
WoW SoD Ret Paladin
In this WoW SoD Ret Paladin guide, you will find the best build for Retribution Paladins in the Season of Discovery in WoW Classic. The build shows the best talents, runes, BiS gear, and enchants to DPS in dungeons and raids as a Ret Pally.
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- WoW SoD Exodin Ret Paladin Talents & Runes
- WoW SoD Twisting Ret Paladin Talents & Runes
- SoD Phase 7 Retribution Paladin BiS List
- SoD Phase 6 Retribution Paladin BiS List
- SoD Phase 5 Retribution Paladin BiS List
- SoD Phase 4 Ret Paladin BiS List
- SoD Ret Paladin Pre-Raid BiS List
- Ret Paladin Rotation
- Ret Paladin Consumables in SoD
- Ret Paladin Stat Priority
- More Builds for Paladins in Season of Discovery
- Additional Resources
WoW SoD Exodin Ret Paladin Talents & Runes
Choose the following talents and runes as a Ret Paladin for Phase 7 at level 60:
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This build is known as the “Exodin” spec based on the ability Exorcism. Learn where to find each rune in our guide WoW SoD Paladin Runes.
WoW SoD Twisting Ret Paladin Talents & Runes
Choose the following talents and runes as a Ret Paladin for Phase 7 at level 60:
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This build is based on Seal Twisting. It is more complex to play but offers a higher damage ceiling. With Seal Twisting, you want to auto-attack while Seal of Command and
Seal of Martyrdom are both active. For this to work, you have to time the second seal right before the auto attack will land.
SoD Phase 7 Retribution Paladin BiS List
The following Retribution Paladin BiS list contains the best items you can get in Phase 7 of Season of Discovery:
- Head (
Syncretist's Sigil)
Redemption Helmet (Naxxramas)
- Neck
Blazefury Medallion (
Lord Kazzak)
Stormrage's Talisman of Seething (
Naxxramas)
- Shoulders (
Might of the Scourge)
Avenger's Pauldrons (
Ahn'Qiraj)
Judgement Spaulders (
Blackwing Lair)
- Back (
Enchant Cloak - Agility)
Shroud of Dominion (
Naxxramas)
Cloak of the Fallen God (
Blackwing Lair)
- Chest (
Enchant Chest - Living Stats)
Redemption Breastplate (Naxxramas)
- Wrist (
Enchant Bracer - Superior Strength)
Redemption Vambraces (Naxxramas)
- Hands (
Enchant Gloves - Superior Strength)
Redemption Gloves (Naxxramas)
- Waist
Girdle of the Mentor (
Naxxramas)
Redemption Belt (
Naxxramas)
- Legs (
Syncretist's Sigil)
Avenger's Legguards (
Ahn'Qiraj)
Redemption Leggings (
Naxxramas)
- Feet (
Enchant Boots - Greater Agility)
Redemption Greaves (
Naxxramas)
Judgement Sabatons (
Blackwing Lair)
- Rings
Band of Redemption (Naxxramas)
Band of Unnatural Forces (Naxxramas)
- Trinkets
Speedstone (
Enchanting)
Kiss of the Spider (
Naxxramas)
Slayer's Crest (
Naxxramas)
Hand of Justice (
Blackrock Depths)
- Weapon (
Enchant Weapon - Crusader)
Claymore of Unholy Might (
Naxxramas)
Blade of Inquisition (
Ahn'Qiraj)
- Libram
Libram of the Exorcist (Enchanting)
Legend: Items marked with are BiS for Exodin, while items marked with
are BiS for seal-twisting.
Use Soul of the Excommunicator as your new shoulder enchant as a
Exodin. The Seal Twisting variant should use
Soul of the Judicator.
