all situations, and you naturally get it from all your primary slot gear. Versatility is Retribution's best stat in PvP because it boosts your damage and healing while also reducing the damage you receive. Mastery is the second-best stat in PvP as it increases all your damage done, and one of Retribution's primary goal is to burst the enemy in as few globals as possible. Haste, while still valuable, is currently seated behind Mastery due to the pacing of the game. If game pacing slows down, consistent damage may matter more, and Haste may overtake mastery. Critical Strike is also good for Retribution and now has several synergies with some new talents and passives, however during early seasons it may be difficult to come up with enough crit to be effective.

In general, Retribution Paladins want to get trinkets that line up well with Avenging Wrath. If you are not Human, Gladiators Medallion is recommended alongside Gladiators Insignia of Alacrity. Here is the best gear we recommend you use as a Retribution Paladin.

• Head: Forged Gladiator's Plate Helm
• Neck: Forged Gladiator's Amulet
• Shoulders: Entombed Seraph's Radiance
• Cloak: Forged Gladiator's Shawl
• Chest: Entombed Seraph's Radiance
• Wrists: Forged Gladiator's Plate Wristguards
• Hands: Algari Competitor's Plate Gauntlets embellished with Elemental Focusing Lens and Algari Missive of the Harmonious
• Waist: Forged Gladiator's Plate Girdle
• Legs: Forged Gladiator's Plate Tasses
• Feet: Algari Competitor's Plate Sabatons crafted using Forged Gladiator's Heraldry and embellished with Elemental Focusing Lens and Algari Missive of the Harmonious
• Ring 1: Forged Gladiator's Signet
• Ring 2: Forged Gladiator's Ring
• Weapon: Forged Gladiator's Greataxe Algari Missive of the Harmonious

Most Retribution Paladin players are opting to run the 2-set bonus only. This is because running the 4-set sacrifices versatility which Retribution desperately needs to survive. Set bonuses are nerfed by 50% in PvP combat for Retribution. Similar to Dragonflight you can equip two embellishments, be sure to use your Forged Gladiator's Heraldry to have the item scale to max in PvP combat! Embellished pieces are subject to change however it is easier to change Embellished pieces in PvP now that they no longer require Sparks to change. The above Embellished pieces can be accessed easily early in the season.

Note: It is important to be wearing 2 PvP trinkets. This will give you a Stamina and Strength boost that will increase your survivability and damage output.

Forged Gladiator's Medallion Allows you to remove any crowd control on yourself. You will normally use this when you are stuck in crowd control, and a teammate is at low health. Note, if you play a Human, you may play without this trinket.

Forged Gladiator's Badge of Ferocity gives you Crit and has a 1-minute cooldown that increases your primary stat. This is great to use right before you activate a powerful cooldown.

Forged Gladiator's Emblem increases your maximum health when used. This gives you an additional defensive when you think a team will be focusing on you and can be paired with Shield of Vengeance to increase the shield value.

Forged Gladiator's Insignia of Alacrity increases your Haste and has a chance to proc your primary stat. This is an overall strong trinket, as the stat will often proc throughout an arena match.

Here are the best enchants and gems for a Retribution Paladin:

• Cloak: Enchant Cloak - Chant of Leeching Fangs
• Chest: Enchant Chest - Crystalline Radiance
• Legs: Stormbound Armor Kit
• Rings: Enchant Ring - Radiant Versatility
• Feet: Enchant Boots - Defender's March
• Wrist: Enchant Bracer - Chant of Armored Leech
• Weapon Enchant: Enchant Weapon - Authority of Radiant Power

You may have up to 9 gems attached to your gear using Vicious Jeweler's Setting one of which can be an Algari Diamond (unique effect Gems). Use Enduring Bloodstone for your Algari Diamond and Masterful Sapphire tier 3 in the eight other sockets.