This page is maintained to show how Retribution Paladins and Shadow Priests compare in PvE end-game at level 90 — and was last updated for patch 12.0.1 of the Midnight expansion.
Note: Season 1 rankings are live as an early pass and will move quickly as SimC profiles, tuning, and theorycraft updates land through this week and next.
Comparing DPS (Retribution Paladin vs. Shadow Priest)
Anytime the game updates, we run simulations using BiS profiles and SimulationCraft to analyze the current meta of all specs in WoW. Below shows which spec had the highest DPS for each category. To view more information in a category, click the Details button.
Performance ComparisonPatch 12.0.1
Retribution Paladin+4.67% DPS
When simulating for maximum theoretical single-target DPS, Retribution Paladins averaged 4.67% more DPS than Shadow Priests (+5K DPS).
Retribution Paladin+6.83% DPS
When simulating for light AoE DPS potential, with small waves of adds, Retribution Paladins averaged 6.83% more DPS than Shadow Priests (+7K DPS).
Shadow Priest+0.47% DPS
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +48 ilvl, Shadow Priest DPS improved the most, +0.47% more than Retribution Paladin. In total, Shadow Priests DPS increased by 65.41% and Retribution Paladins by 64.94%.
Shadow Priest+36.63% DPS
When simulating for max single-target DPS with the new Single-Button Assistant, Shadow Priests averaged 36.63% more DPS than Retribution Paladins (+32K DPS).
This category evaluates the burst DPS potential of each spec by simulating a short encounter with full raid buffs and bloodlust.
This category evaluates the solo DPS potential of each spec by simulating a typical solo delve encounter with no raid buffs.
This category evaluates the pure AoE DPS potential of each spec by simulating both specs to fight intense groups of adds, with nearly 16 adds at any given moment.
This category evaluates the performance of each spec when introducing occasional movement and stuns during boss encounters.
This category evaluates the latency tolerance of each spec by simulating both specs with moderate-to-high latency. This can indicate which spec performs better when facing high latency, whether due to far server/realm location or limited access to quality internet.
This category evaluates the skill level required to play each spec by simulating both specs with greatly reduced player skill. This can indicate which spec is more forgiving of mistakes or has a simpler 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.
Retribution Paladinvs Shadow Priest
Retribution Paladin+4.67% DPS 
Shadow Priest+0.47% DPS