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WoW Forever

WoW Forever · Experimental setup

Retribution / Protection Paladin

Retribution / Protection keeps a shield while buying Retribution’s weapon-and-Holy interactions. The interesting choice is which damage talent improves the attacks you actually use while tanking, and what defensive or recovery depth you lose to obtain it.

Current beta play is capped at level 30. Level 60 reference models and deeper talents are identified as later planning. Client descriptions and server updates can differ.

In this guide

What this build asks you to do

MythicSim’s future reference uses 30 Retribution and 21 Protection points. Neither tree reaches its 31-point talent: this is not a Holy Shield or Twist of Light build. A Sacred Arbiter interaction can connect Holy Strike to the Judgement effect already on the enemy when that talent is learned. Keep that refresh distinct from casting a new Judgement, and compare the damage package with the control and safety your group needs.

  • Weapon-and-Holy attacks create a different damage package from Holy Shock tanking.
  • The reference gives up both deep Holy Shield and Twist of Light; tank damage is not a safety ranking.
Sources for this section
  • TalentsForever: current beta talents and spell tooltips Forever beta report · 1.60.1.70170 · 2026-10-04

    CC-BY-4.0 author-client export generated October 4. Build 70170 with dated research/hotfix annotations; client descriptions do not establish every current server effect or trainer offer.

  • MythicSim: reference-model methodology Model documentation · 2026-10-04

    Dated level 60 damage-model references; selected profiles are not gameplay or healer-performance evidence.

  • Forever class attribute coefficients Client data · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

    Class baseline attack-power coefficients; form-specific branches and modifiers are separate.

  • Matching Forever character-stat display Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

    Client display basis: 14 AP per nominal ordinary weapon DPS, 2 Armor per Agility, and Cat-specific Agility branch. Not a special-attack or shapeshifted damage model.

  • Matching Forever attribute breakpoints Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

    First 20 effective Intellect and Stamina breakpoints; Intellect above 20 has 15 mana per point in the client display. HP above the Stamina breakpoint uses a runtime getter.

  • Forever client regeneration evidence Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

    Reported rate display and accepted class/retention evidence. No universal Spirit-to-MP5 conversion or invented server tick formula.

Choose the next action

  • Keep a shield and the learned tanking setup before spending on Retribution attacks. This hybrid tests what that damage package adds while deeper Protection points are sacrificed.
  • Apply the relevant Judgement effect, then use Holy Strike’s Sacred Arbiter interaction when learned. A refresh of the existing effect is not a second Judgement cast.
  • Use weapon contact only when positioning and the next defensive need permit it. Spending all mana on instant damage can remove the reserve needed to control the next enemy.
  • Answer a loose enemy or dangerous hit before chasing a damage window. The damage-only tank reference does not grade that decision.
  • Do not assume either 31-point capstone: the saved 30 Retribution / 21 Protection allocation reaches neither Twist of Light nor Holy Shield.
Sources for this section
  • TalentsForever: current beta talents and spell tooltips Forever beta report · 1.60.1.70170 · 2026-10-04

    CC-BY-4.0 author-client export generated October 4. Build 70170 with dated research/hotfix annotations; client descriptions do not establish every current server effect or trainer offer.

  • MythicSim: reference-model methodology Model documentation · 2026-10-04

    Dated level 60 damage-model references; selected profiles are not gameplay or healer-performance evidence.

  • Forever class attribute coefficients Client data · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

    Class baseline attack-power coefficients; form-specific branches and modifiers are separate.

  • Matching Forever character-stat display Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

    Client display basis: 14 AP per nominal ordinary weapon DPS, 2 Armor per Agility, and Cat-specific Agility branch. Not a special-attack or shapeshifted damage model.

  • Matching Forever attribute breakpoints Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

    First 20 effective Intellect and Stamina breakpoints; Intellect above 20 has 15 mana per point in the client display. HP above the Stamina breakpoint uses a runtime getter.

  • Forever client regeneration evidence Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

    Reported rate display and accepted class/retention evidence. No universal Spirit-to-MP5 conversion or invented server tick formula.

Sacred Arbiter refreshes an existing Judgement

Click through an illustrative sequence. Conditional effects require the named spells and talents; this is not a damage, resource, threat or timing simulation.

  • Keep the shield setup: Choose the shield and learned tanking effects before the Retribution damage sequence.
  • Apply the Judgement: Use a learned Judgement effect on the enemy; the active Seal remains.
  • Use Holy Strike: With Sacred Arbiter learned, Holy Strike refreshes the Judgement effects already on the target.
  • Choose the next priority: A damage refresh does not prove threat or survival. Return to a defensive or recovery action when the pull requires it.

