WoW Cataclysm Classic Paladin, particularly in the Retribution specialization, offers a dynamic gameplay experience with a mix of powerful burst capabilities, useful buffs, and strategic talents. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you master the Retribution Paladin:
DPS Talents
Retribution Paladins excel with talents that amplify their burst damage capabilities. The recommended talent build is 7/2/32.
Key Talents Include:
Crusader Strike and Templar's Verdict for Holy Power generation and spending, respectively.
The Avenging Wrath, Zealotry, and Guardian of Ancient Kings talents significantly boost damage output during their cooldowns. Rule of Law for increased critical strike chance.
Inquiry of Faith and Acts of Sacrifice for utility and cooldown reduction.
For AoE situations, Divine Storm is crucial, especially when facing four or more enemies.
Glyphs
For optimal performance, focus on Prime Glyphs such as Seal of Truth, Templar's Verdict, and Exorcism. Major Glyphs like Ascetic Crusader and Hammer of Wrath are also valuable, enhancing both utility and damage output. Minor Glyphs like Blessing of Kings and Blessing of Might provide additional utility benefits.
PvE Strategies
In PvE, maintaining the appropriate Auras and Seals, like 
Seal of Truth for single-target and 
Seal of Righteousness for AoE, is essential. Regular use of the Inquisition is important to maximize Holy Power usage. During boss fights, time your use of Avenging Wrath and Guardian of Ancient Kings for maximum impact, ideally when you can chain these cooldowns with other damage increases. Provide raid utility with Blessing of Kings and Blessing of Might.
Best Races for Retribution Paladin
For the Alliance:
• Humans: They are considered one of the best options due to their Sword Specialization & Mace Specialization races, which grant them increased versatility in gearing options.
• Dwarves: While not as optimal as Humans, Dwarves still offer solid racial benefits for a Retribution Paladin.
• Draenei: They provide a hit bonus with their Heroic Presence, which can be quite beneficial.
For the Horde:
• Blood Elves: Their Arcane Torrent can act as an interrupt and restore mana, which has situational uses in PvE. They also have Arcane Resistance and an Enchanting skill bonus.
• Taurens: They don't have as many useful racial effects for PvE, but they do have increased stamina, which can be helpful.
It's important to note that while some races may have minor advantages, the overall performance of a Retribution Paladin in PvE is not significantly affected by race. Therefore, it's often recommended to choose the race that you enjoy the most aesthetically or lore-wise.
Best Professions for Paladin
Best professions can significantly enhance your gameplay and damage output. Here are some top choices:
• Engineering: Offers unique gadgets like Synapse Springs, which can increase your primary stat temporarily, and Nitro Boosts for a mobility boost.
• Blacksmithing: Allows you to add extra gem slots to your gear, providing a boost to your stats.
• Jewelcrafting: You can craft special gems that have higher stats than the regular ones available to non-Jewelcrafters.
• Alchemy: Provides bonuses to potions and elixirs, and you can craft a powerful trinket.
• Enchanting: You can enchant your rings with stats beneficial for DPS, which is an exclusive advantage for enchanters.
BiS Gear
Focus on acquiring gear that enhances your strength and critical strike capabilities, as these are your most valuable stats. You can also purchase the gear upgrade with some Cata Classic gold to enhance your performance in-game.
Mastery also becomes crucial as it enhances your core abilities, like Templar's Verdict and Divine Storm, to deal additional Holy damage. Ensure to reach the hit (8%) and expertise (6.5%) caps to maximize damage output.
Leveling Tips (Level 80-85)
Leveling as a Retribution Paladin is efficient due to its strong offensive capabilities. Use Holy Power efficiently and prioritize gear upgrades that enhance your main stats. Engaging in dungeons and completing significant quest chains can provide both experience and appropriate gear to ease the leveling process.
• High Survivability: Utilize plate armor, healing, and defensive cooldowns to stay alive.
• Strong AoE Damage: Paladins have excellent area-of-effect damage capabilities.
• Useful Buffs and Utility: As a Paladin, you can provide valuable buffs and utility skills.
• Exceptional Single-Target Damage: If you choose the Retribution specialization, you'll deal great single-target damage.
• Easy Dungeon Grouping as Protection: Protection Paladins are often in demand for dungeon groups.
However, there are some challenges:
• Awkwardness in Small Group Fights: Fighting small groups of enemies (2-3) can be less efficient.
• Lack of Sprint or Stealth: There are no abilities to sprint or stealth, which could help in avoiding enemies. Players may seek professional WoW Cata Classic boost services for a Paladin class to quickly reach end-game content without the time investment required for traditional leveling.
Remember, these are general guidelines and may vary based on your playstyle and the specific demands of each encounter. Always adapt your strategy to the needs of your raid group or dungeon team. Happy adventuring in Azeroth!