The following compares the current state of Enhancement Shamans 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
Enhancement Shaman
+21.09%
When simulating boss fight encounters, Enhancement Shamans averaged 21.09% more DPS than Retribution Paladins (+362K DPS).
Retribution Paladin
+3.72%
When simulating AoE DPS, Retribution Paladins averaged 3.72% more DPS than Enhancement Shamans (+38K DPS).
Retribution Paladin
+46.62%
Retribution Paladins have higher spike damage potential, achieving +2.9M more DPS than Enhancement Shamans.
Spike damage is the peak DPS achieved in any given moment and is not sustained DPS.
Retribution Paladin
+0.67%
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +44 ilvl, Retribution Paladin DPS improved the most, +0.67% more than Enhancement Shaman. In total, Retribution Paladins DPS increased by 65.73% and Enhancement Shamans by 65.06%.
Retribution Paladin
+10.26%
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 3.18% for Retribution Paladins.
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 13.44% for Enhancement Shamans.
When introducing occasional movement and real-world latency, Retribution Paladins performed better, as Enhancement Shamans suffered a +10.26% DPS loss.
Retribution Paladin
When evaluating abilities used during boss encounters, Retribution Paladins had fewer damaging abilities in total, indicating a potentially less complex rotation.
The comparisons above highlight some of the key differences between Enhancement Shaman and Retribution Paladin in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Enhancement Shaman
Retribution Paladin