Retribution is the damage dealing talent tree of the paladin class. The idea behind this tree is to carry a big two-hand weapon and smash faces. It focuses on attributes that increases raw attack power and critical strike chance, similiar to a warrior. Retribution paladins rely on critical strikes to increase their damage potential with Vengeance talent.

With the introduction of Patch 3.0.2, Retribution has received much criticism for being overpowered, thus hotfixes (nerfs) were introduced just 1 or 2 days after the patch. Still the Retribution paladin has become a formidable foe in PvP and has improved significantly in its DPS potential. With new talents the Retribution paladin can deal AoE damage and have constant mana regeneration. However with the changes to the talent tree, raiding paladins have to come up with 142 hit rating so as to minimize his miss chance, compared to 92 hit rating with talents.

> Raid Retadin (0/5/56/)
This raid focuses on achieving high damage dealing ability. Divine Strength grants 2.2 attack power per 1 point of Strength, giving more raw attack power. Seal of Command has become an optional spell to obtain considering both Horde and Alliance have Seal of Blood and Seal of the Martyr as baseline spells respectively.

> PvP Retadin (0/5/56)
Seal of Command is an essential spell in PvP as it auto crits on incapacitated targets, allowing more damage. Unlike Seal of Blood or Seal of the Martyr it does not have a self damage component thus it is preferred in PvP. Crusade is chosen over Two-Handed Weapon Specialization as Crusade increases all damage including spells whereas Two-Handed Weapon Specialization is confined to weapon damage. Still the 3 points can be put in Two-Handed Weapon Specialization if you favor it more.

Core Talents

• Divine Strength
  Addtional strength means additional attack power. Definite must-have
• Improved Blessing of Might
  With improved attack power bonus, this increases DPS of the paladin.
• Improved Judgement
  Reducing the cooldown on Judgement allows the paladin to cast more judgements, which in turn increases his damage.
• Conviction
  Increases critical strike chance. Retribution paladins rely on high critical strike chance, so this is a must-have.
• Seal of Command
  The signature spell of all Retribution paladins. Damage of Seal of Command is increased by focusing on warrior stats.
• Pursuit of Justice
  Grants 15% movement speed and reduces Disarm duration, useful whether if it is PvP or PvE.
• Sanctified Seals
  Extra 3% critical chance. Why not?
• Crusade
  Extra 3% damage and then another additional 3% against Humanoids, Undead, Demons and Elementals. Note all this damage boost affects all spells and melee attacks
• Vengeance
  Another must-have talent as this greatly improves the DPS of the paladin. With each critical strike the paladin’s overall damage is increased. Thus high critical strike chance is required to constantly utilize this talent.
• The Art of War
  Increases critical strike damage and an instant Flash of Light to boot. Great talent.
• Judgements of the Wise
  MUST-HAVE.This talent constantly ensures you never to go out of mana. With the lack of Intelligence stats in the coming expansion this is an essential talent for the Retribution paladin.
• Sanctified Wrath
  Lowers cooldown of Hammer of Wrath and grants armor penetration. This improves DPS potential when Avenging Wrath is on.
• Fanaticism
  Increases critical chance of Judgement. Another must-have talent as it improves Judgement’s critical chance greatly and lowering your threat.
• Crusader Strike
  Essential skill required for burst DPS other than Judgement.
• Righteous Vengeance
  Increased DPS potential for Judgements and Divine Storm.
• Divine Storm
  AoE attack which adds to the Retribution paladin’s arsenal.