Midnight S1
Melee DPS

Paladin — Retribution

Retribution is a Holy Power priority spec that builds with generators and spends on Final Verdict, Divine Storm, or Templar's Hammer of Light. Templar is the current default in raid and Mythic+, using Wake of Ashes to open a 20-second Hammer of Light window.

World of Warcraft: Midnight · Season 1

Guide contents
Spec briefing

How Retribution Paladin wins

Retribution is a Holy Power priority spec that builds with generators and spends on Final Verdict, Divine Storm, or Templar's Hammer of Light. Templar is the current default in raid and Mythic+, using Wake of Ashes to open a 20-second Hammer of Light window.

Role
Melee DPS
Stat lead
Strength then Mastery
Single target
Templar
Cleave / AoE
Templar
Patch 12.0.7Updated Jul 16, 2026

Strong when

  • Strong burst and cleave
  • Great utility (Blessings, bubbles)
  • Exceptional group utility and personal defensives

Plan around

Character setup

Stat priority and consumables

Item level and effect strength still matter. Use this ordering to break close choices, then re-check it after major gear swaps.

  1. 1.Strength
  2. 2.Mastery
  3. 3.Haste
  4. 4.Critical Strike
  5. 5.Versatility

Strength > Mastery >= Haste > Critical Strike > Versatility is the current general order. Stat weights move with gear, targets, trinkets, and build; sim your character before replacing a higher-item-level piece or changing gems.

Consumables

Flasks, food, potions, weapon oils, and runes for this build.

6 rows
FoodRootland CelebrationDefault feast.FlaskFlask of the MagistersDefault damage flask.Combat PotionLight's PotentialUse in the planned Templar burst window.Health PotionSilvermoon Health PotionCarry for raid, keys, and PvP.Weapon OilThalassian Phoenix OilDefault weapon oil.Augment RuneVoid-Touched Augment RuneUse for progression and high keys.
Combat

Opener and priority

Use these as decision priorities, not a rigid cast sequence. Re-evaluate whenever targets, resources, procs, or mechanics change.

Core principles

  • Holy Power economy: generating and spending Holy Power is the majority of your damage. Do not waste it by generating above the level you need.
  • Use your procs: Light Within is wasted if Blade of Justice is not used fast enough, and Art of War procs should be spent as soon as possible.
  • Manage your cooldowns: using them as they come up is usually best, but sometimes you hold one slightly so everything lines up, or hold for mechanics and extra add spawns.
Templar (Execution Sentence)The default Templar build. Swap to the AoE list at 3+ targets in almost all builds - or 2+ with Tempest of the Lightbringer and no Jurisdiction.

Single-target priority

  1. 1.Avenging Wrath
  2. 2.Execution Sentence
  3. 3.Hammer of Light - if it is castable after using Wake of Ashes
  4. 4.Hammer of Light - with a Light's Deliverance proc if Avenging Wrath or Execution Sentence will end within a few seconds, if you lack the Undisputed Ruling Haste buff and Avenging Wrath is at least 5 seconds away, or if the proc or target will expire soon
  5. 5.Final Verdict - with 5 Holy Power
  6. 6.Wake of Ashes
  7. 7.Divine Toll
  8. 8.Blade of Justice - with an Art of War proc
  9. 9.Final Verdict
  10. 10.Blade of Justice
  11. 11.Hammer of Wrath
  12. 12.Judgment

AoE priority

  1. 1.Avenging Wrath
  2. 2.Execution Sentence
  3. 3.Hammer of Light - if it is castable after using Wake of Ashes
  4. 4.Hammer of Light - with a Light's Deliverance proc, same conditions as single target
  5. 5.Divine Storm - with 5 Holy Power
  6. 6.Wake of Ashes
  7. 7.Divine Toll
  8. 8.Blade of Justice - with an Art of War proc
  9. 9.Divine Storm
  10. 10.Blade of Justice
  11. 11.Hammer of Wrath
  12. 12.Judgment

Opener

  1. 1.Blade of Justice.
  2. 2.Avenging Wrath.
  3. 3.Light's Potential and any on-use trinkets.
  4. 4.Execution Sentence.
  5. 5.Wake of Ashes.
  6. 6.Hammer of Light.
  7. 7.Divine Toll.
  8. 8.Continue with the normal rotation.
Templar (Radiant Glory)Radiant Glory removes Avenging Wrath as a button - Wake of Ashes applies it automatically - so the list starts straight at Hammer of Light.

