Specs and roles
| Spec | Role | PvE tier | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection | Tank | S | A taunt through Judgement; Consecration holds threat on a group |
| Holy | Healer | A | Strong single-target healing |
| Retribution | Damage | A | Two-handed weapon, seals, spell power |
Tiers come from the beta tier list. The talent tables show only what Icy Veins and Wowhead agree on; each spec says where they differ.
Protection: tank
Protection is the best tank of the beta. Judgement with Seal of Fury active is a taunt, and Consecration holds threat on a group: it comes from the trainer at level 20. Mana comes back from blocks, so a shield is a must.
| Talent | Points | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Redoubt | 5 | Block chance after you are hit |
| Precision | 3 | Hit: a miss loses threat |
| Shield Specialization | 3 | Mana on block; the shield absorbs more |
| Improved Seal of Fury | 1 | Mana when the Seal of Fury shield absorbs a hit in full |
Both Icy Veins and Wowhead take these talents. After that they differ: Icy Veins adds Anticipation and Holy Conduit in Retribution (cheaper Consecration), Wowhead adds One-Handed Weapon Specialization and Templar’s Bulwark. The stat order is disputed too: Icy Veins puts Stamina first, Mobalytics puts Strength first.
- 1Before the pull
Righteous Fury, an aura and Seal of Fury.
- 2Single target
Judgement, Holy Strike, and Consecration if mana allows.
- 3Group of enemies
Consecration first, then Judgement and Holy Strike.
- 4Undead and demons
Exorcism.
- 5An enemy turns away
Judgement as a taunt: keep it ready.
TipIn Forever, Judgement no longer consumes the seal. Templar’s Bulwark arrives at level 30: a shield for your full health for 8 seconds. Consecration hits only 4 targets at full power: more enemies do not add spell power threat.
Holy: healer
Holy is strongest at single-target healing. Flash of Light is fast and cheap, Holy Light is slow, expensive and strong, Holy Shock is instant. Area healing, Light’s Vigil, is a level 40 talent.
| Talent | Points | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Divine Intellect | 5 | More mana |
| Healing Light | 3 | Stronger Flash of Light, Holy Light and Holy Shock |
| Reverence | 3 | Part of mana regeneration continues while casting |
| Illumination | 5 | Mana from critical heals |
| Voice of Truth | 1 | 6 seconds immune to silence and interrupts |
| Holy Shock | 1 | Instant heal or damage |
Icy Veins and Wowhead agree. They differ in one slot: Icy Veins takes Spiritual Focus, Wowhead takes Improved Seals. With the five points of the Legacy Talented perk, both add Infusion of Light: Flash of Light and Holy Shock crits speed up the next Holy Light.
- 1Flash of Light
Your main heal: fast and cheap.
- 2Holy Light
When damage is heavy and there is time for a long cast.
- 3Holy Shock
In a dangerous moment or on the move.
- 4Seal of Light
Judgement with it puts an effect on the enemy that heals the group a little. Do not rely on it.
TipLook for gear with healing power: Intellect only gives a bigger mana pool and spell crit, it does not make heals stronger (Wowhead). Icy Veins puts healing power first, then Intellect and Spirit.
Retribution: damage
Retribution hits with a two-handed weapon, while seals, Judgement, Holy Strike and Consecration scale with spell power. The spec was nerfed on Oct 15 but stayed in tier A on the beta tier list.
| Talent | Points | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Benediction | 5 | Cheaper instant spells |
| Improved Judgement | 2 | Judgement more often |
| Holy Conduit | 2 | Cheaper Consecration and Exorcism |
| Conviction | 4 | Melee crit |
| Sanctified Judgement | 3 | Judgement returns part of the seal’s mana |
| Seal of Command | 1 | The seal for a slow two-hander |
| Pursuit of Justice | 2 | +15% movement speed: the Paladin has no other |
| Sacred Arbiter | 1 | Holy Strike hits harder and refreshes Judgement on the target |
Here Icy Veins and Wowhead match almost fully. Both spend the other 6 of their 26 points (21 at level 30 plus 5 from the Legacy Talented perk) like this: Vengeance 3 and one point in Champion of the Light, which turns part of your Intellect into spell power. The last point differs: Icy Veins takes Repentance, Wowhead a second point in Two-Handed Weapon Specialization; both take the first. The last talent of the tree is Twist of Light: after you switch seals, your next hit applies the old one once more.
- 1Seal
Always active: Seal of Command with a slow weapon without on-hit effects, Seal of Righteousness with a fast weapon and a lot of spell power.
- 2A long fight
Seal of the Crusader and Judgement for the debuff, then back to your damage seal.
- 3Judgement and Holy Strike
On cooldown. With Seal of Command, Judgement hits harder on a stunned target: Hammer of Justice first.
- 4Group of enemies
Consecration. Against a single target it is not worth the mana.
- 5Undead and demons
Exorcism.
TipStats according to Icy Veins: weapon damage first, then hit and crit. From level 20, spell power pays off: almost all abilities scale with it.
Questions
Can a Paladin tank in WoW Forever?
Yes. Judgement with Seal of Fury is a taunt, and Consecration holds threat on a group. On the beta tier list Protection is the best tank.
Which seal should Retribution use?
Seal of Command with a slow two-hander without on-hit effects, Seal of Righteousness with a fast weapon and a lot of spell power. Both Icy Veins and Wowhead say so.
Which races can be a Paladin?
In the Horde only Undead; in the Alliance, Human and Dwarf.
When will the full level 60 build be out?
After the Nov 4 launch: the beta only went up to level 30, and raids open on Dec 9. Then we will add the layout for all 51 points.
