The following compares the current state of Retribution Paladins to Shadow Priests using the latest SimulationCraft data for end-game PvE in World of Warcraft The War Within patch 11.0.2.
Comparison
Category
Winner
Shadow Priest
+3.48%
When simulating boss fight encounters, Shadow Priests averaged 3.48% more DPS than Retribution Paladins (+49K DPS).
Retribution Paladin
+14.48%
When simulating AoE DPS, Retribution Paladins averaged 14.48% more DPS than Shadow Priests (+146K DPS).
Retribution Paladin
+20.93%
Retribution Paladins have higher spike damage potential, achieving +1.3M more DPS than Shadow Priests.
Spike damage is the peak DPS achieved in any given moment and is not sustained DPS.
Shadow Priest
+1.14%
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +44 ilvl, Shadow Priest DPS improved the most, +1.14% more than Retribution Paladin. In total, Shadow Priests DPS increased by 66.87% and Retribution Paladins by 65.73%.
Shadow Priest
+5.01%
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 3.18% for Shadow Priests.
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 8.19% for Retribution Paladins.
When introducing occasional movement and real-world latency, Shadow Priests performed better, as Retribution Paladins suffered a +5.01% 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 Retribution Paladin and Shadow Priest in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Shadow Priest
Retribution Paladin