Single-target priority

  1. 1.Hammer of Light - if it is castable after using Wake of Ashes
  2. 2.Hammer of Light - with a Light's Deliverance proc if Avenging Wrath is up but ending within a few seconds, if you lack the Undisputed Ruling Haste buff, or if the proc or target will expire soon
  3. 3.Final Verdict - with 5 Holy Power
  4. 4.Wake of Ashes
  5. 5.Divine Toll
  6. 6.Blade of Justice - with an Art of War proc
  7. 7.Final Verdict
  8. 8.Blade of Justice
  9. 9.Hammer of Wrath
  10. 10.Judgment

AoE priority

  1. 1.Hammer of Light - if it is castable after using Wake of Ashes
  2. 2.Hammer of Light - with a Light's Deliverance proc, same conditions as single target
  3. 3.Divine Storm - with 5 Holy Power
  4. 4.Wake of Ashes
  5. 5.Divine Toll
  6. 6.Blade of Justice - with an Art of War proc
  7. 7.Divine Storm
  8. 8.Blade of Justice
  9. 9.Hammer of Wrath
  10. 10.Judgment

Opener

  1. 1.Blade of Justice.
  2. 2.Light's Potential and any on-use trinkets.
  3. 3.Wake of Ashes.
  4. 4.Hammer of Light.
  5. 5.Divine Toll.
  6. 6.Continue with the normal rotation.
Herald of the Sun (Templar Strikes)The Herald alternative. No Hammer of Light - Templar Strike and Templar Slash close out the list and Hammer of Wrath rises with Art of War.

Opener

  1. 1.Blade of Justice.
  2. 2.Avenging Wrath.
  3. 3.Light's Potential and any on-use trinkets.
  4. 4.Execution Sentence.
  5. 5.Wake of Ashes.
  6. 6.Final Verdict, twice.
  7. 7.Divine Toll.
  8. 8.Continue with the normal rotation.

Pre-combat checks

  • Use a flask.
  • Apply weapon oil.
  • Eat food.
  • These buffs matter most for raids - dungeons, delves, and open-world content generally do not require all of them.

Major cooldowns

Execution Sentence

  • Fit as much damage inside its window as you can - all damage done to targets hit by the initial damage counts toward the funnel portion, so keep using AoE abilities against multiple targets.
  • The final damage portion is buffed by effects active when it lands, not when it is cast - keep buffs like Avenging Wrath active for the landing.

Radiant Glory

  • Removes Avenging Wrath as an active ability and automatically applies it when Wake of Ashes is used.
  • Because the buff is short and Wake of Ashes hits hard, cast Wake of Ashes inside an Execution Sentence window rather than trying to pre-buff Execution Sentence when using both.

Cooldown alignment

  • Retribution's cooldowns are mostly 30- and 60-second abilities that naturally line up when used on cooldown.
  • Hammer of Light: prioritize it when castable after Wake of Ashes, and spend Light's Deliverance procs before your buffs run out, before the proc expires, or before the target dies.
Build

Talents and hero trees

Use Templar for the single-target profile below and Templar when cleave or adds make its toolkit more valuable.

Recommended starting profiles

Single-target: Templar

Templar is the current recommended hero tree for both raid and Mythic+. Wake of Ashes becomes Hammer of Light for 20 seconds, creating a high-priority five-Holy-Power spender.

  • Templar hero tree
  • Stat priority: Strength > Mastery
  • Interrupt: Rebuke

Multi-target: Templar

Herald of the Sun is a viable alternative but currently trails Templar overall. Choose it for preference, not because a generic guide claims it is the default AoE tree.

  • Templar hero tree
  • Prioritize AoE and add-swap talents
  • Interrupt: Rebuke

Verified import strings

Start with the profile matching your content. Boss and dungeon tabs in the gear section show the exact loadout used for each ranked result.

Open talent calculator

Raid - Templar Single Target

Current recommended Templar single-target build. Execution Sentence is the default burst package; Radiant Glory is a viable alternative when its shorter cadence better fits the encounter.

TemplarExecution SentenceWake of AshesHammer of LightDivine TollBlade of JusticeFinal Verdict
In-game import string
CYEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMAgRz22MzsMMzAAAAAAwoMLGmZsNMbDzsNjxYmhZsx2wAAQmZabmZbGAwGgBAjZYgZMmNsMDGGDDG
Open in talent calculator →Raid BiS equipment ↓

Mythic+ - Templar Cleave

Current recommended Templar cleave build. Swap Tempest of the Lightbringer for Jurisdiction when a key needs more single-target, and consider Radiant Glory where Execution Sentence funnel is not valuable.

TemplarExecution SentenceTempest of the LightbringerWake of AshesHammer of LightDivine TollDivine Storm
In-game import string
CYEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMAAa22mZmlxYmBAAAAAwMlZxwMjthZbYmtZMGjhZsxGGAAyMTbzMbzAA2AMAYMDDMzMzshlZwwYYwA
Open in talent calculator →Live Mythic+ gear →

Raid - Herald Alternative

Viable Herald of the Sun single-target alternative for players who prefer its simpler empowered-ability loop. Templar is still the current recommended choice.

Herald of the SunExecution SentenceWake of AshesFinal VerdictDivine StormHammer of Wrath
In-game import string
CYEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMAAaW2mZmlhZGAAAAAAGlZxwMjthZbYmtZMGzMMjF2GGwsMbzMzWDCAAYBwAgxMMDmxYWAmZGGDDG
Open in talent calculator →Raid BiS equipment ↓

Complete talent reference

Every class, specialization, and hero-tree talent from Blizzard game data. Active and choice talents stay open; passive nodes remain searchable and expand on demand.

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Talent type

Paladin class tree

Shared class talents, including throughput, control, defensives, and movement.

