Updated Nov 11, 2026
Retribution Paladin
PvE guide, updated for Patch 12.1.5
Introduction
Welcome to this World of Warcraft Retribution Paladin DPS Resource, a guide to help you optimize your performance in end-game PvE content. Recommendations are based on SimulationCraft data and cover gear, stats, talents, and more. Updated for the latest patch in World of Warcraft: Midnight (Patch 12.1.5).
Retribution in the current meta
Is Retribution the best Paladin DPS spec?
Retribution is the only Paladin spec on the DPS rankings.
- Retribution236.9K DPS#21
Single Target, 338 item levelDPS rankings
How popular is Retribution in end-game PvE?
Among top players on Blizzard’s Mythic+ leaderboards, Retribution is the 5th most played of 27 DPS specs.
- Holy47.3% of healers#1
- Protection11.3% of tanks#3
- Retribution7.7% of DPS#5
Week of Nov 3, 2026View season trends
Is Retribution rising or falling?
Retribution is 7.7% of top Mythic+ DPS this week, up from 6.2% the week before Patch 12.1.5.
- Retributionup 1.5 points since Patch 12.1.5
Guide sections
- Character SimsSimulate your character for accurate stat priority and top builds as a level 90 Retribution Paladin. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- Stat PriorityStat priority for optimizing a level 90 Retribution Paladin. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- Gems & EnchantsGems and enchants for optimizing a level 90 Retribution Paladin. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- ConsumablesPotions, flasks, and other important consumables for optimizing a level 90 Retribution Paladin. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- Talent BuildsTalent builds for maximizing performance as a level 90 Retribution Paladin. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- RotationThe full rotation SimulationCraft sims play, and the game’s Assisted Highlight and One Button rotations beside it.
- BiS GearCurrent gear profile for a level 90 Retribution Paladin, intended as a best-in-slot (BiS) list. Maintained by SimC. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
- MethodologyHow Retribution Paladin guide data is generated: SimC version, game patch, sim parameters, and update schedule. Updated for patch 12.1.5.
Additional resources
- Optimize your character with SimCQuickly simulate your character in the cloud.
- Compare Retribution to other specsView a detailed breakdown comparing Retribution Paladin to other specs.
- DPS rankingsSee how DPS specs are currently stacking up in patch 12.1.5.
- Retribution sim resultsView a detailed breakdown of simulation results for Retribution Paladins on the guide’s profile.