If you are planning on joining the World of Warcraft Classic adventure make sure to check out our other related Guides below:

• World of Warcraft Classic Beginner's guide
• Best Gold Farming locations in WoW Classic
• Most Profitable Professions in Wow Classic guide

And Starter builds/Leveling Guides for all other character classes:

Odealo is a player-to-player marketplace for World of Warcraft Gold, Items, and Power Leveling. 

1. Strength -  Your primary statistic that provides additional Attack Power and, in turn, increases the strength of your attacks. You should look for Strength in all your Item upgrades, as it provides you with the most value.

2. Agility - Provides you with Critical Strike and Dodge chances, highly increasing both offensive and defensive capabilities of your character. Agility gains more value after you gain access to the Vengeance Talent from the Retribution Tree.

3. Stamina - Improves your survivability by increasing your total Health pool. This is an important statistic, but it shouldn't be prioritized over Strength and Agility. Paladin's ability to Heal slightly decreases the value of this Statistic.

4. Intellect - Increases total Mana pool, provides Spell Critical chance and increases the rate at which you gain Weapon Skills. As a Paladin, you are a Mana-Based Class, but you don't benefit much from this statistic.

5. Spirit - Increases your out-of-combat Health and Mana regeneration rate. Paladin has access to Healing spells, which decreases the value of this statistic, but Spirit should not be underestimated as it can cut a large portion of Paladin's downtime all the same.

Leveling stat priority:

Strength = Agility ⇒ Stamina ⇒ Intellect ⇒ Spirit

Note:  Items with "Of the Tiger" Suffix are great for Paladins, as they provide both Agility and Strength. "Of the Monkey" (Stamina and Agility) and "Of the Bear" (Stamina and Strength) are strong second choices and you should Need on those, while in a group, as well.

Damage output is king in PvE. As a DPS, you want to hit enemies as hard as you can, and as a Tank you want... do exactly the same, because Damage generates Threat. Human's Weapon Specialization Racials allow you to do just that by reducing your Glancing Blow penalties. Dwarf's Stoneform is good for a Tank, but it is often not strong enough as a stand-alone defensive Cooldown and has to be used in a combination with other abilities, which makes it less than ideal in many situations.

Recommended choice: Human, but you may consider Dwarf if you really want to be a Tank (a rather bad idea, though*)

*Tanking, not picking a Dwarf. But... Paladin is still fully capable of tanking 5-Mans and early Raid Tiers, it is the later content that he struggles with. 

For Healing, Human gets a very slight edge, thanks to his Spirit Racial, but the boost provided by it is rather marginal, so you might prefer Dwarf's Stoneform for increased survivability instead. All in all, both races are pretty much equal as Healers, especially in PvE.

Recommended choice: Can't go wrong with either Race

Weapon Skill Racial pushes Human a tiny bit over the Dwarf because Paladins have Cleanse and the Blessing of Freedom in their Toolkit already, which makes Stoneform less impactful (but it is still very solid racial and you can't go wrong with it). Also, Human's Perception is a nice ability to have when against ever-annoying Rogues and Feral Druids.

Recommended choice: Human, but a Dwarf is as good (if not better in some cases)

Talent allocation for a Leveling Paladin (10-59)

You will want to start with the Retribution Tree and make your way up to the very top of it:

