In Wrath of the Lich King, Paladins can use one-handed and two-handed maces, one-handed and two-handed axes, one-handed and two-handed swords, polearms, and shields. Swords and polearms require training. The main source for this, Wowhead’s WotLK Paladin class reference, is a third-party database rather than a Blizzard rules page, so the answer below separates what that reference states from what it leaves open.
Weapon categories Paladins can use
The table lists each category named in the WotLK Paladin class reference on Wowhead. “Not noted” means the reference does not add a training requirement for that category; it does not mean training is confirmed as unnecessary.
| Category | Usable by a WotLK Paladin | Training noted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-handed maces | Yes | Not noted | Listed as usable. |
| Two-handed maces | Yes | Not noted | Listed as usable. |
| One-handed swords | Yes | Yes | Swords are listed with a training requirement. |
| Two-handed swords | Yes | Yes | The training note applies to swords generally, so it covers this category. |
| One-handed axes | Yes | Not noted | Listed as usable. |
| Two-handed axes | Yes | Not noted | Listed as usable. |
| Polearms | Yes | Yes | The reference does not state whether polearms are one-handed or two-handed. |
| Shields | Yes | Not noted | Worn in the off-hand. |
Which weapons need training
Only two groups carry a training requirement in the class reference:
- Swords, both one-handed and two-handed.
- Polearms.
The reference does not give trainer locations, the character level at which training becomes available, or the starting proficiency a Paladin begins with. If you need those details, check the in-game trainers and your character’s skills list directly rather than relying on a general class page.
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Shields
Paladins can equip shields. In the setups Blizzard describes in its current official class overview, a shield occupies the off-hand alongside a one-handed weapon. That pairing is the standard shield arrangement the overview describes; it does not mean a Paladin must use a shield, and it does not address whether a shield can be combined with any other off-hand item.
Which setups suit each specialization
Blizzard’s current official class overview associates weapon setups with specializations. This describes the modern game, not WotLK, so treat it as role context rather than a WotLK ranking.
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| Specialization | Setup named in Blizzard’s current class overview |
|---|---|
| Holy | One-handed weapon and shield |
| Protection | One-handed weapon and shield |
| Retribution | Two-handed weapon |
The overview does not rank a sword against a mace or an axe. The sources do not establish which individual weapon is strongest in WotLK, so compare the stats and role of a specific item before choosing one.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the sources leave unsettled
The sources retrieved for this question do not establish the following for WotLK, and they should not be assumed:
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- Whether a Paladin can dual-wield.
- The starting weapon skills for each race.
- Whether any of these rules changed across WotLK patches or differ between realms.
- Whether the training requirement for swords and polearms applies identically to every Classic implementation.
How much weight each source deserves
- Wowhead’s WotLK Paladin class reference is the most direct source for the weapon list and the training note. It is a third-party reference, not an official Blizzard rules page.
- Blizzard’s current class overview is official, but it describes a later version of the game. It is useful for specialization context and should not be read as WotLK rules.
- Blizzard’s official manual lists broadly similar common and advanced weapon skills. Its publication date and whether it applies to WotLK could not be verified, so it works as a cross-check, not as proof.
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