Inspect the interaction

The scene explains this named mechanic. The saved level 60 priority reference, where present, is separate.

Sacred Arbiter refreshes an existing Judgement Later planning · requires deeper spells or talents
Sacred Arbiter refreshes an existing Judgement

Click through an illustrative sequence. Conditional effects require the named spells and talents; this is not a damage, resource, threat or timing simulation.

    This scene illustrates a named interaction. Playback does not simulate combat timing, damage, resource costs or enemy behaviour.

    Sources for this section
    • TalentsForever: current beta talents and spell tooltips Forever beta report · 1.60.1.70170 · 2026-10-04

      CC-BY-4.0 author-client export generated October 4. Build 70170 with dated research/hotfix annotations; client descriptions do not establish every current server effect or trainer offer.

    • MythicSim: reference-model methodology Model documentation · 2026-10-04

      Dated level 60 damage-model references; selected profiles are not gameplay or healer-performance evidence.

    • Forever class attribute coefficients Client data · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Class baseline attack-power coefficients; form-specific branches and modifiers are separate.

    • Matching Forever character-stat display Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Client display basis: 14 AP per nominal ordinary weapon DPS, 2 Armor per Agility, and Cat-specific Agility branch. Not a special-attack or shapeshifted damage model.

    • Matching Forever attribute breakpoints Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      First 20 effective Intellect and Stamina breakpoints; Intellect above 20 has 15 mana per point in the client display. HP above the Stamina breakpoint uses a runtime getter.

    • Forever client regeneration evidence Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Reported rate display and accepted class/retention evidence. No universal Spirit-to-MP5 conversion or invented server tick formula.

    Build the toolkit

    Learn the actual baseline tanking spells first. The full 0/21/30 allocation is future level 60; current beta points can test smaller legal pieces without granting the complete saved priority list.

    Build the toolkit
    Level Decision or milestone Scope
    20 Start with the learned tanking toolkit and a controlled group. Current beta
    60 The complete mixed-tree reference is future planning. Later planning
    Sources for this section
    • TalentsForever: current beta talents and spell tooltips Forever beta report · 1.60.1.70170 · 2026-10-04

      CC-BY-4.0 author-client export generated October 4. Build 70170 with dated research/hotfix annotations; client descriptions do not establish every current server effect or trainer offer.

    • MythicSim: reference-model methodology Model documentation · 2026-10-04

      Dated level 60 damage-model references; selected profiles are not gameplay or healer-performance evidence.

    • Forever class attribute coefficients Client data · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Class baseline attack-power coefficients; form-specific branches and modifiers are separate.

    • Matching Forever character-stat display Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Client display basis: 14 AP per nominal ordinary weapon DPS, 2 Armor per Agility, and Cat-specific Agility branch. Not a special-attack or shapeshifted damage model.

    • Matching Forever attribute breakpoints Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      First 20 effective Intellect and Stamina breakpoints; Intellect above 20 has 15 mana per point in the client display. HP above the Stamina breakpoint uses a runtime getter.

    • Forever client regeneration evidence Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Reported rate display and accepted class/retention evidence. No universal Spirit-to-MP5 conversion or invented server tick formula.

    Understand the upgrade

    Compare useful damage with actual shield, health and mana needs; the model does not rank safety.

    Only learned talents apply. A mixed build can lose a deep tanking interaction while gaining a damage one.

    These examples isolate attribute relationships. They are not a prediction of full ability DPS, threat, pet damage or survivability.

    Understand the upgrade
    Comparison Meaning
    +7 Strength +14 baseline melee AP before modifiers. Using the declared ordinary weapon-tooltip model, that is +1 nominal weapon DPS.
    A 3.5-second ordinary swing That AP contribution adds +3.5 nominal damage per swing before hit outcomes, mitigation and other effects.
    +10 Agility About +0.935 percentage points of weapon crit at level 30; it is not a fixed conversion at every level.
    Sources for this section
    • Forever class attribute coefficients Client data · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Class baseline attack-power coefficients; form-specific branches and modifiers are separate.

    • Matching Forever character-stat display Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Client display basis: 14 AP per nominal ordinary weapon DPS, 2 Armor per Agility, and Cat-specific Agility branch. Not a special-attack or shapeshifted damage model.