1. Levels 10-14 ⇒ 5/5 Benediction - Simple and solid leveling Talent that largely increases your sustain by improving your mana efficiency.
2. Levels 15-16 ⇒ 2/2 Improved Judgement - Another simple Talent. This one smooths the flow of your rotation by decreasing Cooldown of one of your main abilities.
3. Levels 17-19 ⇒ 3/5 Parry.
4. Level 20 ⇒ 1/1 Seal of Command - Strong offensive ability that lets you smite your enemies for extra Holy damage. This is the staple of your Rotation.
5. Levels 21-22 ⇒ 2/2 Pursuit of Justice - Movement speed increasing Talent, just too solid to pass up, especially when leveling.
6. Levels 23-27 ⇒ 5/5 Conviction.
7. Levels 28-29 ⇒ 5/5 Parry.
8. Level 30 ⇒ 1/1 Sanctity Aura - Strong offensive aura that synergizes with your all your offensive abilities that deal Holy Damage (and as a Paladin you have quite a lot of those).
9. Levels 31-33 ⇒ 3/3 Two-Handed Weapon Specialization - Simple. Solid. Additional Damage.
10. Level 34 ⇒ 1/3 Improved Seal of the Crusader - This point is spent mainly to unlock next Talent Tier, and Improved SotC is the best value.
11. Levels 35-39 ⇒ 5/5 Vengeance - Strong offensive Talent that increases the value of Agility stat (as Agi increases your Critical Strike chance).
12. Level 40 ⇒ 1/1 Repentance - Solid Crowd Control ability that comes in handy in Open World PvP, when you decide that fighting is not the best option, or when facing multiple Humanoid enemies.

At this point, it is time to switch to the Holy Tree:

13. Levels 41-45 ⇒ 5/5 Divine Strength - 10% bonus to one of your primary stats. Solid.
14. Levels 46-50 ⇒ 5/5 Spiritual Focus - Handy in situations when you have to heal yourself during Combat.
15. Level 51 ⇒ 1/1 Consecration - Legendary Paladin ability and a source of much-needed AoE Damage.
16. Levels 52-54 ⇒ 3/3 Healing Light - Picking this might feel odd, but there is not much choice, moreover, if you Heal in dungeons from time to time, this becomes a solid Talent.
17. Level 55 ⇒ 1/2 Improved Lay on Hands.
18. Levels 56-57 ⇒ 2/2 Improved Blessing of Wisdom.
19. Levels 58-59 ⇒ 2/5 Illumination.

• Source: Weapon Vendors in all low-level zones. It costs 4s 36c.
• Level Required: 3
• Weapon Stats: Speed 2.80, 9-15 Damage, 4.3 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Axe

• Note: If you don't have the Skill required for using a Two-Handed Axe, just buy a level 3 Two-Hander that you have Skill for.

• Source: Blacksmithing (35). People will be most likely selling these for cheap. Alternatively, you can easily craft it yourself.
• Level Required: 8
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.20, 23-35 Damage, 9.1 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Axe

• Source: Weapon Vendors in all Alliance Capital Cities
• Level Required: 10, get this if the Copper Battle Axe is unavailable.
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.20, 23-35 Damage, 9.1 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Sword

• Source: "The People's Militia" Quest available from level 9 from NPC Gryan Stoutmantle, Sentinel Hill, Westfall.
• Level Required: It is a level 17 Quest reward that can be acquired earlier easily, when in a group.
• Weapon Stats: Speed 2.90, 26-39 Damage, 11.2 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Sword

• Source: Weapon Vendors in Loch Modan (NPC Nillen Andemar, located on the west side of the dam; unlimited supply) and Elwynn Forest/Westfall (NPC Antonio Perelli who patrols a road from Duskwood to Westfall in Elwynn; he has a limited supply of the Item)
• Level Required: 13
• Weapon Stats: Speed 2.80 26-40 Damage, 11.8 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Mace

• Source: "Oh Brother..." Deadmines Dungeon Quest available from level 15 from NPC Wilder Thistlenettle, Dwarven District, Stormwind City.
• Level Required: It is a level 20 Dungeon Quest reward, so a 5 man group will be required. The Quest objective is located outside the instance.
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.50, 36-55 Damage, 13.0 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Axe

• Fun Fact: This also doubles as a Pickaxe for Ore Mining.

