Tank Rotation & Cooldowns
This rotation guide provides a quick, basic understanding of which abilities to prioritize when playing a Protection Paladin, along with additional details on important cooldowns at the bottom. Updated for the latest patch in World of Warcraft: The War Within (11.0.7).
Single Target
Ensure Consecration is active before the encounter begins.
- If you have 0-2 Holy Power
- If you have any Blessing Of Dawn stacks
- If you are not standing in it
- When at 3-5 Holy Power to prevent overcapping.
- If Shake The Heavens is active
- If you have Shining Light and are below 50% health
- If everything else is on cooldown to refresh the duration
Start with Avenging Wrath, then use Eye Of Tyr if low on Holy Power. Follow up with Hammer Of Light and Bastion Of Light. Maintain Consecration and use Shield Of The Righteous to manage Holy Power.
AoE
Ensure Consecration is active before engaging multiple enemies.
- If you have 0-2 Holy Power
- If you have any Blessing Of Dawn stacks
- If you are not standing in it
- When at 3-5 Holy Power to prevent overcapping.
- To gain Bulwark Of Righteous Fury stacks
- If Shake The Heavens is active
- If you have Shining Light and are below 50% health
- When you have 0 Holy Power
- If Shake The Heavens is not active
- If you have a charge of Shining Light and are below 50% health
- If everything else is on cooldown to refresh the duration
For AoE, start with Avenging Wrath, then use Eye Of Tyr if low on Holy Power. Follow with Hammer Of Light and Bastion Of Light. Maintain Consecration and use Shield Of The Righteous to manage Holy Power.
Cooldowns
Plan cooldowns for high damage phases.
- Use before large damage periods.
- Best for bypassing deadly mechanics.
- Increases damage and healing done.
- Use as an emergency heal.
- Use to avoid fatal mechanics.
Utilize Guardian Of Ancient Kings for damage reduction, Ardent Defender for critical moments, and Avenging Wrath for increased output. Save Lay On Hands for emergencies and Divine Shield to negate damage.