    • Matching Forever attribute breakpoints Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      First 20 effective Intellect and Stamina breakpoints; Intellect above 20 has 15 mana per point in the client display. HP above the Stamina breakpoint uses a runtime getter.

    • Forever client regeneration evidence Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Reported rate display and accepted class/retention evidence. No universal Spirit-to-MP5 conversion or invented server tick formula.

    Questing and group play

    Compare this against ordinary Protection on controlled pulls, looking at actual health, recovery and group control as well as damage. Retribution talents do not change the tank’s responsibility to secure enemies. When soloing, a two-handed alternative may change the weapon comparison, but it no longer represents the shield hybrid.

    Sources for this section
    • TalentsForever: current beta talents and spell tooltips Forever beta report · 1.60.1.70170 · 2026-10-04

      CC-BY-4.0 author-client export generated October 4. Build 70170 with dated research/hotfix annotations; client descriptions do not establish every current server effect or trainer offer.

    • MythicSim: reference-model methodology Model documentation · 2026-10-04

      Dated level 60 damage-model references; selected profiles are not gameplay or healer-performance evidence.

    • Forever class attribute coefficients Client data · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Class baseline attack-power coefficients; form-specific branches and modifiers are separate.

    • Matching Forever character-stat display Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Client display basis: 14 AP per nominal ordinary weapon DPS, 2 Armor per Agility, and Cat-specific Agility branch. Not a special-attack or shapeshifted damage model.

    • Matching Forever attribute breakpoints Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      First 20 effective Intellect and Stamina breakpoints; Intellect above 20 has 15 mana per point in the client display. HP above the Stamina breakpoint uses a runtime getter.

    • Forever client regeneration evidence Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Reported rate display and accepted class/retention evidence. No universal Spirit-to-MP5 conversion or invented server tick formula.

    Choose useful equipment

    The central equipment comparison is useful weapon damage and Holy attack support versus the shield, health and mana needed for tanking. A nominal weapon-DPS gain is only one component; block-dependent effects and safe pull size are separate. Verify current sources before planning any reference item.

    Sources for this section
    • TalentsForever: current beta talents and spell tooltips Forever beta report · 1.60.1.70170 · 2026-10-04

      CC-BY-4.0 author-client export generated October 4. Build 70170 with dated research/hotfix annotations; client descriptions do not establish every current server effect or trainer offer.

    • MythicSim: reference-model methodology Model documentation · 2026-10-04

      Dated level 60 damage-model references; selected profiles are not gameplay or healer-performance evidence.

    • Forever class attribute coefficients Client data · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Class baseline attack-power coefficients; form-specific branches and modifiers are separate.

    • Matching Forever character-stat display Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Client display basis: 14 AP per nominal ordinary weapon DPS, 2 Armor per Agility, and Cat-specific Agility branch. Not a special-attack or shapeshifted damage model.

    • Matching Forever attribute breakpoints Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      First 20 effective Intellect and Stamina breakpoints; Intellect above 20 has 15 mana per point in the client display. HP above the Stamina breakpoint uses a runtime getter.

    • Forever client regeneration evidence Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Reported rate display and accepted class/retention evidence. No universal Spirit-to-MP5 conversion or invented server tick formula.

    • Forever item reference: build 70205 Client data · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Item names and requirements; client presence does not establish a drop source or current access.

    Level 60 reference priorities

    Undead; saved 0/21/30 talent split; level 60; 10,000 iterations; one level 63 target; nominal 120 seconds with ±15 seconds variation.

    These are the visible core spell decisions in this saved model’s effective rotation, in source priority order. Check the first usable higher-priority action; later entries can be skipped. Item, racial and other auxiliary management remains in the full report, and execute-phase percentages are encounter settings rather than proc chances.

    Level 60 reference priorities
    Action Condition in this saved model
    Judgement usable in model: Judgement
    Seal of Righteousness remaining effect time: Seal of Righteousness ≤ 1.5s
    Hammer of Wrath No additional priority test
    Holy Strike No additional priority test
    Consecration Mana % ≥ 20%
    Sources for this section
    • MythicSim: Ret-prot Experimental Paladin Model documentation · 2026-10-05

      Saved level 60 reference, inspected October 5, 2026. Engine forever-f43215d07e51fc228c2e32366d7563b03d76fec8. Its priorities and events describe this model, not tested live gameplay.

    Inspect the saved opening

    These timestamps show selected events from one recorded model opening. A row can be a triggered event; it is not automatically another button press. Negative times are preparation before the encounter.

