The following compares the current state of Retribution Paladins to Windwalker Monks using the latest SimulationCraft data for end-game PvE in World of Warcraft The War Within patch 11.0.2.
Comparison
Category
Winner
Windwalker Monk
+14.97%
When simulating boss fight encounters, Windwalker Monks averaged 14.97% more DPS than Retribution Paladins (+238K DPS).
Retribution Paladin
+2.26%
When simulating AoE DPS, Retribution Paladins averaged 2.26% more DPS than Windwalker Monks (+23K DPS).
Windwalker Monk
+28.44%
Windwalker Monks have higher spike damage potential, achieving +2.5M more DPS than Retribution Paladins.
Spike damage is the peak DPS achieved in any given moment and is not sustained DPS.
Windwalker Monk
+2.58%
When upgrading the gear for both specs by +44 ilvl, Windwalker Monk DPS improved the most, +2.58% more than Retribution Paladin. In total, Windwalker Monks DPS increased by 68.31% and Retribution Paladins by 65.73%.
Windwalker Monk
+5.66%
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 3.18% for Windwalker Monks.
+ Movement and latency lowered the DPS by 8.84% for Retribution Paladins.
When introducing occasional movement and real-world latency, Windwalker Monks performed better, as Retribution Paladins suffered a +5.66% 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 Windwalker Monk in the current meta, which can hopefully help you determine which spec to play or group up with.
Windwalker Monk
Retribution Paladin