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WoW Forever guides › Paladin guide

WoW Forever Paladin Guide: Talents, Leveling Gear and What Changed

By Marc · Updated October 12, 2026

Built on the WoW Forever beta. Items, talents and stats can still change before launch on November 4, 2026, and for some new items it isn't known yet where they come from.

Paladins in WoW Forever play differently from Classic: 19 of their 50 talents are new, spread over the Holy, Protection and Retribution trees. Undead can be Paladins for the first time.

This guide shows what changed, which races can play a Paladin, and the best leveling gear for each spec at levels 20, 30 and 40, worked out by the same gear engine as the WoW Forever gear helper.

Races that can be a Paladin

  • Alliance: Human, Dwarf
  • Horde: Undead NEW

Every race's racial abilities, with what changed since Classic, are on the WoW Forever racials page.

Talent changes per tree

Holy: 8 new of 17 talents

  • Improved Seals (row 2, 3 ranks): Increases the damage done by your Seals and Judgements by 15%.
  • Voice of Truth (row 3, 1 rank): Grants you immunity to Silence and Interrupt effects for 6 sec.
  • Reverence (row 3, 3 ranks): Allows 30% of your Mana regeneration to continue while casting.
  • Purifying Power (row 3, 2 ranks): Reduces the mana cost of your Cleanse and Purify spells by 20% and reduces the cooldown of your Exorcism and Holy Wrath spells by 33%.
  • Infusion of Light (row 4, 2 ranks): Your Holy Shock and Flash of Light critical hits reduce the cast time of your next Holy Light cast within 15 sec by 1.0 sec.
  • Divine Precision (row 5, 3 ranks): Improves your chance to hit with Holy spells by 18%.
  • Consecrated Ground (row 5, 2 ranks): Gives your Holy spells 10% increased damage against the first 4 enemies that enter your Consecration.
  • Light's Vigil (row 7, 1 rank): Applies Light's Vigil to the target for 30 sec. Your next Holy Shock cast on them triggers no cooldown and causes enemy targets to suffer 175 to 189 Holy damage and refund 75% of Light's Vigil's Mana cost, or allied targets to heal their party for 326 to 344. You may only have one Light's Vigil active per party.

No longer in the tree: Improved Seal of Righteousness, Consecration, Improved Lay on Hands, Improved Blessing of Wisdom and Lasting Judgement.

Protection: 5 new of 16 talents

  • Improved Seal of Fury (row 3, 1 rank): When Seal of Fury's shield is fully absorbed, restore 0 Mana, increased by 15% per level the attacker is above you, up to 45%.
  • Sacred Duty (row 3, 2 ranks): Increases your total Stamina by 4% and reduces the cooldown of your Divine Shield, Divine Protection, and Templar's Bulwark spells by 60 sec.
  • Swift Judgement (row 4, 1 rank): Finishes the remaining cooldown on your Judgement ability and reduces the Mana cost of your next Judgement by 100%.
  • Templar's Bulwark (row 5, 1 rank): When activated, this ability grants you an absorb shield equal to 100% of your maximum health for 8 sec. Applies Forbearance for 1 min. Cannot be cast while Forbearance is active.
  • Iron Creed (row 6, 5 ranks): Increases the threat generated by your Holy Strike ability by 25%. While Righteous Fury is active, Holy Strike also reduces your damage taken by 10% for 6 sec.

No longer in the tree: Improved Devotion Aura, Blessing of Kings, Improved Concentration Aura and Blessing of Sanctuary.

Retribution: 6 new of 17 talents

  • Holy Conduit (row 2, 2 ranks): Reduces the mana cost of your Consecration, Holy Wrath, Exorcism, and Hammer of Wrath spells by 40%.
  • Sanctified Judgement (row 3, 3 ranks): Gives your Judgement ability a 100% chance to return 60% of the Mana cost of the judged seal.
  • Sacred Arbiter (row 4, 1 rank): Increases the damage of your Holy Strike ability by 20% and causes it to refresh all Judgement effects on the target.
  • Champion of the Light (row 6, 3 ranks): Increases your spell damage by up to 60% of your Intellect.
  • Instrument of Law (row 6, 2 ranks): Reduces the cast time of your Hammer of Wrath by 1.0 sec, and reduces all threat you generate by 20% while Righteous Fury is not active.
  • Twist of Light (row 7, 1 rank): Reduces the Mana cost of your Seal spells by 20%, and when you replace your Seal of Command, Seal of Righteousness, Seal of Fury, or Seal of Justice with a different Seal, you gain an Echo of that Seal. Your next melee attack applies the replaced Seal's effects, consuming the Echo.