SoD Phase 6 Retribution Paladin BiS List
The following Retribution Paladin BiS list contains the best items you can get in Phase 6 of Season of Discovery:
- Head (
Syncretist's Sigil)
Avenger's Crown (Ahn'Qiraj)
- Neck
Ada's Amulet (
Blood of the Lightbringer from Blackwing Lair)
Blazefury Medallion (
Lord Kazzak)
- Shoulders (
Atal'ai Signet of Might)
Judgement Spaulders (
Blackwing Lair)
Avenger's Pauldrons (
Ahn'Qiraj)
- Back (
Enchant Cloak - Lesser Agility)
Cloak of Draconic Might (
Blackwing Lair)
Cloak of Concentrated Hatred (
Ahn'Qiraj)
- Chest (
Enchant Chest - Living Stats)
Avenger's Breastplate (Ahn'Qiraj)
- Wrist (
Enchant Bracer - Superior Strength)
Qiraji Execution Bracers (
Ahn'Qiraj)
Judgement Bindings (sold for 125
Tarnished Undermine Real by Pix Xizzix in Booty Bay, Stranglethorn Vale)
- Hands (
Enchant Gloves - Superior Agility)
Gauntlets of Annihilation (
Ahn'Qiraj)
Judgement Gauntlets (
Blackwing Lair)
- Waist
Judgement Belt (Prince Thunderaan)
- Legs (
Syncretist's Sigil)
Judgement Legplates (
Blackwing Lair)
Avenger's Legguards (
Ahn'Qiraj)
- Feet (
Enchant Boots - Greater Agility)
Judgement Sabatons (Blackwing Lair)
- Rings
Signet Ring of the Bronze Dragonflight (
Ahn'Qiraj)
Band of Earthen Might (
Veteran's Battlegear)
Ring of the Qiraji Fury (Ahn'Qiraj)
- Trinkets
Jom Gabbar (
Ahn'Qiraj)
Scrolls of Blinding Light (
Blackwing Lair)
Hand of Justice (Blackrock Depths)
- Two-Handed Weapon (
Enchant Weapon - Crusader)
Dark Edge of Insanity (
Ahn'Qiraj)
Kalimdor's Revenge (
Ahn'Qiraj)
- Libram
Libram of the Exorcist (Enchanting)
Legend: Items marked with are BiS for Exodin, while items marked with
are BiS for seal-twisting.
If you’re playing the seal-twisting variant, use the following enchants: Enchant Gloves - Greater Strength,
Zandalar Signet of Might, and replace
Arcanum of Rapidity on your legs with
Syncretist's Sigil.
SoD Phase 5 Retribution Paladin BiS List
The following Retribution Paladin BiS list contains the best items you can get in Phase 5 of Season of Discovery:
- Head (
Syncretist's Sigil)
Judgement Crown (Blackwing Lair)
- Neck
Ada's Amulet (
Blood of the Lightbringer from Blackwing Lair)
- Shoulders (
Atal'ai Signet of Might)
Judgement Spaulders (Blackwing Lair)
- Back (
Enchant Cloak - Lesser Agility)
Cloak of Draconic Might (Blackwing Lair)
- Chest (
Enchant Chest - Greater Stats)
Judgement Breastplate (Blackwing Lair)
- Wrist (
Enchant Bracer - Superior Strength)
Judgement Bindings (sold for 125
Tarnished Undermine Real by Pix Xizzix in Booty Bay, Stranglethorn Vale)
- Hands (
Enchant Gloves - Minor Haste)
Judgement Gauntlets (
Blackwing Lair)
Sacrificial Gauntlets (
Zul'Gurub)
- Waist
Judgement Belt (Prince Thunderaan)
- Legs (
Arcanum of Rapidity)
Judgement Legplates (Blackwing Lair)
- Feet (
Enchant Boots - Greater Agility)
Judgement Sabatons (
Blackwing Lair)
Chromatic Boots (
Blackwing Lair)
- Rings
Circle of Applied Force (Blackwing Lair)
Quick Strike Ring (Molten Core)
- Trinkets
Wrath of Wray (Prince Thunderaan)
Hand of Justice (Blackrock Depths)
- Two-Handed Weapon (
Enchant Weapon - Crusader)
Truthbearer (
Blood of the Lightbringer from Blackwing Lair)
The Untamed Blade (
Blackwing Lair)
- Libram
Libram of Plenty (sold for 25
Tarnished Undermine Real by Pix Xizzix in Booty Bay, Stranglethorn Vale)
Legend: Items marked with are BiS for Exodin, while items marked with
are BiS for seal-twisting.
