A Thread By A Tank For Future/Current Tanks.

[NoctisCaelus]

Introduction

Hey guys, Noctis Caelus from Behemoth server. This isn't a complaint thread but a motivation thread. Well at least I hope it becomes one. I'm a Level 50 Paladin, been so for a while, I have almost every equip a Darklight except one. (Also close to getting Relic Weapon/Shield.) I also have a level 17 Marauder, not as impressive but I will eventually max it to 50. So yes, I can say I'm somewhat experienced.

I see threads about there not being enough tanks, tanks being bad, and people complaining about tanks in general. And in my experience, I also met a lot of assholes. So I'm sure it's not always the tank's fault. So here I am, trying to change it instead of just making a thread complaining about it.

This is all based on my experience. Some stuff I didn't add simply because I don't know or didn't think of it. If you have anything to add, please be nice about it and not "OMGERRDDD U FERGAT 2 AD DIS! U SU NUBE!"

I actually always wanted to make this thread but I never actually had the time to but seeing as there's a maintenance right now. I have some time. So here it goes.

Edit: I recommend sharing this thread so other tanks/dps know and understand a bit about tanks. Thanks.

Why do tanks get blamed?

Sometimes it's the tank's fault, and sometimes it's the DPS's fault. But here are some situations where one would blame the other.

Okay, in a normal party, you have 1 Tank, 2 DPS, 1 Healer. Lets say you're learning a dance, and there's 4 people in a group, 1 other person is doing what you're supposed to do. It's easy to try to copy them so you don't have to make any mistakes. That's not the same as tanks. They don't have another tank, that they can simply "copy" or "follow". Healers also have a job of simply following and healing too. They don't lead, they follow. So mistakes are bound to happen especially if a tank is new or learning.

In a bigger party, 2 tanks, 2 healers, 4 DPS, and sometimes even 1 tank, 5 DPS, 2 healers. The tank can't simply "follow" eachother. One is a off tank and one is a main tank, completely different roles people. One still has to lead and such. You have 7 people in your group, to explain to the tank what to do. If everyone is new, you have no reasons to blame the tank if he doesn't know something. Some dungeons/bosses are harder to learn for the tank and such. SOME. So give them SOME patience.

Tanks have rotations to use the skills that makes them even more tanky. And bosses have patterns where they would deal tons of damage to the tanks or team. It's up to the tank to know when to use which skills and such. If they make it easier for the healer, they can heal the DPS and tank much easier which prolongs the fight leading to a success. (Most of the time.) But there's a learning curve.

DPS players are usually the one blaming the tanks or saying they're bad when all they have to do is dodge and do dps. Of course not all of them do blame the tank but if you can, explain to the tank what he can do to make it easier for your team. For example, some positioning is needed, especially for Monks/Lancers. Since they're damage is based on positioning. Hell, I didn't think about it like that until later on.

DPS players are sometimes a bit pushy, rushy like. Not all but some. Some will run and aggro monsters expecting the tank to immediately take aggro. It's not the tanks fault, it's the DPS's fault. It takes time to take aggro. They're probably used to playing other games where the tank can immediately get the monster's attention. This also happens in boss fights where DPS rush to fight the boss and get wiped cause they dealt too much damage too fast and blame the tank. It's not the tank's fault.

People don't take the time to understand and rather blame someone else than to simply say it was their fault. Plus even if it's not their fault, if a tank doesn't know how to do their job, instead of yelling them as motivation, explain it properly. Especially if you know the boss. Honestly, most of the DPS/Healers have never tanked in FFXIV so they're unaware of some moves that the boss only does to the Tank because they got the aggro.

If you simply bought the game, and didn't hear any of Yoshida's explanation or plan for the game. The game was made this way to target new players who never played MMORPGs, and some PS3 can't type to chat BUT THEY CAN STILL READ. Other players can make a difference simply by asking.

And it's also sometimes the tanks fault for not asking if there's anything they should know to do the dungeon but remember, some of them can't for obvious reasons.

Are tanks boring?

