ret paladin sod guide
Retribution Paladins are powerful melee DPS specializing in dealing Holy damage while supporting allies. In Shadowlands, they excel with abilities like Blade of Justice and Divine Toll, combining burst damage with self-healing. This guide covers optimal playstyles, gearing, and strategies for Season of Discovery, helping players master their holy wrath effectively in both PvE and PvP content.
1.1 Overview of the Retribution Paladin Class
Retribution Paladins are a melee DPS specialization that excel at dealing Holy damage while providing strong self-sustain and utility. They utilize abilities like Blade of Justice and Templar’s Verdict to deliver powerful bursts of damage. With their plate armor and access to healing tools such as Word of Glory, Ret Paladins are versatile in both solo and group content. Their playstyle combines mobility, cooldown management, and consistent damage output, making them a formidable force in Shadowlands.
1.2 Importance of the Season of Discovery Guide
The Season of Discovery guide is crucial for Retribution Paladins to maximize their potential in Shadowlands. It provides insights into class changes, optimal rotations, and gearing strategies for both PvE and PvP. With updates to covenants, talents, and corruption effects, this guide ensures players adapt to the evolving meta. It also highlights Phase 2 content, including raid and Mythic+ optimizations, helping Paladins maintain their competitiveness. By following this guide, players can refine their playstyle and make informed decisions to excel in all aspects of the game.
Choosing the Right Race for Your Ret Paladin
Selecting the right race enhances your Ret Paladin’s effectiveness. Blood Elves and Humans are popular choices due to their beneficial racial traits, boosting strength and haste, respectively.
2.1 Alliance Races for Retribution Paladins
Alliance races offer unique benefits for Retribution Paladins. Humans provide Diplomacy, increasing reputation gain, and Every Man for Himself, which removes movement impairing effects and stuns. Dwarves offer Stoneform, granting defensive boosts, while Gnomes provide Explosive Pack for burst damage. Night Elves benefit from Quickness, enhancing dodge chance, and Shadowmeld for stealth. Draenei, with Gift of the Naaru, heal themselves and allies. Each race brings distinct advantages, so choose based on playstyle and needs.
2.2 Horde Races for Retribution Paladins
Horde races provide diverse advantages for Retribution Paladins. Blood Elves offer Arcane Affinity, enhancing spellcasting, and Mana Tap, draining mana from enemies. Orcs benefit from Command, boosting pet damage, and Blood Fury, increasing attack power. Tauren use Endurance for health boosts and War Stomp for crowd control. Undead gain Touch of the Damned for damage over time and Will of the Forsaken to break fears. Trolls leverage Berserking for attack speed and Da Voodoo Shuffle for movement. Each race tailors to different playstyles and combat needs.
Professions for Retribution Paladins
Professions enhance Retribution Paladins’ effectiveness. Blacksmithing improves weapons, Engineering provides gadgets, Jewelcrafting enhances gems, and Alchemy offers potent flasks and elixirs, boosting damage output and survivability significantly in Shadowlands.
3.1 Best Professions for PvE Content
For PvE, Engineering and Blacksmithing are top choices for Ret Paladins. Engineering provides an on-use damage boost with gloves, while Blacksmithing enhances weapon damage. Jewelcrafting also shines by crafting high-end gems, increasing Strength and Haste. Leatherworking can provide powerful drums for cooldowns, and Alchemy remains strong for creating potent flasks and elixirs. These professions synergize to maximize DPS in raids and dungeons, ensuring peak performance for your Ret Paladin in Season of Discovery.
3.2 Best Professions for PvP Content
For PvP, Engineering and Tailoring are ideal for Ret Paladins. Engineering provides Nitro Boosts for increased mobility, while Tailoring offers crafted gear with enhanced movement speed. Blacksmithing is also valuable, allowing extra gem sockets for survivability. These professions enhance your ability to control and outmaneuver opponents, making them indispensable for Arena and Battleground success. Optimize your gear with these professions to dominate in PvP, ensuring both offensive and defensive advantages in competitive play.
Talent Builds for Retribution Paladins
Retribution Paladins have distinct talent builds for PvE and PvP, focusing on maximizing DPS and enhancing survivability. Versatile and powerful, these builds adapt to any content, ensuring effectiveness in both raids and arenas.