If you’re playing the seal-twisting variant, use the following enchants: Enchant Gloves - Greater Strength,
Zandalar Signet of Might, and replace
Arcanum of Rapidity on your legs with
Syncretist's Sigil.
SoD Phase 4 Ret Paladin BiS List
The following Retribution Paladin BiS list contains the best items you can get in Phase 4 of Season of Discovery to DPS in raids and dungeons:
- Head (
Arcanum of Rapidity)
Soulforge Greathelm (
Saving the Best for Last) 1
Lawbringer Crown (Molten Core) 3
- Neck
Eskhandar's Collar (Onyxia)
- Shoulders (
Atal'ai Signet of Might)
Soulforge Spaulders (
Anthion's Parting Words) 2
Lawbringer Spaulders (Molten Core) 3
- Back (
Enchant Cloak - Lesser Agility)
Majordomo's Drape (Molten Core)
- Chest (
Enchant Chest - Greater Stats)
Wailing Berserker's Chestplate (Sunken Temple)
Lawbringer Breastplate (Molten Core) 3
- Wrist (
Enchant Bracer - Superior Strength)
Wristguards of Instability (Molten Core)
Lawbringer Warbands (Molten Core) 3
- Hands (
Enchant Gloves - Minor Haste)
Flameguard Gauntlets (Molten Core)
- Waist
Onslaught Girdle (Molten Core)
- Legs (
Arcanum of Rapidity)
Wailing Berserker's Legplates (Sunken Temple)
Lawbringer Leggings (Molten Core) 3
- Feet (
Enchant Boots - Greater Agility)
Wailing Berserker's Battleboots (Sunken Temple)
Lawbringer Battleboots (Molten Core) 3
- Rings
Quick Strike Ring (Molten Core)
Resin Loop (Demon Fall Canyon)
- Trinkets
Hand of Justice (Blackrock Depths)
Accursed Chalice (Demon Fall Canyon)
- Two-Handed Weapon (
Enchant Weapon - Crusader)
Sulfuras, Hand of Ragnaros (Molten Core)
- Libram
Libram of the Consecrated (Demon Fall Canyon)
1 This quest requires Lightforge Helm from Scholomance and
Lightforge Breastplate from Upper Blackrock Spire to complete.
2 This quest requires Lightforge Legplates from Stratholme,
Lightforge Boots from Stratholme, and
Lightforge Spaulders from Upper Blackrock Spire to complete.
3 The Lawbringer Radiance set pieces provide slightly less DPS than their alternatives. It is recommended to collect the Lawbringer Radiance set pieces nonetheless, in case Blizzard is nerfing the Sunken Temple set or buffing the Lawbringer Radiance in a future patch.
Fire Resistance for Heat Level 2 and Heat Level 3
To raid the more difficult heat levels in Molten Core you need to hit Fire Resistance thresholds. For Heat Level 2 you need at least 96 Fire Resistance and for Heat Level 3 you need at least 226 Fire Resistance. To increase your Fire Resistance you can equip gear, utilize enchantments, use consumables, and use buffs or activate your Fire Resistance Aura.
Use the following sources to increase your Fire Resistance to the required threshold:
Mark of the Wild (up to 27 Fire Resistance if improved)
Lesser Arcanum of Resilience (Head & Legs Enchants,
Libram of Resilience)
Blessed Flame Mantle of the Dawn (Argent Dawn – Exalted),
Flame Mantle of the Dawn (Argent Dawn – Revered)
Hydraxian Coronation (Hydraxian Waterlords – Honored)
Juju Ember (
Shardtooth E'ko at 61.8 38.2 in Winterspring)
Magic Resistance Potion (does not stack with
Mark of the Wild or
Fire Resistance Aura)
Miniaturized Fire Extinguisher (Demon Fall Canyon)
Onyxia Tooth Pendant (
Head of Onyxia)
Shining Chromatic Gauntlets (Lokhtos Darkbargainer in Blackrock Depths)
Devilcore Gauntlets &
Devilcore Leggings (Leatherworking)
Ocean's Breeze (
A Hero's Reward)
Blazefury Medallion (Lord Kazzak in Blasted Lands)
Pyremail Wristguards of Power (Blackrock Depths)
Wildfire Cape (Upper Blackrock Spire)
Drakefire Amulet (Blackrock Spire)
Fire Resistance Aura (does not stack with
Mark of the Wild. Try to avoid using this aura if possible)
Using Fire Resistance items often results in a DPS loss in comparison to your BiS list. After you’ve acquired new raid items recalculate your Fire Resistance and re-optimize your gear loadout.
