The following compares the current state of Devastation Evokers 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
Devastation Evoker
+9.22%
When simulating boss fight encounters, Devastation Evokers averaged 9.22% more DPS than Retribution Paladins (+138K DPS).
Devastation Evoker
+14.95%
When simulating AoE DPS, Devastation Evokers averaged 14.95% more DPS than Retribution Paladins (+178K DPS).
Retribution Paladin
+38.17%
Retribution Paladins have higher spike damage potential, achieving +2.4M more DPS than Devastation Evokers.
Spike damage is the peak DPS achieved in any given moment and is not sustained DPS.
Devastation Evoker
+2.22%
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +44 ilvl, Devastation Evoker DPS improved the most, +2.22% more than Retribution Paladin. In total, Devastation Evokers DPS increased by 67.95% and Retribution Paladins by 65.73%.
Retribution Paladin
+26.22%
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 3.18% for Retribution Paladins.
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 29.4% for Devastation Evokers.
When introducing occasional movement and real-world latency, Retribution Paladins performed better, as Devastation Evokers suffered a +26.22% DPS loss.
Devastation Evoker
When evaluating abilities used during boss encounters, Devastation Evokers had fewer damaging abilities in total, indicating a potentially less complex rotation.
The comparisons above highlight some of the key differences between Devastation Evoker and Retribution Paladin in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Devastation Evoker
Retribution Paladin