Paladin specialization

Protection Paladin in WoW Forever

Holy magic and shield defense.

Your role: Tank
Class guides to level 30
Class notes checked Nov 4, 2026

Your character

Character level

I’m playing

Solo & quests Dungeons Raids

Updating…

Level 60 · Combat priorities

How to play at level 60

Your combat loop

Prepare threat
Use Righteous Fury and your chosen aura. Maintain a learned threat or sustain Seal.
Hold the pack
Consecration handles grouped enemies; follow with Judgement and Holy Strike as mana permits. Bring casters together with line of sight.
Templar’s Bulwark
If talented, save for dangerous incoming damage.
Holy Shield
If talented, use for incoming attacks. It grants 30% block chance.

Levels 31–60 extend the level-30 class guides we draw on and have not been checked in play. Use trained spells and talents you chose. Talent milestones assume ordinary points; Legacy can move them earlier. Weights are editable MaxDPS estimates, not measured DPS or HPS.

Core ability focus

Shield tank build; one-hand melee weapon and shield. Class proficiencies are assumed trained. Lower armor tiers remain available.

Default stat priorities

Stamina1.20
Strength1.00
Hit1.00
Weapon melee DPS1.00
Critical strike0.80
Agility0.70

Points per stat point, used for the gear scores below. Starter weights balance the stats used by this build.

Adjust stat priorities Starter defaults

Each reported stat × its weight, added together. Weights are tuning choices, not game coefficients. Ratings stay in source units; no percentage conversion is assumed. Changes last for this page visit.

Strength Agility Stamina Attack power Melee attack power Critical strike Hit Haste Expertise Weapon melee DPS Armor Bonus armor Defense rating Dodge rating Block rating Parry rating Spell power Spell damage Holy spell power Intellect

Choosing gear at this level

Balance stamina and armor with a useful threat weapon. Shield builds need a shield; Bear cannot block or parry. Damage points do not measure survival.

Wowhead’s level-30 Protection Paladin guide · Current class changes

Preliminary item rankings

Protection Paladin gear rankings

Survival and Holy threat · Level 60 · Dungeons · Starter defaults

Items your class can use at this level, scored with the stat priorities above. Scores are weighted points, not DPS gains. They do not simulate the combat loop.

Head

465 items matching this build · Updating…

My current head

Reviewed recommendations are not ready for this build and activity yet. Compare imported items below; missing evidence does not mean your current gear cannot be improved.