🔥 Since the boss Garr from Molten Core can dispel magic effects, you should make sure your Paladin is hitting the Fire Resistance threshold without
Mark of the Wild for that specific fight. This might require you to have some off-pieces for that boss fight.
SoD Ret Paladin Pre-Raid BiS List
The following Retribution Paladin BiS list contains the best items you can get in Season of Discovery before entering the endgame raids at level 60.
- Head (
Arcanum of Rapidity)
Soulforge Greathelm (
Saving the Best for Last) 1
Tempered Interference-Negating Helmet (Blacksmithing)
Eye of Rend (Upper Blackrock Spire)
Greathelm of the Nightmare (Sunken Temple)
- Neck
Mark of Fordring (
In Dreams from Highlord Taelan Fordring in the northern part of Western Plaguelands)
Amulet of the Darkmoon (Darkmoon Faire)
- Shoulders (
Atal'ai Signet of Might)
Soulforge Spaulders (
Anthion's Parting Words) 2
Defiler's Plate Spaulders (Arathi Basin – Exalted)
Spaulders of Fanaticism (Sunken Temple)
- Back (
Enchant Cloak - Lesser Agility)
Cloak of the Honor Guard (Arathi Basin – Honored)
Cape of the Black Baron (Stratholme Undead)
Shroud of Domination (Upper Blackrock Spire)
- Chest (
Enchant Chest - Greater Stats)
Wailing Berserker's Chestplate (Sunken Temple) 4
Savage Gladiator Chain (Blackrock Depths)
Cadaverous Armor (Scholomance)
Soulforge Breastplate (
Saving the Best for Last) 1
- Wrist (
Enchant Bracer - Superior Strength)
Berserker Bracers (Warsong Gulch – Exalted)
Soulforge Bracers (
An Earnest Proposition)
- Hands (
Enchant Gloves - Minor Haste)
Soulforge Gauntlets (
Just Compensation) 3
Fiery Plate Gauntlets of the Hidden Technique (Blacksmithing)
Gauntlets of Valor (Stratholme)
Disease-Ridden Plate Fists (Sunken Temple)
- Waist
Brigam Girdle (Upper Blackrock Spire)
Soulforge Waistguard (
Just Compensation) 3
- Legs (
Arcanum of Rapidity)
Wailing Berserker's Legplates (Sunken Temple) 4
Cloudkeeper Legplates (World Drop)
- Feet (
Enchant Boots - Greater Agility)
Wailing Berserker's Battleboots (Sunken Temple) 4
Soulforge Warboots (
Anthion's Parting Words) 2
Boots of Valor (Scholomance)
Bloodmail Boots (Scholomance)
- Rings
Resin Loop (Demon Fall Canyon)
Don Julio's Band (Alterac Valley – Exalted)
Protector's Band (Warsong Gulch – Honored)
Painweaver Band (Upper Blackrock Spire)
- Trinkets
Hand of Justice (Blackrock Depths)
Accursed Chalice (Demon Fall Canyon)
Darkmoon Card: Sandstorm (Darkmoon Faire)
Blackhand's Breadth (Upper Blackrock Spire)
- Two-Handed Weapon (
Enchant Weapon - Crusader)
Impervious Giant (Blackrock Depths)
Sul'thraze the Lasher (Zul'Farrak)
Barovian Family Sword (Scholomance)
Angerforge's Battle Axe (Blackrock Depths)
- Libram
Libram of the Consecrated (Demon Fall Canyon)
1 This quest requires Lightforge Helm from Scholomance and
Lightforge Breastplate from Upper Blackrock Spire to complete.