4.1 PvE Talent Build for Maximum DPS
The PvE talent build for Retribution Paladins focuses on maximizing Holy damage output while maintaining survivability. Key talents include Blade of Justice for consistent damage and Divine Toll to enhance burst potential. Pairing these with Word of Glory ensures self-sustain in raids. Managing Holy Power efficiently is crucial, while Avenging Wrath amplifies damage during critical phases. This build optimizes cooldown alignment, enabling high burst damage for progression content. Proper talent synergy ensures Retribution Paladins remain competitive in Shadowlands PvE.
4.2 PvP Talent Build for Arena and Battlegrounds
In PvP, Retribution Paladins rely on control and burst damage. Talents like Divine Storm and Shield of Vengeance enhance survivability and crowd control. Word of Glory provides strong self-healing, while Repentance and Hand of Hindrance help manage enemies. Avenging Wrath amplifies damage during critical moments. This build focuses on maximizing mobility and utility, making Retribution Paladins formidable in Arena and Battlegrounds. Proper talent coordination ensures both damage output and defensive capabilities, essential for competitive PvP play in Shadowlands.
Stats and Gear for Retribution Paladins
Retribution Paladins prioritize Strength and Haste, focusing on Best in Slot gear from Season of Discovery. Azerite traits and essences enhance damage, while managing corruption optimizes performance effectively.
5;1 Stat Priority for Retribution Paladins
Retribution Paladins prioritize Strength as their primary stat, enhancing attack power and damage output. Haste follows, increasing attack speed and Holy Power generation. Critical Strike boosts burst damage, while Versatility provides balanced damage and survivability. Mastery, though lower in priority, enhances Divine Judgment damage. Players should aim for a balanced stat distribution, focusing on Strength and Haste to maximize DPS while maintaining mobility and survivability in both PvE and PvP scenarios. Proper stat allocation ensures optimal performance in Season of Discovery content.
5.2 Best in Slot Gear for Season of Discovery
Acquiring the best in slot (BiS) gear is crucial for maximizing your Retribution Paladin’s performance. Focus on items with high Strength, Haste, and Critical Strike from raids, Mythic+ dungeons, and the Great Vault. Prioritize weapons with powerful procs or high ilvl. Balance stats to maintain optimal damage output while considering set bonuses for enhanced abilities. Crafting or upgrading gear through professions can also bolster your equipment. Ensuring your gear is corruption-free and optimized for your build will significantly enhance your effectiveness in both PvE and PvP content during Season of Discovery.
Azerite Traits and Essences
Azerite Traits and Essences are pivotal for enhancing your Retribution Paladin’s power. Focus on traits like Divine Suffrage and Words of Glory for consistent damage and healing. Essences such as The Crucible of Flame and Memory of Lucidity provide additional utility and burst potential, making them ideal for both PvE and PvP scenarios in Season of Discovery.
6.1 Best Azerite Traits for Retribution Paladins
For Retribution Paladins, the top Azerite Traits include Divine Suffrage, enhancing Judgment damage and generating Holy Power, and Words of Glory, which boosts Holy Shock healing and damage. Additionally, Divine Providence increases healing from Word of Glory and reduces damage taken, while Greater Judgment improves Judgment’s burst potential. These traits synergize well with Ret’s rotation, amplifying both damage output and survivability. Focus on equipping gear with these traits to maximize effectiveness in both single-target and AoE situations during Season of Discovery.
6.2 Essential Essences for PvE and PvP
For Retribution Paladins, the best Essences in Season of Discovery include The Crucible of Flame for PvE, enhancing burst damage and Holy Power generation, and Essence of the Focusing Iris, which amplifies damage during Holy Power spender usage. In PvP, Essence of the Focusing Iris remains strong for its offensive capabilities, while Anima of the Titans provides defensive utility and sustained damage. These Essences complement Ret’s holy wrath, optimizing both damage output and survivability in various content types.
Corruption and Gear Choices
Corruption impacts Retribution Paladins by introducing unpredictable effects on gear, necessitating careful management. High-level corrupted items can offer powerful bonuses but may hinder performance due to negative effects. Players should prioritize gear with beneficial corruption effects like Infinite Stars or Twisted Appendage, while avoiding detrimental ones. Using the Titanic Purification system or specific items to mitigate corruption is essential for optimizing performance in both PvE and PvP content, ensuring a balance between power and reliability in your gear choices.