No longer in the tree: Improved Blessing of Might, Improved Seal of the Crusader, Improved Retribution Aura and Sanctity Aura.

Plan a build with these trees in the WoW Forever talent calculator.

Best leveling gear per spec

The best item for each slot you can have by each level, scored with the spec's stat weights for that level. Where Alliance and Horde differ (faction quest rewards), both are listed. Items whose source isn't known yet are left out. Pre-raid lists for level 60 follow once it's clear which high-level items WoW Forever really has: its beta data still holds leftovers from other versions of the game.

Holy (Paladin)

By level 20 · weapons: two-hand
HeadAcolyte's Silvered Chain Helm · Crafted: Blacksmithing 95
NeckMark of the Pack Leader · World drop (The Barrens)
ShoulderMagician's Mantle · World drop (Auction House)
BackHeavy Woolen Cloak · Crafted: Tailoring 100
ChestAcolyte's Chain Shirt · Crafted: Blacksmithing 85
WristWitherbite Bracers · Ruins of Lordaeron, Witherfang
HandsAcolyte's Gloves · Crafted: Blacksmithing 80
WaistPristine Sash · Crafted: Tailoring 85
LegsAcolyte's Chain Leggings · Crafted: Blacksmithing 100
FeetAcolyte's Boots · Crafted: Blacksmithing 85
RingAlliance Minor Channeling Ring · Quest: WANTED: Chok'sul (Loch Modan)Horde Lavishly Jeweled Ring · The Deadmines, Gilnid
TrinketLookie's Spyglass · The Deadmines, Cookie
Two-HandTaskmaster Axe · The Deadmines, Sneed
By level 30 · weapons: one-hand and off hand
HeadHoly Shroud · World drop (Auction House)
NeckScorn's Icy Choker · Scarlet Monastery, Scorn
ShoulderBloodmage Mantle · Scarlet Monastery, Bloodmage Thalnos
BackAlliance Repairman's Cape · Quest: Data Rescue (Gnomeregan)Horde Glowing Thresher Cape · Blackfathom Deeps, Old Serra'kis
ChestAcolyte's Silvered Chain Shirt · Crafted: Blacksmithing 110
WristSpidertank Oilrag · Gnomeregan, Electrocutioner 6000
HandsAlliance Silvered Gauntlets · Quest: Twilight Falls (Blackfathom Deeps)Horde Truefaith Gloves · Crafted: Tailoring 150
WaistPrefect's Belt · Crafted: Blacksmithing 150
LegsAcolyte's Silvered Chain Leggings · Crafted: Blacksmithing 125
FeetGilded Slippers · Crafted: Tailoring 140
RingSea Giant's Toe Ring · Vendor: Gezzy Gunkgear (Stranglethorn Vale)
TrinketRoogug's Severed Head · Razorfen Kraul, Roogug
Main HandRoyal Diplomatic Scepter · Gnomeregan, Dark Iron Ambassador
Off HandHeart of Agamaggan · Razorfen Kraul, Charlga Razorflank
By level 40 · weapons: one-hand and off hand
HeadHoly Shroud · World drop (Auction House)
NeckGlowing Eye of Mordresh · Razorfen Downs, Mordresh Fire Eye
ShoulderInquisitor's Shawl · Scarlet Monastery, High Inquisitor Fairbanks
BackAlliance Repairman's Cape · Quest: Data Rescue (Gnomeregan)Horde Brilliant Cloak · Quest: Strahnbrad Mystery (Alterac Mountains)
ChestDeathchill Armor · Razorfen Downs, Amnennar the Coldbringer
WristReflective Wristguards · Vendor: Rettrick (Tanaris)
HandsMender's Leather Gloves · Crafted: Leatherworking 175
WaistGilded Cord · Crafted: Tailoring 190
LegsAcolyte's Silvered Chain Leggings · Crafted: Blacksmithing 125
FeetPrefect's Boots · Crafted: Blacksmithing 200
RingSea Giant's Toe Ring · Vendor: Gezzy Gunkgear (Stranglethorn Vale)
TrinketAnkh of Life · World drop (Auction House)
Main HandHand of Righteousness · Scarlet Monastery, High Inquisitor Whitemane
Off HandAlliance Crest of Elucidation · Quest: Greater Friend of the LibraryHorde Forcestone Buckler · Quest: Compendium of the Fallen (Scarlet Monastery)