62 of 62 shown

Active and choice talents

Lay on HandsActiveHeals a friendly target for an amount equal to 100% your maximum health. Cannot be used on a target with Forbearance. Causes Forbearance for 30 sec.Auras of the ResoluteActiveLearn Concentration Aura, Devotion Aura, and Crusader Aura: Concentration Aura: Interrupt and Silence effects on party and raid members within 40 yds are 30% shorter. Devotion Aura: Party and raid members within 40 yds are bolstered by their devotion, reducing damage taken by 3%. Crusader Aura: Increases mounted speed by 20% for all party and raid members within 40 yds.Cleanse ToxinsActiveCleanses a friendly target, removing all Poison and Disease effects.Blinding LightActiveEmits dazzling light in all directions, blinding enemies within 10 yds, causing them to wander disoriented for 6 sec. Damage may cancel the effect.Turn EvilActiveThe power of the Light compels an Undead, Aberration, or Demon target to flee for up to 40 sec. Damage may break the effect. Lesser creatures have a chance to be destroyed. Only one target can be turned at a time.AfterimageChoiceAfter you spend 20 Holy Power, your next Word of Glory echoes onto a nearby ally at 30% effectiveness.Healing HandsChoiceThe cooldown of Lay on Hands is reduced up to 60%, based on the target's missing health. Word of Glory's healing is increased by up to 100% on yourself, based on your missing health.Divine SteedActiveLeap atop your Charger for 3 sec, increasing movement speed by 100%. Usable while indoors or in combat.Wrench EvilChoiceTurn Evil's cast time is reduced by 100%.Stand Against EvilChoiceTurn Evil now affects 5 additional enemies.Steed of LibertyChoiceDivine Steed also grants Blessing of Freedom for 3.0 sec. Blessing of Freedom: Blesses a party or raid member, granting immunity to movement impairing effects for 8 sec.Blessing of FreedomChoiceBlesses a party or raid member, granting immunity to movement impairing effects for 8 sec.RebukeActiveInterrupts spellcasting and prevents any spell in that school from being cast for 5 sec.Divine TollActiveInstantly cast Holy Shock, Avenger's Shield, or Judgment on up to 5 targets within 30 yds.Blessing of SacrificeActiveBlesses a party or raid member, reducing their damage taken by 30%, but you suffer 100% of damage prevented. Last 12 sec, or until transferred damage would cause you to fall below 20% health.Divine ResonanceChoiceAfter casting Divine Toll, you instantly cast Holy Shock every 5 sec for 15 sec.Quickened InvocationChoiceDivine Toll's, Holy Armament's, and Holy Prism's cooldown is reduced by 15 sec.Blessing of ProtectionActiveBlesses a party or raid member, granting immunity to Physical damage and harmful effects for 10 sec. Cannot be used on a target with Forbearance. Causes Forbearance for 30 sec.Sacrifice of the JustChoiceReduces the cooldown of Blessing of Sacrifice by 60 sec.RecompenseChoiceAfter your Blessing of Sacrifice ends, 50% of the total damage it diverted is added to your next Judgment as bonus damage, or your next Word of Glory as bonus healing. This effect's bonus damage cannot exceed 30% of your maximum health and its bonus healing cannot exceed 100% of your maximum health.Sacred StrengthChoiceHoly Power spending abilities have 2% increased damage and healing.Divine PurposeChoiceHoly Power spending abilities have a 10% chance to make your next Holy Power spending ability free and deal 10% increased damage and healing.Worthy SacrificeChoiceYou automatically cast Blessing of Sacrifice onto an ally within 40 yds when they are below 35% health and you are not in a loss of control effect. This effect activates 100% of Blessing of Sacrifice's cooldown.Righteous ProtectionChoiceBlessing of Sacrifice now removes and prevents all Poison and Disease effects.Golden PathChoiceConsecration heals you and 5 allies within it for 2 every 0.9 sec.Selfless HealerChoiceFlash of Light and Holy Light are 30% more effective on your allies and 40% of the healing done also heals you.