    Saved endgame model · later planning

    Saved level 60 reference

    Inspect events from this saved setup.

    Level 60 single-target damage reference · later planning

    Inspect the saved opening

    These rows are events from one model timeline. A triggered hit or effect is not automatically an extra player cast.

    Saved model event · -5 sRighteous Fury

    These are the visible core spell decisions in this saved model’s effective rotation, in source priority order. Check the first usable higher-priority action; later entries can be skipped. Item, racial and other auxiliary management remains in the full report, and execute-phase percentages are encounter settings rather than proc chances. The preset uses fixed gear and buffs. It does not prove an optimized BiS set or current beta access. This tank example compares damage while attacked; it does not establish safe survival or sufficient threat.

    Inspect the original setup and full report →
    Sources for this section
    • MythicSim: Ret-prot Experimental Paladin Model documentation · 2026-10-05

      Saved level 60 reference, inspected October 5, 2026. Engine forever-f43215d07e51fc228c2e32366d7563b03d76fec8. Its priorities and events describe this model, not tested live gameplay.

    Equipment in this reference

    The publisher describes these sets as primarily dungeon and crafted equipment, rather than optimized BiS. The Survival and Holy / Protection references have beta-gear exceptions. This is an item sample without inferred inventory slots.

    Equipment in this reference
    Reference item How to use this comparison
    Lionheart Helm Fixed reference item; verify your level, source and current access.
    Sources for this section
    • MythicSim: Ret-prot Experimental Paladin Model documentation · 2026-10-05

      Saved level 60 reference, inspected October 5, 2026. Engine forever-f43215d07e51fc228c2e32366d7563b03d76fec8. Its priorities and events describe this model, not tested live gameplay.

    • Forever item reference: build 70205 Client data · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Item names and requirements; client presence does not establish a drop source or current access.

    • MythicSim: reference-model methodology Model documentation · 2026-10-04

      Dated level 60 damage-model references; selected profiles are not gameplay or healer-performance evidence.

    Sources and coverage

    Checked 2026-10-05 · client reference 1.60.1.70205

    • Use the spells, ranks and talent points you actually have; a listed level is not proof of completed acquisition.
    • Priorities respond to target, resources and role. The mechanic scene illustrates a condition rather than simulating combat.
    • The saved level 60 damage reference is fixed and not optimized BiS; it does not establish present beta obtainability.
    1. TalentsForever: current beta talents and spell tooltips Forever beta report · 1.60.1.70170 · 2026-10-04

      CC-BY-4.0 author-client export generated October 4. Build 70170 with dated research/hotfix annotations; client descriptions do not establish every current server effect or trainer offer.

    2. Blizzard Forever systems and Paladin deep dive Official announcement · 2026-10-04

      Announced Paladin mechanics, itemization and new class/race combinations; no live DPS validation.

    3. Matching Forever attribute breakpoints Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      First 20 effective Intellect and Stamina breakpoints; Intellect above 20 has 15 mana per point in the client display. HP above the Stamina breakpoint uses a runtime getter.

    4. Forever client regeneration evidence Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Reported rate display and accepted class/retention evidence. No universal Spirit-to-MP5 conversion or invented server tick formula.

    5. Forever class attribute coefficients Client data · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Class baseline attack-power coefficients; form-specific branches and modifiers are separate.

    6. Matching Forever character-stat display Client interface source · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Client display basis: 14 AP per nominal ordinary weapon DPS, 2 Armor per Agility, and Cat-specific Agility branch. Not a special-attack or shapeshifted damage model.

    7. MythicSim: linked Shockadin reference Model documentation · 2026-10-04

      Linked tier-list Shockadin example; primary report metadata records Human, 23/0/28, single target and 120 seconds. Saved report engine/settings beyond visible metadata are not inferred.

    8. MythicSim: reference-model methodology Model documentation · 2026-10-04

      Dated level 60 damage-model references; selected profiles are not gameplay or healer-performance evidence.

    9. MythicSim: Ret-prot Experimental Paladin Model documentation · 2026-10-05

      Saved level 60 reference, inspected October 5, 2026. Engine forever-f43215d07e51fc228c2e32366d7563b03d76fec8. Its priorities and events describe this model, not tested live gameplay.

    10. Forever item reference: build 70205 Client data · 1.60.1.70205 · 2026-10-04

      Item names and requirements; client presence does not establish a drop source or current access.