The following compares the current state of Outlaw Rogues 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
Outlaw Rogue
+13.7%
When simulating boss fight encounters, Outlaw Rogues averaged 13.7% more DPS than Retribution Paladins (+215K DPS).
Outlaw Rogue
+14.61%
When simulating AoE DPS, Outlaw Rogues averaged 14.61% more DPS than Retribution Paladins (+173K DPS).
Outlaw Rogue
+44.64%
Outlaw Rogues have higher spike damage potential, achieving +5.0M more DPS than Retribution Paladins.
Spike damage is the peak DPS achieved in any given moment and is not sustained DPS.
Outlaw Rogue
+3.31%
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +44 ilvl, Outlaw Rogue DPS improved the most, +3.31% more than Retribution Paladin. In total, Outlaw Rogues DPS increased by 69.04% and Retribution Paladins by 65.73%.
Retribution Paladin
+14.96%
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 3.18% for Retribution Paladins.
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 18.14% for Outlaw Rogues.
When introducing occasional movement and real-world latency, Retribution Paladins performed better, as Outlaw Rogues suffered a +14.96% 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 Outlaw Rogue and Retribution Paladin in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Outlaw Rogue
Retribution Paladin