The following compares the current state of Havoc Demon Hunters 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
Havoc Demon Hunter
+11.61%
When simulating boss fight encounters, Havoc Demon Hunters averaged 11.61% more DPS than Retribution Paladins (+178K DPS).
Retribution Paladin
+0.16%
When simulating AoE DPS, Retribution Paladins averaged 0.16% more DPS than Havoc Demon Hunters (+2K DPS).
Havoc Demon Hunter
+23.39%
Havoc Demon Hunters have higher spike damage potential, achieving +1.9M more DPS than Retribution Paladins.
Spike damage is the peak DPS achieved in any given moment and is not sustained DPS.
Havoc Demon Hunter
+0.11%
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +44 ilvl, Havoc Demon Hunter DPS improved the most, +0.11% more than Retribution Paladin. In total, Havoc Demon Hunters DPS increased by 65.84% and Retribution Paladins by 65.73%.
Retribution Paladin
+8.21%
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 3.18% for Retribution Paladins.
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 11.39% for Havoc Demon Hunters.
When introducing occasional movement and real-world latency, Retribution Paladins performed better, as Havoc Demon Hunters suffered a +8.21% 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 Havoc Demon Hunter and Retribution Paladin in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Havoc Demon Hunter
Retribution Paladin