Protection (Paladin)

By level 20 · weapons: one-hand and off hand
HeadProtector's Silvered Chain Helm · Crafted: Blacksmithing 95
NeckAlliance Tarnished Locket · Quest: Remember That I Love You (Riverglades)Horde Mark of the Pack Leader · World drop (The Barrens)
ShoulderAlliance Durable Chain Shoulders · Quest: WANTED: Chok'sul (Loch Modan)Horde Rough Bronze Shoulders · Crafted: Blacksmithing 110
BackSporid Cape · Wailing Caverns, Verdan the Everliving
ChestGuard's Chain Shirt · Crafted: Blacksmithing 80
WristBandsaw Wristbands · The Deadmines, Sneed
HandsGuard's Gloves · Crafted: Blacksmithing 80
WaistGuard's Chain Belt · Crafted: Blacksmithing 45
LegsGuard's Chain Leggings · Crafted: Blacksmithing 100
FeetGuard's Boots · Crafted: Blacksmithing 85
RingFirst Mate Band · The Deadmines, Mr. Smite
Main HandBarrens Basher · Vendor: Winklespark (The Barrens)
Off HandRedbeard Crest · World drop (Auction House)
By level 30 · weapons: one-hand and off hand
HeadProtector's Chain Helm · Crafted: Blacksmithing 130
NeckSouvenir Sea Shell · Vendor: Gezzy Gunkgear (Stranglethorn Vale)
ShoulderReliquary Mantle · Excavation Site: Wetlands, Relic Guardian
BackAlliance Mourning Shawl · Quest: Mortality Wanes (Razorfen Kraul)Horde Grimsteel Cape · Quest: Vorrel's Revenge (Scarlet Monastery)
ChestGuard's Silvered Chain Shirt · Crafted: Blacksmithing 110
WristTechnician's Bracers · Quest: A Fine Mess (Gnomeregan)
HandsOgre Grips · The Stockade, Hamhock
WaistSentinel's Belt · Crafted: Blacksmithing 150
LegsGuard's Silvered Chain Leggings · Crafted: Blacksmithing 125
FeetRaptorclaw Greaves · Excavation Site: Wetlands, Shadetooth
RingAlliance Rune-Etched Ring · Quest: Gleaning Our Future (Wetlands)Horde Plains Ring · Razorfen Kraul
Main HandCrested Scepter · Blackfathom Deeps
Off HandResplendent Guardian · Scarlet Monastery
By level 40 · weapons: one-hand and off hand
HeadSouthsea Head Bucket · Quest: Southsea Shakedown (Tanaris)
NeckSouvenir Sea Shell · Vendor: Gezzy Gunkgear (Stranglethorn Vale)
ShoulderSkeletal Shoulders · World drop (Auction House)
BackWing of the Whelpling · World drop (Auction House)
ChestCarapace of Tuten'kash · Razorfen Downs, Tuten'kash
WristCrushridge Bindings · World drop (Auction House)
HandsSentinel's Gauntlet · Crafted: Blacksmithing 175
WaistSentinel's Belt · Crafted: Blacksmithing 150
LegsGuard's Silvered Chain Leggings · Crafted: Blacksmithing 125
FeetSentinel's Boots · Crafted: Blacksmithing 200
RingSuspicious Spare Part · Vendor: Rettrick (Tanaris)
TrinketArena Master · World drop (Stranglethorn Vale)
Main HandHeaven's Light · World drop (Auction House)
Off HandAegis of the Scarlet Commander · Scarlet Monastery, Scarlet Commander Mograine