2 This quest requires Lightforge Legplates from Stratholme,
Lightforge Boots from Stratholme, and
Lightforge Spaulders from Upper Blackrock Spire to complete.
3 This quest requires Lightforge Belt and
Lightforge Gauntlets to complete. Both items drop in Stratholme.
4 Use this item only if you have all three pieces of the set.
5 This quest requires Lightforge Bracers from Scholomance to complete. Additionally, you need 15
Winterspring Blood Sample from Frostsabers like Frostsaber Cub and Frostsaber Stalker in the northern corner of Winterspring.
If you are not Seal Twisting, you want to use fast weapons like those shown above. If you’re Seal Twisting, you want to use slow weapons like The Unstoppable Force (Alterac Valley – Exalted) or
Blackblade of Shahram (Upper Blackrock Spire).
Ret Paladin Rotation
The rotation as a Ret Paladin in WoW SoD depends on whether you’re playing the Exodin or Seal Twisting variant of a Ret
Paladin.
Exorcism Rotation
This is the priority system for Exodins:
- Keep
Seal of Martyrdom up.
- Cast
Judgement right before your Seal runs out. Recast
Seal of Martyrdom after.
- Cast
Exorcism whenever it’s available.
- Cast
Crusader Strike whenever it’s available.
- Cast
Divine Storm when it’s available.
- Cast
Holy Wrath when it’s available.
- Cast
Consecration when it’s available.
Seal Twisting Rotation
This is the priority system for Seal Twisting:
- Have one of the two seals up:
Seal of Martyrdom or
Seal of Command.
- Cast the other seal less than 400ms before your auto attack will land. This way, your auto attack will benefit from both seals. It is recommended to use an addon or WeakAura that shows you auto attack timer.
- Cast
Judgement after the auto attack while you still have both seals up. The first seal will only have 400ms uptime after you casted the second seal. The more you can delay the second seal towards the auto attack (e.g. casting it 200ms instead of 400ms before the auto attack), the more time you have after the auto attack to cast
Judgement.
You do not need to time yourJudgement, if you have the 2-set bonus of Tier 2 (e.g.
Judgement Breastplate).
- Cast one filler spell. Your weapon has to be slow enough so you can still seal twist before the next auto attack. This is the priority list for your filler spells:
Crusader Strike
Divine Storm
Exorcist
Ret Paladin Consumables in SoD
The following list of consumables can be used by Ret Paladins in endgame raids at level 60:
Flask of Ancient Knowledge
Mildly Irradiated Rejuvenation Potion
Juju Power /
Elixir of Giants
Elixir of the Honey Badger
Juju Might /
Winterfall Firewater
Smoked Desert Dumplings
Consecrated Sharpening Stone
Dragonbreath Chili
Elixir of the Mage-Lord
Mageblood Potion
Major Mana Potion
Don’t use Consecrated Sharpening Stone on your weapon, if you have
Wild Strikes.
Ret Paladin Stat Priority
As a Ret Paladin you want to prioritize gear with the following stats:
- Up to 9% Hit Chance against level 60 raid bosses.
- Crit Chance
- Strength
- Agility
- Attack Power
Due to your finger runes, you only need to get 6% Hit Chance to reach the hit cap. After reaching the hit cap, more Hit Chance has no value for melee attacks.
More Builds for Paladins in Season of Discovery
The Paladin is a hybrid in WoW Classic. Depending on the role you take on in a group, your
Paladin will need a different build. The following builds are for your other roles:
Tank Build for Paladins in Season of Discovery
To tank in dungeons and raids, use the WoW SoD Paladin Tank Spec. The Protection Paladin spec is optimized to maintain your opponents’ threat and reduce incoming damage.
Healer Build for Paladins in Season of Discovery
To heal in dungeons and raids, use the WoW SoD Paladin Healer Spec. This spec is optimized to heal your dungeon group and raid members.
Additional Resources
You can find more resources about the WoW SoD Paladin here, including Paladin Macros for WoW Classic. Special thanks to the WoWSims team for providing an invaluable simulation tool to optimize BiS lists. If you want to learn more and optimize your gameplay, visit the Classic Paladin Discord community for discussions and insights.