Find an item Acquisition Dungeon or raid Sort by

Head items with imported stats, weighted scores and acquisition sources.
Rank	Item	Key stats	Score (pts)	Where to get it
1 in this filtered list	Inquisition Helmet Plate · iLvl 98 · Req. 60	51 Strength 19 Stamina 2.0% Critical strike	131.92	Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
Score breakdown Strength: 51 × 1 = 51.00 pts Stamina: 19 × 1.2 = 22.80 pts Critical strike: 28 rating (2.0%) × 0.8 = 22.40 pts Armor: 886 × 0.02 = 17.72 pts Haste: 20 rating (2.0%) × 0.6 = 12.00 pts Expertise: 10 rating (1.0%) × 0.6 = 6.00 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 2 sources Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands Bryon SteelbladeVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
2 in this filtered list	Inquisition Crown Plate · iLvl 98 · Req. 60 · Provisional stats	46 Stamina 34 Strength 886 Armor	129.42	Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
Score breakdown Stamina: 46 × 1.2 = 55.20 pts Strength: 34 × 1 = 34.00 pts Armor: 886 × 0.02 = 17.72 pts Defense rating: 15 × 0.7 = 10.50 pts Haste: 10 rating (1.0%) × 0.6 = 6.00 pts Expertise: 10 rating (1.0%) × 0.6 = 6.00 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 2 sources Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands Bryon SteelbladeVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
3 in this filtered list	Field Marshal's Lamellar Headguard Plate · iLvl 74 · Req. 60 · Provisional stats	39 Stamina 22 Strength 679 Armor	109.18	Captain DirgehammerVendor · 9g 2s 85c
Score breakdown Stamina: 39 × 1.2 = 46.80 pts Strength: 22 × 1 = 22.00 pts Armor: 679 × 0.02 = 13.58 pts Spell power: 21 × 0.6 = 12.60 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.8 = 11.20 pts Intellect: 15 × 0.2 = 3.00 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Captain DirgehammerVendor · 9g 2s 85c
4 in this filtered list	Inquisition Headpiece Plate · iLvl 98 · Req. 60	19 Stamina 2.0% Critical strike 35 Spell damage	99.72	Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
Score breakdown Stamina: 19 × 1.2 = 22.80 pts Critical strike: 28 rating (2.0%) × 0.8 = 22.40 pts Spell power: 35 × 0.6 = 21.00 pts Armor: 886 × 0.02 = 17.72 pts Haste: 20 rating (2.0%) × 0.6 = 12.00 pts Intellect: 19 × 0.2 = 3.80 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 2 sources Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands Bryon SteelbladeVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
5 in this filtered list	Lieutenant Commander's Lamellar Headguard Plate · iLvl 71 · Req. 60 · Provisional stats	29 Stamina 20 Strength 26 Spell power	92.36	Captain DirgehammerVendor · 5g 77s 19c
Score breakdown Stamina: 29 × 1.2 = 34.80 pts Strength: 20 × 1 = 20.00 pts Spell power: 26 × 0.6 = 15.60 pts Armor: 598 × 0.02 = 11.96 pts Hit: 10 rating (1.0%) × 1 = 10.00 pts Rare Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Captain DirgehammerVendor · 5g 77s 19c
6 in this filtered list	Inquisition Faceguard Plate · iLvl 98 · Req. 60 · Provisional stats	19 Stamina 2.0% Critical strike 886 Armor	91.12	Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
Score breakdown Stamina: 19 × 1.2 = 22.80 pts Critical strike: 28 rating (2.0%) × 0.8 = 22.40 pts Armor: 886 × 0.02 = 17.72 pts Haste: 20 rating (2.0%) × 0.6 = 12.00 pts Intellect: 51 × 0.2 = 10.20 pts Expertise: 10 rating (1.0%) × 0.6 = 6.00 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 2 sources Leonid Barthalomew the ReveredVendor · Eastern Plaguelands Bryon SteelbladeVendor · Eastern Plaguelands
7 in this filtered list	Field Marshal's Lamellar Faceguard Plate · iLvl 74 · Req. 60	21 Stamina 21 Strength 25 Spell power	89.98	Captain DirgehammerVendor · 9g 2s 85c
Score breakdown Stamina: 21 × 1.2 = 25.20 pts Strength: 21 × 1 = 21.00 pts Spell power: 25 × 0.6 = 15.00 pts Armor: 679 × 0.02 = 13.58 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.8 = 11.20 pts Intellect: 20 × 0.2 = 4.00 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Captain DirgehammerVendor · 9g 2s 85c
8 in this filtered list	Field Marshal's Lamellar Helmet Plate · iLvl 74 · Req. 60 · Provisional stats	40 Stamina 679 Armor 1.0% Critical strike	86.58	Captain DirgehammerVendor · 9g 2s 85c
Score breakdown Stamina: 40 × 1.2 = 48.00 pts Armor: 679 × 0.02 = 13.58 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.8 = 11.20 pts Spell power: 16 × 0.6 = 9.60 pts Intellect: 21 × 0.2 = 4.20 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Captain DirgehammerVendor · 9g 2s 85c
9 in this filtered list	Premier Field Marshal's Chevalier Faceguard Plate · iLvl 65 · Req. 60	34 Stamina 12 Strength 599 Armor	85.98	Source pending
Score breakdown Stamina: 34 × 1.2 = 40.80 pts Strength: 12 × 1 = 12.00 pts Armor: 599 × 0.02 = 11.98 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.8 = 11.20 pts Spell power: 14 × 0.6 = 8.40 pts Intellect: 8 × 0.2 = 1.60 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Source pending.
10 in this filtered list	Premier Warlord's Scaled Faceguard Plate · iLvl 65 · Req. 60	34 Stamina 12 Strength 599 Armor	85.98	Source pending