• Source: Weapon Vendors: NPC Barak Durnad - Menethil Harbor, Wetlands. NPC Antonio Perelli - Elwynn Forest/Westfall (the same NPC sells before-mentioned Ironwood Maul). 
• Level Required: 19
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.40, 43-65 Damage, 15.9 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Sword

• Source: Paladin Class Quest "The Test of Righteousness", available from Level 20. Look for NPC Daphne Stilwell near the Deadmines entrance in Westfall and pick the "The Tome of Valor" Quest from her to start the chain.
• Level Required: This is a reward from level 22 Quest, that has stats appropriate for a level 30 Weapon.
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.20, 65-99 Damage, 25.6 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Mace

• Source: Aku'mai Boss in the Blackfathom Deeps. Entrance: Zoram Strand, Ashenvale. Drop Chance: ~20%.
• Level Required: Weapon requires level 26 to wield and the Boss is a level 28 Elite.
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.30, 67-102 Damage, 25.6 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Sword

• Source: Overlord Ramtusk Boss in the Razorfen Kraul. Entrance: South part of The Barrens, close to Thousand Needles Elevators. Drop Chance ~50%. 
• Level Required: Weapon requires level 29 to wield and the Boss is a level 32 Elite.
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.80, 88-132 Damage, 28.9 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Axe

• Note: RFK is located in The Barrens, which is a Horde Zone. Finding a group might be quite difficult, as getting to the dungeon takes a rather long time.

• Source: Dungeon Quest "In the Name of the Light", Scarlet Monastery, Tirisfal Glades.  Available from level 34 from NPC Raleigh the Devout, Southshore, Hilsbarad Foothills. The Quest becomes available after completing "Down the Scarlet Path" Quest - go to the Stormwind Cathedral.
• Level Required: This is a Level 40 Dungeon Quest that can be done in a 5 man group around level ~38 rather easily. 
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.40, 105-159 Damage, 38.8 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Axe

• Source: "The Mighty U'cha" Quest available from level 50 from NPC Torwa Pathfinder, the south-east part of Un'Goro Crater. The Quest becomes available after completing "The Apes of Un'Goro" Quest.
• Level Required: This is a Level 55 Quest that can be done solo around level ~52 rather easily. 
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.30, 112-169 Damage, 42.6 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Axe

• Source: Atal'alarion Boss in the Temple of Atal'Hkkar (Sunken Temple). Entrance: Middle of the lake in the Swamp of Sorrows. Drop Chance ~33%.
• Level Required: Weapon requires level 46 to wield and the Boss is a level 50 Elite.
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.00, 106-159 Damage, 44.2 DPS
• Weapon Type: Polearm

• Source: Bael'Gar Boss in the Blackrock Depths. Entrance: Below the Blackrock Mountain; enter the Mountain, jump on a chain and follow the path down. Drop Chance ~25%
• Level Required: Weapon requires level 51 to wield and the Boss is a level 54 Elite.
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.20, 123-185 Damage, 48.1 DPS
• Weapon Type: Two-Handed Mace

• Source: "Hero of the Stormpike" Alterac Valley PvP Quest available from level 51 from NPC Prospector Stonehewer, located in the Hilsbrad Foothills at the AV Battleground entrance. The Quest becomes available after completing "The Battle for Alterac" Quest. 
• Level Required: This is a reward from level 60 PvP Battleground Quest. It can be done at level 51 (minimum required for entering level 60 bracket AV). All you need to do is be a part of the Winning Team.
• Weapon Stats: Speed 3.60, 155-233 Damage, 53.9 DPS
• Weapon Type: Polearm

At the beginning of your journey, your rotation will change rapidly as you will gain access to new abilities very quickly. You should try to implement every new ability to your rotation.

Things to remember (at all Levels):

• Dropping Blessing of Might in favor of Blessing of Wisdom will help with your sustain problems.
• Seal of Command works best with very slow weapons. If your current weapon has a speed of 3.4 or higher, use Seal of Righteousness instead. Other Seals can be used if a situation warrants it.
• Remember to use Exorcism against Undead/Demon enemies.
• Avoid pulling multiple enemies at a time.
• Retribution Aura can be useful when fighting multiple enemies at once.
• Use the Swing Timer Addon and avoid clipping your Auto attacks in order to maximize Damage output. 

Basic Rotation:

Seal of Command/Righteousness*  ⇒ Weapon Swing ⇒ Hammer of Justice ⇒ Judgement ⇒ (Weapon Swing)n** ⇒ Judgement ⇒ finish the enemy with Weapon Swings

* Depending on the Speed of your Weapon
**At this point, you are pretty much Auto Attacking until Judgement comes back up (this also enables you to regenerate some mana during Combat). 

