Paladins can equip almost all weapons in World of Warcraft, except daggers, fist weapons, and staves. Also, they cannot equip ranged weapons. And instead, they have a libram slot that increases the effectiveness of a specific role. In addition to weapons, they are also efficient users of shields and secondary weapons. In different situations, there is a preference on what type of weapon they would be wielding.

For example, a Retribution Paladin focuses primarily on dealing damage and would equip accordingly. Since two-handed weapons have the highest final damage in the game, that’s what they usually bring into battle. In this situation, any two-handed axe, mace, and sword will be able to fill this role. Although slow, the paladin has several instant attacks that are constantly used, making heavy but deadly weapons effective in his hands.

Obviously, if a Paladin were specialized in Protection, then they would be equipped with a 1-handed weapon and a shield. For one, many of his special abilities require a shield to be equipped. Second, a shield greatly reduces incoming damage, as shield paladins are usually the tank in a group and are required to handle punishment.

In addition to a shield, a paladin can also carry a secondary weapon. As a Holy Paladin, a combination of a 1-handed weapon and a left-handed weapon or shield is common practice. However, there are plenty of shields that provide healing boost effects that would then negate the need for a secondary weapon, as a shield also provides a higher amount of armor.