Summary

Retribution Paladin Changes in The War Within Pre-Patch

Retribution Paladin has undergone several significant changes in The War Within Pre-Patch. There have been numerous talent adjustments, with some talents being added, others removed, and many reworked. Key changes include the overhaul of Vanguard of Justice, which now ensures that Holy Power spenders always cost 3 Holy Power. Additionally, Radiant Glory has been introduced, transforming Avenging Wrath into a frequently proccing passive ability. The buff to Mastery: Highlord's Judgment is also notable, as it now includes a damage proc on Judgment and a significant increase in its Holy damage portion, making Mastery a much stronger secondary stat.

How Retribution Paladin Feels in The War Within Pre-Patch

Playing Retribution Paladin in The War Within Pre-Patch feels quite similar to its Dragonflight iteration, but with a few key differences. Holy Power spenders now always cost 3 instead of 4, and Radiant Glory provides more frequent, shorter cooldown windows. It's also much easier to access AoE talents now, which allows for more versatile hybrid builds. However, many of the AoE changes announced for The War Within are not present in the pre-patch, so hybrid talent usage remains as challenging as it was in Dragonflight.

Retribution Paladin Gameplay in War Within Pre-Patch

Retribution Paladin gameplay revolves around generating Holy Power with abilities like Hammer of Wrath, Judgment, and Blade of Justice, and then spending it on powerful abilities such as Templar's Verdict and Divine Storm. The spec features frequent cooldown windows and a straightforward playstyle. With Crusading Strikes, there is an added focus on auto-attacks, as these can now generate Holy Power as well.

Retribution Paladin Viability in The War Within Pre-Patch

Retribution Paladins have robust defensive capabilities and a wide range of utility options, alongside relatively strong damage output due to buffs to various abilities. However, the loss of the Retribution Aura raid buff, which previously ensured their spot in most content, means that they will need to maintain high damage output to stay viable in future content.

Retribution Paladin Rotation in The War Within Pre-Patch

• Use Avenging Wrath, Execution Sentence, Wake of Ashes, and Divine Toll whenever available.
• Spend Holy Power on Templar's Verdict or Divine Storm when generators are on cooldown or at 5 Holy Power.
• Generate Holy Power with Hammer of Wrath, Judgment, and Blade of Justice.