Passive talents

Hammer of WrathPassiveDuring Avenging Wrath, Judgment is empowered into Hammer of Wrath. Hammer of Wrath Hurls a divine hammer that strikes an enemy for 43 Holy damage. Generates 1 Holy Power.Empyreal WardPassiveLay on Hands grants the target 30% increased armor for 8 sec and now ignores healing reduction effects.Fist of JusticePassiveHammer of Justice's cooldown is reduced by 15 sec.A Just RewardPassive2 ranksAfter Cleanse successfully removes an effect from an ally, they are healed for 4,104.Guided PrayerPassiveWhen your health is brought below 25%, you instantly cast a free Word of Glory at 60% effectiveness on yourself. Cannot occur more than once every 60 sec.Light's CountenancePassiveThe cooldown of Blinding Light is reduced by 15 sec.Greater JudgmentPassiveJudgment causes the target to take 20% increased damage from your next Holy Power ability. Multiple applications may overlap.Holy ReprievePassiveYour Forbearance's duration is reduced by 10 sec.Shield of VengeancePassiveDivine Protection reduces damage taken by an additional 10% and casts Shield of Vengeance. Shield of Vengeance Creates a barrier of holy light that absorbs 9,165 damage for 10 sec. When the shield expires, it bursts to inflict Holy damage equal to the total amount absorbed, divided among all nearby enemies.CavalierPassiveDivine Steed now has 2 charges.Divine SpursPassiveDivine Steed's cooldown is reduced by 20%, but its duration is reduced by 40%.ObduracyPassive2 ranksSpeed increased by 4% and damage taken from area of effect attacks reduced by 4%.Unbound FreedomPassiveBlessing of Freedom increases movement speed by 30%, and you gain Blessing of Freedom when cast on a friendly target.Sanctified PlatesPassive2 ranksArmor increased by 20%, Stamina increased by 10% and damage taken from area of effect attacks reduced by 6%.PunishmentPassiveSuccessfully interrupting an enemy with Rebuke casts an extra Crusader Strike.Divine ReachPassiveThe radius of your auras is increased by 20 yds.Brought to LightPassiveKilling an enemy that yields experience or honor causes you to explode with holy energy, healing up to 5 nearby allies and yourself for 175, split evenly among them.Fear No EvilPassiveFear duration on you reduced by 20%. This effect is increased to 60% during Avenging Wrath.Consecrated GroundPassiveYour Consecration is 15% larger, and enemies within it have 50% reduced movement speed.Holy AegisPassiveArmor and critical strike chance increased by 4%.Improved Blessing of ProtectionPassiveReduces the cooldown of Blessing of Protection by 60 sec.Unbreakable SpiritPassiveReduces the cooldown of your Divine Shield, Divine Protection, and Lay on Hands by 30%.Lightforged BlessingPassiveDivine Storm heals you and up to 2 nearby allies for 35.Lead the ChargePassiveDivine Steed reduces the cooldown of 4 nearby ally's major movement ability by 3.0 sec. Your movement speed is increased by 3%.Holy RitualPassiveAllies are healed for 7,670 when you cast Blessing of Protection or Blessing of Sacrifice on them.Blessed CallingPassiveAllies affected by your Blessings have 15% increased movement speed.Inspired GuardPassiveDivine Protection increases healing taken by 15% for its duration.Light's RevocationPassiveRemoving harmful effects with Divine Shield heals you for 10% for each effect removed. This heal cannot exceed 30% of your maximum health. Divine Shield may now be cast while Forbearance is active.Faith's ArmorPassiveWord of Glory grants 20% bonus armor for 4.5 sec.StoicismPassiveThe duration of stun effects on you is reduced by 20%.Seal of MightPassive2 ranksMastery increased by 4% and Intellect increased by 4%.Vengeful WrathPassive2 ranksHammer of Wrath deals up to 50% additional damage based on its target's health. Lower health targets receive more damage.Eye for an EyePassiveMelee and ranged attackers receive 133 Holy damage each time they strike you during Divine Protection and Divine Shield.Blessing of DawnPassiveWhile you are above 85% health, 5% of all damage taken by allies within 20 yds is redirected to you, up to a maximum of 1,527 every 5 sec.LightbearerPassive10% of all healing done to you from other sources heals up to 4 nearby allies, divided evenly among them.Blessing of DuskPassiveDamage taken reduced by up to 10%, increasing as your health decreases.

Retribution specialization tree

Every Retribution talent currently exposed by Blizzard game data.

39 of 39 shown

Active and choice talents

Blade of JusticeActivePierce an enemy with a blade of light, dealing 48 Holy damage. Generates 1 Holy Power.Divine StormActiveUnleashes a whirl of divine energy, dealing 67 Holy damage to all nearby enemies. Deals reduced damage beyond 5 targets.Swift JusticeChoiceReduces the cooldown of Judgment by 2 sec and Crusader Strike by 2 sec.Light of JusticeChoiceReduces the cooldown of Blade of Justice by 2 sec.Avenging WrathActiveCall upon the Light to become an avatar of retribution, increasing your damage, healing, and critical strike chance by 20% for 20 sec.Final VerdictActiveUnleashes a powerful weapon strike that deals 139 Holy damage to an enemy target, Final Verdict has a 15% chance to reset the cooldown of Judgment.Improved Blade of JusticeChoiceBlade of Justice now has 2 charges.Holy BladeChoiceBlade of Justice generates 1 additional Holy Power.Righteous CauseChoiceEach Holy Power spent has a 6% chance to reset the cooldown of Blade of Justice.Art of WarChoiceYour auto attacks have a 15% chance to reset the cooldown of Blade of Justice. Critical strikes increase the chance by an additional 10%.Improved JudgmentChoiceJudgment now has 2 charges.Boundless JudgmentChoiceJudgment has a 50% increased chance to trigger Mastery: Highlord's Judgment.Templar StrikesChoiceCrusader Strike loses a charge but is now a combo ability. Templar Strike slashes an enemy for 43 Radiant damage and gets followed up by Templar Slash that deals 50 Radiant damage. Templar Slash always critically strikes.Crusading StrikesChoiceCrusader Strike replaces your auto-attacks and deals 83 Physical damage, but you auto-attack 20% slower.Wake of AshesActiveLash out at your enemies, dealing 112 Radiant damage to all enemies within 14 yds in front of you, and applying Truth's Wake, burning the targets for an additional 67 damage over 9 sec. Demon and Undead enemies are also stunned for 5 sec. Generates 3 Holy Power.Execution SentenceActiveUnleash a heavenly blast around the target, dealing 176 Holy damage to all enemies nearby, and call down a hammer that slowly falls from the sky upon the target. After 10 sec, they suffer 20% of the Holy damage you dealt to all targets affected by the initial blast during that time.Light WithinActiveArt of War increases the damage of your next Blade of Justice by 150%.