Score breakdown Stamina: 34 × 1.2 = 40.80 pts Strength: 12 × 1 = 12.00 pts Armor: 599 × 0.02 = 11.98 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.8 = 11.20 pts Spell power: 14 × 0.6 = 8.40 pts Intellect: 8 × 0.2 = 1.60 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Source pending.
11 in this filtered list	Helm of Heroism Plate · iLvl 60 · Req. 55*	32 Stamina 18 Strength 1.0% Critical strike	78.72	Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Orgrimmar
Score breakdown Stamina: 32 × 1.2 = 38.40 pts Strength: 18 × 1 = 18.00 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.8 = 11.20 pts Armor: 556 × 0.02 = 11.12 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 2 sources Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Orgrimmar Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Ironforge
12 in this filtered list	Soulforge Faceguard Plate · iLvl 60 · Req. 55* · Provisional stats	33 Stamina 18 Strength 556 Armor	73.72	MokvarVendor · 94g 73s 68c · Orgrimmar
Score breakdown Stamina: 33 × 1.2 = 39.60 pts Strength: 18 × 1 = 18.00 pts Armor: 556 × 0.02 = 11.12 pts Defense rating: 4 × 0.7 = 2.80 pts Intellect: 11 × 0.2 = 2.20 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 5 sources MokvarVendor · 94g 73s 68c · Orgrimmar DelianaVendor · 88g 88s 88c · Ironforge Ironforge GuardVendor · 100g · Ironforge Kor'kron EliteVendor · 100g · Orgrimmar Divine Will Helm and Chestpiece SetContainer loot · 100%
13 in this filtered list	Outlaw's Collar Leather · iLvl 65 · Req. 60	31 Stamina 1.5% Critical strike 21 Agility	71.90	Outlaw's CollarCrafted
Score breakdown Stamina: 31 × 1.2 = 37.20 pts Critical strike: 21 rating (1.5%) × 0.8 = 16.80 pts Agility: 21 × 0.7 = 14.70 pts Armor: 160 × 0.02 = 3.20 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Outlaw's CollarCrafted
14 in this filtered list	Lionheart Helm Plate · iLvl 61 · Req. 56	2.0% Critical strike 2.0% Hit 18 Strength	71.70	Lionheart HelmCrafted
Score breakdown Critical strike: 28 rating (2.0%) × 0.8 = 22.40 pts Hit: 20 rating (2.0%) × 1 = 20.00 pts Strength: 18 × 1 = 18.00 pts Armor: 565 × 0.02 = 11.30 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Lionheart HelmCrafted
15 in this filtered list	Lieutenant Commander's Lamellar Headguard Plate · iLvl 71 · Req. 60	19 Stamina 18 Strength 26 Spell power	70.76	Captain DirgehammerVendor · 5g 77s 19c
Score breakdown Stamina: 19 × 1.2 = 22.80 pts Strength: 18 × 1 = 18.00 pts Spell power: 26 × 0.6 = 15.60 pts Armor: 598 × 0.02 = 11.96 pts Intellect: 12 × 0.2 = 2.40 pts Rare Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Captain DirgehammerVendor · 5g 77s 19c
16 in this filtered list	Soulforge Helm Plate · iLvl 60 · Req. 55*	17 Stamina 16 Strength 1.0% Critical strike	70.52	Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Ironforge
Score breakdown Stamina: 17 × 1.2 = 20.40 pts Strength: 16 × 1 = 16.00 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.8 = 11.20 pts Armor: 556 × 0.02 = 11.12 pts Spell power: 14 × 0.6 = 8.40 pts Intellect: 17 × 0.2 = 3.40 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Ironforge
17 in this filtered list	Soulforge Greathelm Plate · iLvl 60 · Req. 55* · Provisional stats	17 Stamina 16 Strength 1.0% Critical strike	70.52	MokvarVendor · 94g 73s 68c · Orgrimmar
Score breakdown Stamina: 17 × 1.2 = 20.40 pts Strength: 16 × 1 = 16.00 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.8 = 11.20 pts Armor: 556 × 0.02 = 11.12 pts Spell power: 14 × 0.6 = 8.40 pts Intellect: 17 × 0.2 = 3.40 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 5 sources MokvarVendor · 94g 73s 68c · Orgrimmar DelianaVendor · 88g 88s 88c · Ironforge Ironforge GuardVendor · 100g · Ironforge Kor'kron EliteVendor · 100g · Orgrimmar Radiant Helm and Chestpiece SetContainer loot · 100%
18 in this filtered list	Warbear Helm Leather · iLvl 61 · Req. 56	33 Stamina 18 Strength 14 Agility	70.44	Warbear HelmCrafted
Score breakdown Stamina: 33 × 1.2 = 39.60 pts Strength: 18 × 1 = 18.00 pts Agility: 14 × 0.7 = 9.80 pts Armor: 152 × 0.02 = 3.04 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Warbear HelmCrafted
19 in this filtered list	Wormhide Protector Leather · iLvl 81 · Req. 60	26 Stamina 18 Strength 24 Agility	69.84	Source pending
Score breakdown Stamina: 26 × 1.2 = 31.20 pts Strength: 18 × 1 = 18.00 pts Agility: 24 × 0.7 = 16.80 pts Armor: 192 × 0.02 = 3.84 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. Source Source pending.
20 in this filtered list	Darkmantle Cap Leather · iLvl 60 · Req. 55*	18 Stamina 26 Agility 13 Strength	67.00	Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Orgrimmar
Score breakdown Stamina: 18 × 1.2 = 21.60 pts Agility: 26 × 0.7 = 18.20 pts Strength: 13 × 1 = 13.00 pts Critical strike: 14 rating (1.0%) × 0.8 = 11.20 pts Armor: 150 × 0.02 = 3.00 pts Epic Passive stats from the game files only. Procs, set bonuses, random enchantments, caps, pets and weapon combinations are not evaluated. Game build 1.60.1.70790 · Published Nov 5, 2026. 2 sources Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Orgrimmar Saving the Best for LastQuest reward · Ironforge