Retribution

By level 20 · weapons: two-hand
HeadVeteran's Silvered Chain Helm · Crafted: Blacksmithing 95
NeckMark of the Pack Leader · World drop (The Barrens)
ShoulderRough Bronze Shoulders · Crafted: Blacksmithing 110
BackMiner's Cape · The Deadmines, Miner Johnson
ChestMutant Scale Breastplate · Wailing Caverns, Mutanus the Devourer
WristDeath Bindings · Ruins of Lordaeron
HandsThorbia's Gauntlets · World drop (Auction House)
WaistBlackened Defias Belt · The Deadmines, Captain Greenskin
LegsVeteran's Chain Leggings · Crafted: Blacksmithing 100
FeetVilewalkers · Ruins of Lordaeron, Viktor the Vile
RingFirst Mate Band · The Deadmines, Mr. Smite
Two-HandAlliance Smite's Mighty Hammer · The Deadmines, Mr. SmiteHorde Hammerbone · Quest: Leaders of the Fang (Wailing Caverns)
By level 30 · weapons: two-hand
HeadVeteran's Chain Helm · Crafted: Blacksmithing 130
NeckGhostshard Talisman · Scarlet Monastery, Azshir the Sleepless
ShoulderGolden Scale Shoulders · Crafted: Blacksmithing 175
BackWolfmaster Cape · Shadowfang Keep, Wolf Master Nandos
ChestAvenger's Armor · Razorfen Kraul
WristPugilist Bracers · Razorfen Kraul
HandsAlliance Gauntlets of Ogre Strength · World drop (Auction House), Arathi HighlandsHorde Warsong Gauntlets · Quest: Warsong Supplies (Ashenvale)
WaistOfficer's Belt · Crafted: Blacksmithing 150
LegsVeteran's Silvered Chain Leggings · Crafted: Blacksmithing 125
FeetRaptorclaw Greaves · Excavation Site: Wetlands, Shadetooth
RingWyvern Heart Band · World drop (Thousand Needles)
Two-HandViscous Hammer · World drop (Auction House)
By level 40 · weapons: two-hand
HeadRaging Berserker's Helm · Scarlet Monastery, Herod
NeckGhostshard Talisman · Scarlet Monastery, Azshir the Sleepless
ShoulderChromite Pauldrons · World drop (Auction House)
BackWolfmaster Cape · Shadowfang Keep, Wolf Master Nandos
ChestCarapace of Tuten'kash · Razorfen Downs, Tuten'kash
HandsGloves of Holy Might · World drop (Auction House)
WaistAlliance Thorn Protecting Girdle · Quest: A Green Sample (City of Dalaran)Horde Scarlet Belt · Scarlet Monastery
LegsScarlet Leggings · Scarlet Monastery
FeetOfficer's Boots · Crafted: Blacksmithing 200
RingAssault Band · World drop (Auction House)
TrinketArena Master · World drop (Stranglethorn Vale)
Two-HandHellslayer Battle Axe · World drop (Auction House)

These are the best items overall. For your own character, with your gear, professions and play mode, the gear helper shows the upgrades in order.

Professions for Paladins

Of the leveling picks above, 29 are made with Blacksmithing, 5 are made with Tailoring and 1 is made with Leatherworking. Blacksmithing pairs well with Mining. Every recipe, with where to learn it, is in the WoW Forever professions helper.

The other class guides: Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, Priest, Shaman, Mage, Warlock, Druid. All of them, side by side: WoW Forever class guides.

Frequently asked questions

What changed for Paladins in WoW Forever?

Every talent tree was reworked: 19 of the Paladin's 50 talents are new compared with Classic (8 in Holy, 5 in Protection, 6 in Retribution). Undead can now be Paladins too.

Which races can be a Paladin in WoW Forever?

Alliance: Human and Dwarf. Horde: Undead.

What is a good leveling weapon for a Holy (Paladin) Paladin at level 30?

By our gear engine's stat weights, Royal Diplomatic Scepter (Gnomeregan, Dark Iron Ambassador) is the best main hand you can get by level 30. The full list per spec and level is on this page.