So ive just started a Paladin, ive never really played them so i was wondering. I wanna play the Retribution spec, but from what I know, it is a double handed weapon spec, but still has some one-hand + shield abilties (i think?) So overall im just wondering, is sword and shield Ret pally any good? is it even possible? or are their abilities meant for Two-Handed weapons?
When you have a 1h+ shield equipped, you lose the ability to press Blades of Justice and Templar’s Verdict, however you can still play around with JV and SotR for some casual fun.
Lvladen has a video of using it in some BGs, and I’m sure LFR/Mythic+ 1-6 wouldn’t be the end of the world if you wanna just play around with it.
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No, it’s not.
Even if SotR is usable, your main spenders (Final Verdict) are not. Retribution is a 2 hander spec.
It’s not viable for pretty much anything. Maybe it works in super easy world content, but it definitively wouldn’t work in anything past that.
That opening fight is so misleading. Full gear + Zerker buff + saltwater + all cds is going to make anything a machine gun like that. Especially when the targets are all undergeared.
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A decade ago I’d have said yes. I ret tanked through vanilla and BC instances while leveling. Now? Not doable in the slightest. Make no mistake you can if you want because it’s your money but it won’t do as much for you as a 2h would.
That is legit awesome. I’ll probably give it a try even if its just for yolo bgs.
Obviously that is a top rated player doing streamer content.
I think the OP just wanted some positive reinforcement for trying out Ret and paladins in general, and if you’re just leveling, doing world quests, dungeons or just overall casual content, the 1handed playstyle is more than viable.
It’s unique enough from Prot and it removes some of that stress of doing Dungeons without being the tank role, while filling that class fantasy of being a melee shield dps.
Templar Strikes → SotR is like peak Paladin fantasy. It’s a really cool concept and I think it’s worth giving a shot.
Honestly, ignore what everyone else says. if you play around with the talents you can get some pretty good AoE damage
here’s the talents i used
BYEAomTTpSA9oX6huYLb5nP3rDABAABAIaKtSSp1ikSSSEBAAAAAAkWIJCJBJScgSogQKaCISCgSjWAA
single target is mid but the AoE can be 75-150k, and I was using upgraded pvp gear w 414 ilvl.
I managed to do an m10 without being at the bottom of the dps, so its definitely viable for m10’s or lower. I wouldnt try hopping into anything higher though
definitely use the tier set and embellishments as playing that way requires it.