Showing 1–20 of 465 items

Page 1 of 24

Rankings use item stats from the WoW Forever game files; drop, vendor and quest sources come from Wowhead. Availability, race, profession and training requirements need an in-game check. Scores do not establish best-in-slot gear or DPS. Ability names compared with the launch game files 2026-11-04; class proficiencies checked 2026-10-08 · forever-leveling-priorities-v3.

New in Forever

Block and Holy damage tuning

Redoubt’s block bonus is 6/12/18/24/30% by rank and Holy Shield grants 30% block chance. Champion of the Light adds 12/24/36/48/60% of your Intellect as spell damage, not healing, and shortens Hammer of Wrath’s cast. These talent effects require the matching points. Twist of Light is gone; Unsealed Wrath is Retribution’s 31-point talent.

Undead Paladins bring the class to the Horde. All three of its talent trees have been updated.

Blizzard: WoW Forever development notes · Blizzard’s Deep Dive · What’s Next

Read the current Paladin updates

Sources & review

Class roster checked September 19, 2026; leveling guides checked October 8, 2026. Blizzard’s class notes were read again and compared with the launch game files on November 4, 2026, and take precedence when an older guide conflicts. Level-30 guides do not validate optimal level-60 builds.

Wowhead: level-30 class guides Leveling, rotations and gear sources
Blizzard: development notes Tuning and class changes up to launch
Blizzard: Forever Deep Dive Official class announcements
Blizzard: Forever What’s Next Official Skyborne class options
Warcraft Tavern: Classes, Specializations & Roles Community roster and roles
Icy Veins: Choosing Your Class Community playstyle overview

Feral includes both Cat and Bear. Enhancement tank builds are reported, but are not a separate specialization or a reviewed MaxDPS recommendation.

Your character

Your combat loop

Core ability focus

Head

Score breakdown

2 sources

Score breakdown

2 sources

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

2 sources

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

2 sources

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

2 sources

Score breakdown

5 sources

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

5 sources

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

Source

Score breakdown

2 sources

Block and Holy damage tuning