Updated Nov 7, 2026
Protection Paladin
PvE guide, updated for Patch 12.1.5
Introduction
Welcome to this World of Warcraft Protection Paladin Tank Resource, a guide to help you optimize your performance in end-game PvE content. Recommendations are based on SimulationCraft data and cover gear, stats, talents, and more. Updated for the latest patch in World of Warcraft: Midnight (Patch 12.1.5).
Protection in the current meta
How popular is Protection in end-game PvE?
Among top players on Blizzard’s Mythic+ leaderboards, Protection is the 3rd most played of 6 tank specs.
- Holy57.6% of healers#1
- Protection4.8% of tanks#3
- Retribution5.3% of DPS#6
Week of Oct 27, 2026View season trends
Is Protection rising or falling?
Protection is 4.8% of top Mythic+ tanks this week, down from 8.5% the week before Patch 12.1.5.
- Protectiondown 3.7 points since Patch 12.1.5
Guide sections
- Character SimsSimulate your character for accurate stat priority and top builds as a level 90 Protection Paladin. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- Stat PriorityStat priority for optimizing a level 90 Protection Paladin. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- Gems & EnchantsGems and enchants for optimizing a level 90 Protection Paladin. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- ConsumablesPotions, flasks, and other important consumables for optimizing a level 90 Protection Paladin. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- Talent BuildsTalent builds for maximizing performance as a level 90 Protection Paladin. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- RotationThe full rotation SimulationCraft sims play, and the game’s Assisted Highlight and One Button rotations beside it.
- BiS GearCurrent gear profile for a level 90 Protection Paladin, intended as a best-in-slot (BiS) list. Maintained by SimC. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- MethodologyHow Protection Paladin guide data is generated: SimC version, game patch, sim parameters, and update schedule. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
Additional resources
- Optimize your character with SimCQuickly simulate your character in the cloud.
- Compare Protection to other specsView a detailed breakdown comparing Protection Paladin to other specs.
- Tank rankingsSee how tank specs are currently stacking up in patch 12.1.5.
- Protection sim resultsView a detailed breakdown of simulation results for Protection Paladins on the guide’s profile.