At higher levels, Seal of Command starts to outvalue Seal of Righteousness. You also get aces to more Tools that you can weave into your basic rotation if needed.

Basic Rotation:

Seal of Command ⇒ Weapon Swing ⇒ Hammer of Justice ⇒ Judgement ⇒ Seal of Command ⇒ Weapon Swings (while Judddgement on Cooldown) ⇒ Judgement  ⇒ Hammer of Wrath

• Use Consecration after Vengeance procs, or when against multiple enemies (it will reset your Swing Timer, so time it after your Auto Attack).

Engineering provides various useful (and sometimes quite dangerous) gadgets from its earliest levels, but the best Engi items come into play in the End-Game. During leveling, Engineering will provide you with some much-needed utility in a form of Grenades that will be very useful as additional source of AoE Damage and CC, and will be irreplaceable in Open World PvP (well-aimed Grenade can interrupt Spellcasting, stop fleeing opponent dead in his tracks or give you a head start if you decide to leg it). It is also a source of many very powerful gadgets that will make your life easier and much more... explosive. Items like Gnomish Battle Chicken, Mind Control Cap, Goblin Rocket Helmet, Rocket Boots, and Spell Reflectors will all be a worthy addition to your toolkit during both leveling and the End-Game

Mining is necessary here as it will provide you with materials for Engineering (you can also sell Bars on the Auction House if you need some additional Gold).

Blacksmithing + Mining is the true Classic choice for Paladins, as they are one of only two classes that can equip Plate Armor. This combination will allow you to craft yourself some nice Items that will smooth out your gear progression. You will also make some additional Gold from selling Crafted Uncommon items, Rods needed by enchanters, and from charging Crafting fees from people who want to have a specific item made (this will come into play at later stages and you will most likely have to grind for some in-demand recipes).

Mining is necessary here as it will provide you with materials for Blacksmithing (you can also sell Bars on the Auction House if you need some additional Gold).

If you want to know more about all professions available in WoW Classic, please check out our WoW Classic Professions Guide.

1. As a Paladin, you have access to a "free" level 40 Mount and a cheaper level 60 Mount (350g + some expensive Trade Goods, which will still amount to something around 450-500g in total), but still, you should preserve your Gold. Ideally, you should be able to progress through levels without any Auction House purchases (if you spot a great Weapon upgrade, do not hesitate if it is cheap, however). When it comes to Skills - you should learn just the essentials from Class Trainers.

2. You can Heal 5-man Group content while in DPS Talent specialization as long as you bring Healing Gear with you. This means that you should assemble a Healing Set and try to keep it up-to-date - doing this will make finding a Dungeon group much easier.

3. This is a basic thing that often gets overlooked - Summoning your Class Mount will stop your natural Mana regeneration, as it is considered as a spell-cast and as such will trigger the 5-second rule. This means than sometimes it might be more beneficial for you to run between mob packs on foot instead of cutting a few seconds of travel time by using a Mount (if the distance is quite short).

4. If you get your hand on a Cloth/Leather/Mail (at level 40+) item with appropriate stats, use it. Good equipment can be very hard to come by while leveling and even a minor upgrade can make a difference.

5. Keep your Weapon up to Date. Try to follow the Weapon Progression route and remember that most of your Damage comes directly from your Weapon (better Weapon = faster kill times = faster leveling), and remember that Weapon Damage is more important than Weapon DPS, which means that Slow Two-Handed Weapons are the best for you.

Buying WoW Gold with real money is a hassle-free way to get all the items you need for your character.

END NOTE

Leveling process in the Classic World of Warcraft is different from leveling in the current game versions. This Guide should help you to prepare yourself for that legendary Vanilla Experience and allow you to progress through levels efficiently and with a good amount of fun.

We hope that you have found this guide useful and informative.  If we have missed a piece of information that is important to you, please let us know! 

Please do note that this is an early version of our guide, and we will be happy to receive constructive criticism, that will help us improve it, so leave your suggestions in the comments section below.