The following compares the current state of Destruction Warlocks 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
+3.33%
When simulating boss fight encounters, Retribution Paladins averaged 3.33% more DPS than Destruction Warlocks (+45K DPS).
Retribution Paladin
+26.64%
When simulating AoE DPS, Retribution Paladins averaged 26.64% more DPS than Destruction Warlocks (+269K DPS).
Destruction Warlock
+11.49%
Destruction Warlocks have higher spike damage potential, achieving +808.5K more DPS than Retribution Paladins.
Spike damage is the peak DPS achieved in any given moment and is not sustained DPS.
Destruction Warlock
+1.8%
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +44 ilvl, Destruction Warlock DPS improved the most, +1.8% more than Retribution Paladin. In total, Destruction Warlocks DPS increased by 67.53% and Retribution Paladins by 65.73%.
Retribution Paladin
+4.82%
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 3.18% for Retribution Paladins.
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 8% for Destruction Warlocks.
When introducing occasional movement and real-world latency, Retribution Paladins performed better, as Destruction Warlocks suffered a +4.82% DPS loss.
Destruction Warlock
When evaluating abilities used during boss encounters, Destruction Warlocks had fewer damaging abilities in total, indicating a potentially less complex rotation.
The comparisons above highlight some of the key differences between Destruction Warlock and Retribution Paladin in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Retribution Paladin
Destruction Warlock