Passive talents

ExpurgationPassiveYour Blade of Justice causes the target to burn for 27 Radiant damage over 9 sec. When reapplied, any remaining damage is added to the new effect.Judgment of JusticePassiveJudgment deals 10% increased damage and increases your movement speed by 10% for 5 sec. If you have Greater Judgment, Judgment slows enemies by 30% for 8 sec.JurisdictionPassiveTemplar's Verdict and Blade of Justice deal 10% increased damage. The range of Blade of Justice is increased to 20 yds.Tempest of the LightbringerPassiveDivine Storm projects an additional wave of light, striking all enemies up to 20 yds in front of you for 20% of Divine Storm's damage.Rush of LightPassiveThe critical strikes of your Holy Power generating abilities grant you 5% Haste for 10 sec.SanctifyPassiveEnemies hit by Divine Storm take 20% more damage from Consecration and Divine Hammers for 12 sec. Holy FlamesPassiveYou deal 5% increased Holy damage to targets burning from your Expurgation.Zealot's FervorPassive2 ranksAuto-attack speed increased by 40%.Heart of the CrusaderPassive2 ranksCrusader Strike and auto-attacks deal 20% increased damage and deal 20% increased critical strike damage. Blade of VengeancePassiveBlade of Justice now hits nearby enemies for 20 Holy damage. Deals reduced damage beyond 5 targets.Empyrean PowerPassiveCrusader Strike has a 15% chance to make your next Divine Storm free and deal 15% additional damage.Highlord's WrathPassiveMastery: Highlord's Judgment is 50% more effective on Judgment and Hammer of Wrath. Judgment applies an additional stack of Greater Judgment if it is known.Blessed ChampionPassiveCrusader Strike and Judgment hit an additional 4 targets but deal 25% reduced damage to secondary targets.Burning CrusadePassiveYour damage over time effects deal 10% more damage.Blades of LightPassive2 ranksCrusader Strike, Judgment and Blade of Justice deal 20% increased damage.Divine WrathPassive2 ranksIncreases the duration of Avenging Wrath or Crusade by 4 sec.Seething FlamesPassiveWake of Ashes deals significantly reduced damage to secondary targets, but now causes you to lash out 2 extra times for 79 Radiant damage. Empyrean LegacyPassiveAvenging Wrath empowers your next Word of Glory to automatically activate Light of Dawn with 25% increased effectiveness.Judge, Jury and ExecutionerPassiveHoly Power spending abilities deal 5% increased damage. After casting Execution Sentence, your next 1 Holy Power ability will refund its Holy Power cost.Radiant GloryPassiveAvenging Wrath is replaced with Radiant Glory. Radiant Glory Wake of Ashes activates Avenging Wrath for 8 sec.Burn to AshPassiveWhen Truth's Wake critically strikes, its duration is extended by 2 sec. Your other damage over time effects deal 30% increased damage to targets affected by Truth's Wake. CrusadePassiveAvenging Wrath now grants you 2% Haste. Each Holy Power spent during Avenging Wrath increases Haste by an additional 2%, up to 20%.

Templar

Templar hero talents, including every active, choice, and passive node exposed by Blizzard.

17 of 17 shown

Passive talents

Wrathful DescentPassiveWhen Empyrean Hammer critically strikes, 50% of its damage is dealt to nearby enemies. Enemies hit by this effect deal 5% reduced damage to you for 8 sec.Higher CallingPassiveCrusader Strike, Hammer of Wrath and Blade of Justice extend the duration of Shake the Heavens by 1 sec.Sacrosanct CrusadePassiveWake of Ashes surrounds you with a Holy barrier for 10% of your maximum health. Hammer of Light heals you for 5% of your maximum health, increased by 1% for each additional target hit. Any overhealing done with this effect gets converted into a Holy barrier instead.Light's GuidancePassiveWake of Ashes is replaced with Hammer of Light for 20 sec after it is cast. Hammer of Light: Hammer down your enemy with the power of the Light, dealing 240 Holy damage and 121 Holy damage up to 7 nearby enemies. Additionally, calls down Empyrean Hammers from the sky to strike 3 nearby enemies for 16 Holy damage each. Costs 5 Holy Power. Light's DeliverancePassiveYou gain a stack of Light's Deliverance when you call down an Empyrean Hammer. While Wake of Ashes and Hammer of Light are unavailable, you consume 60 stacks of Light's Deliverance, empowering yourself to cast Hammer of Light an additional time for free.Zealous VindicationPassiveHammer of Light instantly calls down 2 Empyrean Hammers on your target when it is cast.HammerfallPassiveTemplar's Verdict calls down an Empyrean Hammer on a nearby enemy. While Shake the Heavens is active, this effect calls down an additional Empyrean Hammer.Undisputed RulingPassiveHammer of Light applies Judgment to its targets, and increases your Haste by 12% for 6 sec.Shake the HeavensPassiveAfter casting Hammer of Light, you call down an Empyrean Hammer on a nearby target every 2 sec, for 8 sec.Light's JudicatorPassiveEmpyrean Hammer deals 20% increased critical strike damage and its critical strikes have 50% chance to grant an additional stack of Light's Deliverance.Divine HammerPassiveDivine Toll summons Divine Hammers that spin around you for 8 sec. Divine Hammer Strikes all enemies nearby for 49 Holy damage every 2 sec. Deals reduced damage beyond 8 targets.