7.1 Managing Corruption Effects on Gear
Managing corruption effects on gear is crucial for Retribution Paladins in Season of Discovery. High-corruption items can provide significant bonuses but may introduce detrimental effects. Focus on acquiring gear with beneficial corruption effects like Infinite Stars or Twisted Appendage, which enhance damage output without severe penalties. Use the Titanic Purification system or specific items to mitigate negative corruption effects. Prioritize gear with balanced corruption levels to maintain consistent performance. Regularly check and adjust your gear set to ensure optimal corruption levels, maximizing your DPS while minimizing drawbacks in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
7.2 Best Corruption-Free Gear Options
For Retribution Paladins, acquiring corruption-free gear ensures consistent performance without negative effects. Focus on items from Mythic+ dungeons, raids, or crafted gear, as these often avoid corruption entirely. Prioritize gear with high item levels and optimal stats like Strength, Versatility, and Mastery. Use the Weekly Chest or vendor recipes to obtain powerful, untainted equipment. Crafting or upgrading gear via the Forge is also a reliable method to avoid corruption; This approach ensures peak performance, balanced stats, and no penalties, making it ideal for both PvE and PvP content in Season of Discovery.
BFA Emissary Quests and Rewards
BFA emissary quests provide valuable resources and rewards for Ret Paladins, including gear, Azerite, and other essentials. Completing these quests helps maintain progression and readiness for Shadowlands content.
8.1 Completing Emissary Quests for Resources
Completing BFA emissary quests is a reliable way to earn resources like Azerite, gold, and gear. These quests are rotationally available and reward progression materials. Prioritizing emissary quests ensures a steady supply of resources, which is crucial for powering up your Ret Paladin. Regularly checking emissary quest availability and focusing on completing them efficiently maximizes resource gain. This helps maintain gear competitiveness and supports progression in Shadowlands content. Consistency in completing these quests is key to staying well-equipped and prepared for challenges ahead.
8.2 Maximizing Rewards for Your Ret Paladin
Maximizing rewards for your Ret Paladin involves strategically engaging in various content types. Focus on Mythic+ dungeons for high-end gear and raids for set pieces. PvP activities offer unique rewards that enhance your build. Optimize your talent build and gear to increase efficiency. Participate in weekly events and bonus weeks to boost reward drops. Regularly completing these activities ensures a steady flow of resources like Azerite and gear upgrades, keeping your Ret Paladin competitive in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Season of Discovery Phase 2 Content
Season of Discovery Phase 2 introduces new challenges and opportunities for Retribution Paladins. With updated gear options and class adjustments, players must adapt to maximize their effectiveness. This phase emphasizes strategic gearing and refined rotations to stay competitive in both PvE and PvP content.
9.1 Class Strengths and Changes in Phase 2
In Phase 2 of the Season of Discovery, Retribution Paladins see improvements in single-target damage output and enhanced burst potential. Class changes focus on refining Holy Power generation and improving mobility through talents like Divine Toll. Self-sustain is bolstered, making them more resilient in high-intensity content. These adjustments solidify Ret Paladins as a top-tier melee DPS in both PvE and PvP, offering strong adaptability and consistent performance across various game modes.
9.2 Best Items and Gearing Strategies
In Phase 2, focus on acquiring items with high Strength and Mastery to maximize damage output. Prioritize gear from raid content, Mythic+ dungeons, and emissary rewards. Corruption-free items are ideal, but manageable corruption effects like Ineffable Truth can still be beneficial. Aim for a balanced stat distribution and utilize the Great Vault for weekly rewards. Ensure your gear aligns with your covenant and soulbind choices for optimal synergy. Regularly update your gear to maintain competitiveness in both PvE and PvP content.
Covenant and Soulbind Choices
Covenants like Kyrian and Venthyr excel for Retribution Paladins, offering powerful abilities and soulbind synergies. Choose based on playstyle and content type to maximize damage and survivability effectively.
10.1 Best Covenant for Retribution Paladins
For Retribution Paladins, the Kyrian covenant is currently the top choice, offering the Noble Bond ability, which provides excellent mobility and damage output. Additionally, the Venthyr covenant is a strong contender due to its Door of Shadows ability, enhancing survivability and burst damage potential. The Night Fae covenant, while viable, focuses more on utility and single-target damage, making it less optimal for most scenarios. Each covenant has its unique strengths, so players should choose based on their playstyle and content type.
