Retribution Paladin FCFS Rotation

Retribution Paladin FCFS

Retribution Paladin FCFS Rotation is updated for Patch 4.3.  Firsct Come Cirst Serve (FCFS) rotations are something we Ret Paladins have been using for quite some time.  What this generally means is that we use the first ability available, in a priority system.

In other words, if only one ability or attack is available, we use it.  If two become available at the same time, we use the higher DPS ability first, and the second ability next.

Our FCFS in Cataclysm is centered around the use of Templar’s Verdict, a titan of an attack using Holy Power, and Crusader Strike, the heart of all our rotations.

Ret Paladin FCFS Rotations

Normal PvE FCFS Rotation

• Inq > CS > TV > HoW > Exo > J > HW > Cons
• Inq > CS > HoW > Exo > TV > J > HW > Cons

The first FCFS is the rotation I currently use, and would recommend to most of you.  The second one does not optimize my DPS, but spreadsheets on Elitist Jerks have the second rotation coming in at higher DPS with higher gear levels.  I am including the second rotation for you guys to experiment with, but for me, until I get better gear, I am sticking with the first!

Undead FCFS Rotation

• Inq > CS > TV > Exo > HoW > J > HW > Cons
• Inq > CS > Exo > HoW > TV > J > HW > Cons

Again, I use the first rotation, while higher gear levels may use the second.  Since Exorcism is a guaranteed crit, it surpasses ammer of Wrath in priority in both scenarios.

AoE FCFS Rotation

• Inq > CS > DS > HoW > Exo > J > HW > Cons

This is the AoE rotation I currently use.  The only difference is swapping Divine Storm for Templar’s Verdict.  Everything else is exactly the same.

FCFS Questions

Why not keep Consecrate refreshed as often as possible for consistent DPS?
Consecrate is a mana drain, although some players will keep it active if they can regenerate mana quickly.  I rarely use it, unless in AoE situations.  It just sucks up too much of my mana to be used that often.

When should I refresh Inquisition?
Optimal time to refresh is at about 3 seconds duration remaining.

When can I cast Exorcism?
No.  I’ll tell you no right now.  Never in melee range, and only if you are unable to move outside of melee range.  It’s a horrible DPS decrease to cast Exorcism.  We should only be using it when it becomes instant cast.

Where is Zealotry?
Zealotry isn’t a part of the FCFS rotation, but you do use it as often as possible.