The best leveling spec for the paladin is Retribution. This is because it has a high damage output while having a minimal mana usage (less downtime). That also means that it is *faster* to level than the other specs.

Many would argue that that protection is a better way to level, and I couldn't disagree with them (because in some cases, it IS). However it is only exceptional when you are leveling with a partner (dps/?healer?) as it allows you to take a large amount of mobs at once, but not to do so much damage to them -> It is slower (due to lower damage) but has got great survivability!

For this reason I'm going to write this guide about Retribution as it is the best choice of spec for solo leveling (my protection one will be ready soon). If you prefer to go protection, then go to Paladin Protection 1-80 Leveling Talent Build (3.3.5) <--- Guide.

==> Protection

50 - 52: Fanaticism - 3/3
53 - 54: Sanctified Wrath - 2/2
55 - 55: Crusader Strike - 1/1
56 - 58: Sheath of Light - 3/3
59 - 59: Swift Retribution (Only 1) - 1/3
60 - 62: Righteous Vengeance - 3/3
63 - 64: Swift Retribution - 3/3
65 - 65: Divine Storm - 1/1
66 - 67: Crusade - 3/3
TALENT BUILD UNTIL 67: 0/5/53


==> Protection
68 - 72: Divinity - 5/5
TALENT BUILD UNTIL 72: 0/10/53


Now... Here comes the hardest part. There aren't any "best talents" from 72 onwards, as none of the talents are especially helpful for us. However, some are 'decent', and that's why we give you a few options on what to choose. Ain't life nice? ;D


==/NOTE/== These are only s


Option 1:


Retribution

- Start by 'turning on' your first seal, Devotion Aura.
- When fighting keep up Seal of Righteousness.
- When you get Blessing of Might, once again, keep it up at all times.
- When you get Judgement of Light, use when ever available.
- Take the best DPS weapon you can; 1H with Shield or 2H. (At this stage the slow weapon is not too important.)

Rotation: Auto attack + JoL when possible. Make sure Devotion Aura is 'turned on.' Keep the Blessing of Might and Seal of Righteousness Buff on yourself.

- Same as above but:
- When you get Judgement of Wisdom, start using it instead of Light. (This helps keep your mana up)
- When you get Retribution Aura, 'turn it on' instead of Devotion Aura.
- Start looking for a slow 2 handed weapon, so you have one for level 20. (A heirloom would be a good investment for this task)

- Same as above but:
- When you get Seal of Command, keep it up when fighting.
- If fighting more than 2 mobs use Consecration.
- Make sure you are now using a slow 2H weapon.

- Same as above but:
- When you get Hammer of Wrath, use it when the mob has less than 20% HP. Your finishing move!

Rotation: Auto attack + JoW when possible. Use HoW when the mob has less than 20% HP. When you are fighting more than 2 mobs use Consecration. Make sure Retribution Aura is 'turned on.' Keep the Blessing of Might and Seal of Command Buff on yourself.

This may seem boring spending all these levels doing basically the same thing, but you've got a nice little surprise coming your way!

- Same as above but:
- When you get Crusader Strike, use it when ever it is up! (This is an extra attack that also does slightly higher damage.)

- Same as above but:
- When you get Divine Storm, use it when ever it's up! (The same as Warrior's Whirlwind, but it also heals you.)
- When you get Divine Plea, use it when you are low on mana.

Instances
- Learn your Resistance Auras. Some bosses do a hell of alot of damage from a school of magic you can protect against.
- Remember to buff other party members with your Blessings. Also give the approprite buff: don't give a Warlock BoM, like-wise don't give a Warrior BoW.
- When healing use BoW on your self. This way you will regain the mana quicker as heals cost a large amount.

Solo
- Just heal yourself with Flash of Light whenever you need to heal. (Helped with by the The Art of War talent, which will give you instant flash of light heals after doing Crits with your moves.)
- Bandages help as well, use this if you have the feeling you are using to much mana (to heal).
- There a few oh**** methods when you can use to protect your self when you are low on health. You could:
  - Use Hammer of Justice and then use a Heal.
  - Use Repentence (once gained through talents) and then use a Heal.
  - Use Divine Protection and then use a heal; or quickly kill the target if it is on low health then heal up.

Professions
- Skinning/Mining: The best options are Skinning/Mining, since they make lots of money. Skinning gives critical strike rating and mining gives health. These bonuses are quite minor and don't really have any impact in end-game (they DO give an edge on lower levels).
- Mining/Blacksmith

You should try to get the stats in the following order: Strength > Stamina > Intellect > Agility > Mp5 .
( Strength > Stamina means Strength is more important than Stamina)

Strength: Needed for Attack Power.
Stamina: Needed for health.
Intellect: Needed for mana, also gives spell critical strike chance. Needed for the heals and other spells.
Agility: Needed for Critical strike chance, also gives armor.
Mana Per 5 Seconds: You won't see this alot until outland, and that is probabbly the only place you'll need it as in Notherend you'll be using divne plea for mana.

Glyph of Judgement
Glyph of Seal of Command
Glyph of Crusader Strike
Glyph of Hammer of Wrath

Minor Glyphs
Glyph of Blessing of Might
Glyph of Lay on Hands
More coming (soon*)

COMING SOON*


*I (and our other staff) am on vacation right now,  so things will just have to wait a while :(