Lightsmith

Lightsmith hero talents, including every active, choice, and passive node exposed by Blizzard.

19 of 19 shown

Active and choice talents

Divine InspirationChoiceYour spells and abilities have a chance to manifest a Holy Armament for a nearby ally.ForewarningChoiceThe cooldown of Holy Armaments is reduced by 20%.Authoritative RebukeChoiceSuccessfully dispelling a harmful effect reduces Cleanse's cooldown by 1.0 sec. Effect increased by 100% while wielding a Holy Armament.Tempered in BattleChoiceWhen you or an ally wielding a Holy Bulwark are healed above maximum health, transfer 100% of the overhealing to your ally. When you or an ally wielding a Sacred Weapon drop below 40% health, redistribute your health immediately and every 1 sec for 4 sec. May only occur once per cast.Rite of SanctificationChoiceImbue your weapon with the power of the Light, increasing your armor by 5% and your primary stat by 2%. Lasts 1 hour.Rite of AdjurationChoiceImbue your weapon with the power of the Light, increasing your Stamina by 3% and causing your Holy Power abilities to sometimes unleash a burst of healing around a target. Lasts 1 hour.Holy BulwarkActiveWill the Light to coalesce and become manifest as a Holy Armament, wielded by your friendly target. Holy Bulwark: While wielding a Holy Bulwark, gain an absorb shield for 15.0% of your max health and an additional 2.0% every 2 sec. Lasts 20 sec. Becomes Sacred Weapon after use. Generates 3 Holy Power.Divine GuidanceChoiceFor each Holy Power ability cast, your next Consecration deals 1,140 damage or healing immediately, split across all enemies and allies.Blessed AssuranceChoiceCasting a Holy Power ability increases the damage and healing of your next Crusader Strike by 200%.Holy ArmamentsActiveWill the Light to coalesce and become manifest as a Holy Armament, wielded by your friendly target. Holy Bulwark: While wielding a Holy Bulwark, gain an absorb shield for 15.0% of your max health and an additional 2.0% every 2 sec. Lasts 20 sec. Becomes Sacred Weapon after use. Generates 3 Holy Power.

Passive talents

SolidarityPassiveIf you bestow an Armament upon an ally, you also gain its benefits. If you bestow an Armament upon yourself, a nearby ally also gains its benefits.ValiancePassiveConsuming Infusion of Light reduces the cooldown of Holy Armaments by 3.0 sec.Blessing of the ForgePassiveAvenging Wrath summons an additional Sacred Weapon, and during Avenging Wrath your Sacred Weapon casts spells on your target and echoes the effects of your Holy Power abilities.Laying Down ArmsPassiveWhen an Armament fades from you, the cooldown of Lay on Hands is reduced by 15.0 sec and you gain Infusion of Light.Shared ResolvePassiveThe effect of your active Aura is increased by 33% on targets with your Armaments.Reflection of RadiancePassiveWhen your Holy Bulwark absorbs damage or your Sacred Weapon deals damage or healing, you have a chance to gain Awakening.MasterworkPassiveAfter casting a Holy Armament, your next 3 abilities cast a Lesser Armament of the same kind on a nearby ally.Hammer and AnvilPassiveJudgment critical strikes cause a shockwave around the target, healing to up to 5 injuried allies for 430.Resounding StrikePassiveHoly Armaments activate Hammer and Anvil at 100% effectiveness.

Herald of the Sun

Herald of the Sun hero talents, including every active, choice, and passive node exposed by Blizzard.

17 of 17 shown

Active and choice talents

Blessing of An'sheChoiceThe healing and damage of Holy Shock is increased by 15%.Lingering RadianceChoiceDawnlight leaves an Eternal Flame for 6 sec on allies or a Greater Judgment on enemies when it expires or is extended.Morning StarChoiceEvery 5.0 sec, your next Dawnlight's damage or healing is increased by 5%, stacking up to 10 times. Morning Star stacks twice as fast while out of combat.Gleaming RaysChoiceYour Holy Power spenders deal 3% additional damage and healing.Eternal FlameActiveHeals an ally for 1,436 and an additional 465 over 16 sec. Healing increased by 25% when cast on self.IllumineChoiceDawnlight reduces the movement speed of enemies by 50% and increases the movement speed of allies by 20%.Will of the DawnChoiceMovement speed increased by 5% while above 80% health. When your health is brought below 35%, your movement speed is increased by 40% for 5 sec. Cannot occur more than once every 1 min.

