The two most versatile classes are the druid and the paladin. Not only do both contribute to dps, tanking, and healing, they offer important buffs that are vital for carrying out grouping, raiding, and bg’ing.

The paladin is an amazing class. They have key ingredients for arenas and raids due to their special abilities. This guide will help you chose what spec is right for you from level 1 past level 70.

When starting out, it is safe to work down the retribution line. This gives the most solo capability for running through quests quickly and leveling. Even through instances up to ZF, retribution paladins can tank without protection points or even a shield.

After hitting outland it is smart to switch over to holy or protection, there is always a demand for healers and tanks for the 60+ dungeons. Even if you only plan on dealing with one spec, it is always wise to collect gear for all 3 specs. You never know when you might switch over.

For end game, most paladins are protection or holy. Retribution paladins are very rare in raids or heroics, due to the amount of dps and CC (crowd control) they are limited too. Some players do take the retribution line, for there is some awesome raid gear out there to be earned. Retribution dps can be effective.

Here is a brief run down of what you need to know for paladin specs:

The Healadin

The holy paladin is a strong class for raiding and pvp. They offer constant heals that are largely accumulated. Just thinking about characters in plate that can heal makes me grin.

  • Relies on crit healing
  • High amounts of mana regeneration
  • Able to cast large heals consecutively in a short amount of time
  • Due to abilities, very good class for arenas

The Retadin (aka Retardadin by popular demand)

The retribution line is harshly under rated. It does not necessarily yield the outstanding dps that other classes can put out in pve. But in pvp, this is an excellent talent line.

Retadins are just as rare in pvp as in pve, but a geared retadin can solo down any class with ease. They are reliant on burst damage in combination with their stun and timing. Even though they necessarily do not have movement slowing effects, the advantage of pursuit of justice used with seal of justice will make it so no enemy can ever escape you.

  • Relies on strength, crit, and spell damage
  • Use improved BoF (blessing of freedom) with seal of justice so no enemies escape you
    For mobs or characters that do not run, apply seal of crusade then phase through seal of command for the best dps outcome
  • Use slowest 2h weapon for greatest proc damage

The Tankadin

Tankadins were not always favored as a main tank for guilds. However, people soon realized just how effective they are, especially in heroics. Their ability to control multiple mobs through consecration is far superior to warriors tabbing targets while spamming sunder. The tankadin doesn’t generate threat through physical damage and taunts, rather through spell damage. It is important for end game tanks to spec not only in defense and stamina, but in spell damage as well to hold max threat.

  • Relies on stamina, defense, and spell damage
  • Can easily control multiple mobs
  • Extra buffs – BoS (blessing of Sanctuary) and BoK (Blessing of Kings)
  • Can support groups with their special abilities where warriors can not (ie blessing of protection, resurrection, divine intervention)

It is great to be able to switch between different specs such as healing and tanking while using the same class. Crossing a geared pally can be harsh, especially when they are in combination with another good class. They are one of the most needed characters in raiding while doing some even more amazing things for the simple heroics.