10.2 Optimal Soulbinds for PvE and PvP
For Retribution Paladins, Pelagos and Kleia are optimal Soulbinds for PvE, offering consistent damage throughput. In PvP, Nadjia or Theotar from the Venthyr covenant provide mobility and survivability. For Night Fae, Dreamweaver enhances burst damage in PvE, while General Draven improves mobility in PvP. Each Soulbind offers unique benefits, so players should adapt their choice based on content type and playstyle to maximize effectiveness in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Playstyle and Rotation
Retribution Paladins excel with an aggressive, holy damage-focused playstyle. Use abilities like Blade of Justice and Divine Toll to generate Holy Power, then unleash Templar’s Verdict for maximum damage. Manage cooldowns like Avenging Wrath and Divine Toll to maintain consistent DPS while supporting allies with Shield of Vengeance and Lay on Hands.
11.1 Basic Rotation for Retribution Paladins
The foundation of a Retribution Paladin’s rotation revolves around generating and spending Holy Power. Begin with Blade of Justice to apply greater judgment and generate 1 Holy Power. Use Divine Toll to strike multiple enemies and activate Templar’s Verdict when Holy Power is at 5. Maintain Hammer of Wrath usage during Avenging Wrath for increased damage. Apply Shield of Vengeance on the tank and Lay on Hands in emergencies. Keep Consecration active for consistent area damage and Blessing of Protection for defensive needs. Always prioritize Divine Toll for maximum Holy Power generation and Templar’s Verdict for burst damage.
11.2 Advanced Tips for Maximizing DPS
Mastering your cooldown management is key to maximizing DPS. Synchronize Avenging Wrath and Holy Avenger for bursts of heavy damage. Use Divine Toll during these windows to amplify your Holy Power generation. Always prioritize Templar’s Verdict over Hammer of Wrath when Holy Power is available. Ensure Greater Judgment is applied to multiple targets for increased damage. Position yourself to maintain Consecration uptime while moving between enemies. Monitor your buffs and debuffs, ensuring Judgment is refreshed and Greater Judgment is applied to high-priority targets. Optimize your GCD usage by weaving in Blade of Justice and Consecration during downtime. This refined approach will elevate your Retribution Paladin’s damage output significantly.
Tips for Specific Content
Adapt your playstyle to the content type. Focus on awareness and positioning in raids, while optimizing cooldowns for Mythic+ dungeons. Use abilities wisely to maximize efficiency.
12.1 Raid Tips for Retribution Paladins
In raids, focus on managing your cooldowns to maximize burst damage during high priority phases. Position yourself to avoid unnecessary damage while maintaining melee range. Use Divine Toll strategically to cleave multiple targets and generate Holy Power. Prioritize adding to secondary targets to maintain consistent damage output. Always be mindful of boss mechanics and avoid dangerous abilities. Coordination with your team for cooldown alignment can significantly boost overall damage. Make use of Blade of Justice to handle adds efficiently while maintaining pressure on the main boss.
12.2 Mythic+ Dungeon Tips
Retribution Paladins excel in Mythic+ dungeons due to their strong single-target and AoE damage. Focus on managing Holy Power to maintain consistent damage output. Position yourself to avoid unnecessary damage while maximizing burst with Divine Toll and Blade of Justice. Use Hand of Protection to save allies from dangerous mechanics. Prioritize crowd control and focus fire on high-priority targets to quickly eliminate threats. Plan cooldowns for challenging affixes and consider using Lay on Hands for emergency heals. Effective use of Avenging Wrath during high-damage phases can significantly boost your contribution to the group.
Addons and Macros
Enhance your Ret Paladin’s performance with addons like Deadly Boss Mods for timers and WeakAuras for ability tracking. Use macros to combine Divine Toll and Blade of Justice for optimized burst damage.