Passive talents

AuroraPassiveAfter you cast Holy Prism or Divine Toll, gain Divine Purpose. Divine Purpose Your next Holy Power spending ability is free and deals 15% increased damage and healing.Sun SearPassiveHoly Shock and Light of Dawn critical strikes cause the target to be healed for an additional 281 over 4 sec.LuminosityPassiveCritical Strike chance of Holy Shock and Light of Dawn increased by 5%.Second SunrisePassiveLight of Dawn and Holy Shock have a 15% chance to cast again at 30% effectiveness.Walk Into LightPassiveInfusion of Light occurs 100% more often during Avenging Wrath.DawnlightPassiveCasting Holy Prism or Divine Toll causes your next 2 Holy Power spending abilities to apply Dawnlight on your target, dealing 1,327 Radiant damage or 2,802 healing over 8 sec. 8% of Dawnlight's damage and healing radiates to nearby allies or enemies, reduced beyond 5 targets. Dawnlight's healing does not transfer to Beacon of Light.Sun's AvatarPassiveYou link to your Dawnlights within 30 yds, causing 82 Radiant damage to enemies or 141 healing to allies that pass through the beams, reduced beyond 5 targets.Endless GleamPassiveDawnlight's duration is increased by 0.5 sec when it heals an ally with full health.Born in SunlightPassiveDawnlight's critical strike chance is increased by 15% during Avenging Wrath.Solar GracePassiveHaste is increased by 5%.
Gear

Boss and dungeon loadouts

Switch between raid and Mythic+ to inspect the top player for every available encounter: exact talents, source link, item level, enchant and socket counts, and the player's gear.

Loading verified raid results

Pulling the top Warcraft Logs result, exact talents, and equipment for each boss.

Editorial acquisition targets

Use these slot targets when planning drops and crafted pieces. The encounter explorer above remains the source for the exact gear worn by each ranked player.

Raid acquisition targets

15 slots
Luminant Verdict's Unwavering Gaze
Head
298
TierRune of Avoidance
Tier set
Rotmire's Sporeheart
Neck
298
Socketed neckIndecipherable Eversong Diamond
Rotmire
Luminant Verdict's Providence Watch
Shoulder
298
TierAmirdrassil's Grace
Tier set
Adherent's Silken Shroud
Back
298
CraftedArcanoweave LiningTailoring
Crafting
Luminant Verdict's Divine Warplate
Chest
298
TierMark of the Worldsoul
Rotmire / Catalyst
Spellbreaker's Bracers
Wrist
298
CraftedArcanoweave LiningBlacksmithing
Crafting
Luminant Verdict's Gauntlets
Hands
298
Tier
Tier set
Girdle of Devouring Rot
Waist
298
Raid BiS
Rotmire
Luminant Verdict's Greaves
Legs
298
TierForest Hunter's Armor Kit
Tier set
Greaves of the Unformed
Feet
298
Raid BiSLynx's Dexterity
Chimaerus
Sin'dorei Band of Hope
Finger
298
Mastery / HasteEyes of the Eagle
Belo'ren
Sporecaller's Blooming Loop
Finger
298
Socketed ringEyes of the EagleFlawless Masterful Peridot
Rotmire
Umbral Plume
Trinket
298
S-tier passive trinket
Belo'ren
Gaze of the Alnseer
Trinket
298
A-tier raid trinket
Chimaerus
Bellamy's Final Judgement
Weapon
298
Two-handed weaponAcuity of the Ren'dorei
Lightblinded Vanguard

Mythic+ acquisition targets

15 slots
Luminant Verdict's Unwavering Gaze
Head
298
TierRune of Avoidance
Tier set
Barbed Ymirheim Choker
Neck
298
Mythic+ BiSIndecipherable Eversong Diamond
Pit of Saron
Luminant Verdict's Providence Watch
Shoulder
298
TierAmirdrassil's Grace
Tier set
Adherent's Silken Shroud
Back
298
CraftedArcanoweave LiningTailoring
Crafting
Luminant Verdict's Divine Warplate
Chest
298
TierMark of the Worldsoul
Tier set / Catalyst
Spellbreaker's Bracers
Wrist
298
CraftedArcanoweave LiningBlacksmithing
Crafting
Voidclaw Gauntlets
Hands
298
Mythic+ BiS
Seat of the Triumvirate
Girdle of the Shadowguard
Waist
298
Mythic+ BiS
Seat of the Triumvirate
Luminant Verdict's Greaves
Legs
298
TierForest Hunter's Armor Kit
Tier set
Footwraps of Ill-Fate
Feet
298
Mythic+ BiSLynx's Dexterity
Maisara Caverns
Omission of Light
Finger
298
Mythic+ BiSEyes of the Eagle
Nexus-Point Xenas
Occlusion of Void
Finger
298
Mythic+ BiSEyes of the Eagle
Nexus-Point Xenas
Solarflare Prism
Trinket
298
AoE trinket
Skyreach
Algeth'ar Puzzle Box
Trinket
298
S-tier on-use trinket
Algeth'ar Academy
Whirling Voidcleaver
Weapon
298
Two-handed weaponAcuity of the Ren'dorei
Magister's Terrace
Enhancements

Enchants

Choose enhancements after your equipment is settled. Secondary-stat enchant choices move with your current stat mix and the content you are preparing for.

