The following compares the current state of Balance Druids to Retribution Paladins using the latest SimulationCraft data for end-game PvE in World of Warcraft The War Within patch 11.0.2.
Comparison
Category
Winner
Retribution Paladin
+4.84%
When simulating boss fight encounters, Retribution Paladins averaged 4.84% more DPS than Balance Druids (+66K DPS).
Balance Druid
+65.97%
When simulating AoE DPS, Balance Druids averaged 65.97% more DPS than Retribution Paladins (+2M DPS).
Retribution Paladin
+11.44%
Retribution Paladins have higher spike damage potential, achieving +712.0K more DPS than Balance Druids.
Spike damage is the peak DPS achieved in any given moment and is not sustained DPS.
Balance Druid
+1.33%
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +44 ilvl, Balance Druid DPS improved the most, +1.33% more than Retribution Paladin. In total, Balance Druids DPS increased by 67.06% and Retribution Paladins by 65.73%.
Retribution Paladin
+7.05%
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 3.18% for Retribution Paladins.
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 10.23% for Balance Druids.
When introducing occasional movement and real-world latency, Retribution Paladins performed better, as Balance Druids suffered a +7.05% DPS loss.
Balance Druid
When evaluating abilities used during boss encounters, Balance Druids had fewer damaging abilities in total, indicating a potentially less complex rotation.
The comparisons above highlight some of the key differences between Balance Druid and Retribution Paladin in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Retribution Paladin
Balance Druid