13.1 Essential Addons for Retribution Paladins
Enhance your gameplay with addons like Deadly Boss Mods for boss mechanics and WeakAuras to track abilities and cooldowns. Details! helps analyze damage output, while ElvUI optimizes your UI for better visibility. OmniBar tracks enemy cooldowns, and Angry Assignments manages raid targets. These tools improve awareness, efficiency, and overall performance, ensuring you maximize your Ret Paladin’s potential in both PvE and PvP content;
13.2 Useful Macros to Enhance Gameplay
Macros can streamline your Ret Paladin’s rotation and improve efficiency. For example, a Templar’s Verdict macro with Divine Toll simplifies burst damage. Another macro combines Shield of Vengeance with Word of Glory for instant healing. A Hammer of Wrath macro ensures it’s used on cooldown. Additionally, a Taunt macro with Hand of Protection helps manage aggro. These macros reduce keybind clutter and enhance your ability to execute complex rotations seamlessly, allowing you to focus on maximizing DPS and maintaining optimal survivability in both raids and dungeons.
Top Tier Lists and Class Strengths
Retribution Paladins are currently in the top tier for DPS in Season of Discovery, excelling in burst damage and self-healing, making them highly effective in both PvE and PvP.
14.1 Current Tier List for Retribution Paladins
Retribution Paladins currently sit in the top tier for DPS in Season of Discovery, excelling in both single-target and AoE damage. Their ability to deliver consistent burst damage while maintaining strong self-healing makes them highly sought after in raids and Mythic+ dungeons. With a versatile kit that balances offense and defense, Ret Paladins are a reliable choice for progressing high-level content. Their performance in PvP is equally impressive, securing them a strong position in Arena and Battlegrounds. Overall, they remain a powerful and popular class in Shadowlands.
14.2 Class Strengths in Season of Discovery
Retribution Paladins shine in Season of Discovery with their exceptional burst damage and self-sustaining capabilities. Their ability to adapt to both single-target and AoE scenarios makes them highly versatile. Strong covenant synergies, particularly with Kyrian, enhance their damage output and survivability. Additionally, their access to powerful cooldowns like Divine Toll and Seraphim provides consistent pressure in raids and dungeons. Their self-healing through Word of Glory ensures they remain durable in intense combat situations, making them a formidable and reliable choice for any content.
PvP and Arena Guide
Retribution Paladins excel in PvP with strong burst damage, crowd control, and self-healing. Their abilities like Hammer of Justice and Word of Glory make them formidable in arenas, ensuring survival while dishing out holy wrath to opponents, making them a versatile and powerful class in competitive play.
15.1 Arena Playstyle for Retribution Paladins
Retribution Paladins thrive in arenas with their blend of burst damage and survivability. Focus on controlling opponents with Hammer of Justice and Repentance, while managing cooldowns like Avenging Wrath for maximum impact. Use Word of Glory to heal yourself during intense exchanges. Positioning is key to landing Blade of Justice and Divine Toll effectively. Coordinate with your team to set up kills, ensuring your holy power is spent efficiently to secure victories. Adaptability and quick reflexes are crucial for success in fast-paced arena environments.
15.2 Battleground Strategies
In battlegrounds, Retribution Paladins excel at both dealing damage and supporting allies. Focus on controlling key objectives like flags and bases. Use Hammer of Justice to lock down opponents, while Divine Shield provides immunity during crucial moments. In group fights, prioritize bursting down healers and using Avenging Wrath for increased damage. For flag carrying, rely on Divine Steed to escape or chase. Manage your Holy Power efficiently to sustain damage and healing. Adaptability and focus on objectives are key to securing victories in large-scale battles.
Mastery of the Retribution Paladin requires continuous improvement, adapting to new strategies, and refining your playstyle. Embrace challenges, learn from each encounter, and stay dedicated to perfecting your holy wrath.
16.1 Final Tips for Success
Consistently update your class knowledge and adapt to new strategies. Optimize your covenant choices, such as Kyrian, for maximum impact. Stay flexible in encounters, learning from each mistake. Utilize resources like Icy Veins and Skill Capped for refined techniques. Engage with the community for fresh insights and tips. Above all, maintain a growth mindset and enjoy the journey of mastering your Retribution Paladin. Continuous improvement and passion will elevate your gameplay in Season of Discovery.
16.2 Continuous Improvement and Learning
Regularly review class changes and balance updates to stay current. Explore resources like Icy Veins and Skill-Capped for in-depth strategies. Analyze your gameplay using tools like Warcraft Logs to identify areas for improvement. Engage with the Retribution Paladin community to share insights and learn from others. Adapt to meta shifts, such as covenant optimizations, to maintain peak performance. Embrace challenges and experiment with different playstyles to refine your skills. Dedication and a willingness to learn will ensure long-term success and enjoyment in Season of Discovery.