Recommended enchants
9 recommendations
Rune of AvoidanceHead - Default defensive helm enchant.EnchantingAmirdrassil's GraceShoulders - Default shoulder enchant.InscriptionMark of the Worldsoul+50 Primary StatChest - Default chest enchant.EnchantingForest Hunter's Armor Kit+41 Agility or Strength - +115 StaminaLegs - Default leg armor kit.LeatherworkingLynx's Dexterity+19 Avoidance - +232 StaminaBoots - Default agility and movement boot enchant.EnchantingZul'jin's Mastery+29 MasteryRings - One of the listed rings alternatives.Eyes of the Eagle+2% critical strike effectivenessRings - Default ring enchant; use Zul'jin's Mastery only when your sim prefers it.EnchantingAcuity of the Ren'doreiWeapon enchant - +53 Primary Stat for 15 sec when Might of the Void triggersWeapon - Default weapon enchant.EnchantingBerserker's RageWeapon enchant - Frenzied Focus grants +124 Haste for 15 secWeapon - One of the listed weapon alternatives.
Enhancements

Gems

Socket into the current stat priority, then re-check after major equipment swaps rather than treating a gem choice as permanent.

Recommended gems
3 recommendations
Indecipherable Eversong Diamond+32 Primary StatRequired primary-stat diamond.JewelcraftingFlawless Masterful Peridot+16 Haste - +7 MasteryMastery filler when your current gear prefers it.JewelcraftingFlawless Quick Amethyst+16 Mastery - +7 HasteHaste filler when your current gear prefers it.Jewelcrafting
Crafting

Embellishments

Crafted effects are capped at two equipped embellishments. Lock these in only after deciding which crafted slots survive your next raid or Mythic+ upgrades.

Recommended embellishments
3 recommendations
Use two throughput embellishments once your crafted slots are settled.Darkmoon Sigil: HuntEarly crafted weapon - Early-season craft on Blood Knight's Warblade; replace only when a better weapon path is available.InscriptionArcanoweave LiningCloak / wrist - Two crafted Lining pieces are close to the Loa Worshiper's Band plus Stabilizing Gemstone Bandolier alternative. Sim both pairs.Tailoring
Survival and control

Utility, defensives, and movement

Your Paladin toolkit is part of the rotation whenever it prevents lost uptime, lethal damage, or an enemy cast.

Defensives

Utility & CC

Movement

External saves - Blessing of Protection, Sacrifice, and Lay on Hands - define Paladin raid value.

Interrupt: Rebuke - grab a focus-interrupt macro on the Retribution macros page.

Execution

Interface and macros

Use interface changes only when they expose a decision sooner: resources, procs, defensives, dispels, interrupts, and encounter assignments.

Better Blizzplates - cleaner, threat-colored nameplates with cast bars and cooldown text - the nameplate upgrade nearly every top player runs.
OmniCD - party and enemy defensive/utility cooldown tracking - the biggest information edge the base UI still does not show.
Mythic Dungeon Tools - build and follow pull-by-pull Mythic+ routes.
Details! (optional) - deep damage/healing breakdowns and Warcraft Logs uploads beyond Midnight's built-in meter.
Hekili - optional priority helper - great for learning a new spec's rotation.

Focus interrupt

#showtooltip Rebuke
/cast [@focus,harm,nodead][] Rebuke
Full addon guide →Retribution macros →Keybind setups →
Execution review

What improves results

Self-review

Common mistakes

FAQ

4 quick answers

Which Ret Paladin hero tree should I use?

Templar is currently recommended for both raid and Mythic+. Herald of the Sun remains viable, but Templar is the stronger default and gives you Hammer of Light after Wake of Ashes.

What is Ret Paladin's main stat priority?

Strength > Mastery >= Haste > Critical Strike > Versatility is the general Midnight order. Your exact gear can change it, so use a sim for real upgrades and gem choices.

When should I spend Holy Power?

Use Final Verdict for single target or Divine Storm for AoE at 5 Holy Power, or at 4 when an incoming Crusading Strikes auto attack would overcap you. Hammer of Light is also a five-Holy-Power priority in Templar windows.

What race is best for Retribution Paladin?

Dwarf is the leading Alliance recommendation because Stoneform can clear dangerous debuffs and bleeds. Tauren leads the Horde list. The output differences are small, so race utility and preference matter more than a small sim delta.

Guide Updates

  1. Jul 16, 2026Added the missing full Retribution guide with current 12.0.7 Templar builds, target gear, stats, gems, enchants, consumables, and rotation guidance.
Arena Talent Planning

Talents by enemy class

Pick an opponent to see the pressure your PvP build must answer. The baseline comes from this spec's current arena build when one is published.

Open full matchup guide
Their pressure

Grip setups, anti-caster pressure, and sustained melee uptime.

Talent focus

Mobility, anti-slow, and physical or magic mitigation.

Game plan

Keep an answer for grip-based isolation and do not spend movement before the Death Knight commits their control chain.

No reviewed PvP baseline is published for this spec yet. Use the live tree to apply the matchup focus above rather than treating a PvE build as an arena answer.

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