It depends. Where are tanks most viable? Where it's most needed of course. In dungeons, raids, bosses, and such. That's where it becomes the most fun for me. Knowing I'm being useful to the team, being able to lead the team, and having every monster focus me.

Of course, that comes with practice, if you don't know what you're doing, it might not as be fun but tanks have a learning curve. If you have fun learning, a tank is fun. I thought I knew everything there was to be a tank in FFXIV until I came across Ifrit Hardmode and Garuda Hardmode. (Stunning, leading, dodging, as well as keeping aggro, recognizing patterns) There's so much more to tanking than you think.

You're almost a natural leader. You're keeping the team alive in your own way. Some people also think tanks aren't as flashy or cool, especially the early levels. If you're quitting that early, it might not suit you but if you enjoy it regardless, you'll be rewarded at later levels.

Also, having a boss like Ifrit focusing just you? How is that not fun? That is badass. To be able to take hits after hits after hits makes it fun. In a way, you can imagine yourself as the hero of the group or the main character. You might not be as strong as everyone but staying alive is a lot cooler than dying after a few hits like other classes, am I right?

What are the best things about being a tank?

Best things? Huge list. You're needed in so many runs, people are more likely to wait for you than they are to wait for a healer or dps, and you're not easily replaced either. You'll be invited to runs a lot. This is especially important if you're gearing towards end game or are a solo player without friends/free company.

Another thing about being a tank is that they are fun. Don't say that they're not unless you absolutely know you're not the type to tank. You have a ton of HP, especially if you're a Warrior. That is just simply awesome. Yes, you're meant to have a lot of HP but if you make mistakes, it's more forgiven compared to a squishy DPS.

Some bosses, some dungeons, some trials, you have the LAZIEST JOB ever if you're doing it right. Just imagine, not having to dodge just by positioning the boss correctly and having everybody else doing the work but still having the boss focus you. Yes, you just stand there taking the hits but you're still the most important! You have one or two people who are basically focusing on keeping you alive! YOU'RE THAT AWESOME.

With few tanks compared to other jobs. Your gears will easily come to you and recipes won't cost as much in the future. That's a general thing with MMO's usually too. Whats not to like with spending less?

What are the worst things about being a tank?

Hm, ever been in a dungeon and not know it? Or fight a boss and not know the patterns? Ohyeah, that's one of them. Because of Tanks learning curve, some people will leave the group or just yell at you constantly. If they don't bother to take the time to explain to you, it's hard. Luckily I met nice people including my Free Company who took the time and patience to make me a better tank.

Sometimes you have less to do compared to the DPS and sometimes you have a bit more to do. However, like I said, once you got it down, everything is easy peasy. Because I understand this, I always teach people who have problems or don't know what to do.

Limit Breaks. You. Barely. Ever. Use. Yours. In fact, my first Limit Break level 3 was used for fun near the end of Ifrit Hardmode. FOR FUN. We didn't need it. Haha, so sad, but I hope they add a situation where we actually need to use Limit Break Level 3 Tank. Cause most people rather save it for Healers/DPS honestly. And if there's a situation for it, I haven't encountered it or there's always something better.

Lets see, your road to 1 - 50 might be a bit slow. MIGHT. Not always the case but yeah, might. Killing monster quests won't kill you most of the time but because of your weak damage, it'll take you a bit longer. With barely any AoE (Compared to Marauders.) You might get exp a bit slower than others unless you join parties.

The repair costs are a bit high compared to DPS/Healers. Why? Cause if you're doing your job correctly, you'll be repairing a lot. However, they might fix that after maintenance. If they do fix it and balance it out for tanks, then this one doesn't count.

What can I do to become a better tank?

Just learn patterns, pay attention to the aggro meter, dodge skills, learn WHEN to use your buffs/debuffs.

That's a huge thing. If a boss is doing normal attacks on you, use the minor buffs to take less damage which is usually the beginning, your healers will heal you. If your team is hit by AoEs and such, use a bigger version of your buffs while you're being attack because your healers are going to be healing them as well so they'll be a bit busy (Make it easier on them), and when the boss is going to use a strong attack, use a even stronger buffs. (So your healer don't have to heal so much. They have to move and dodge skills too.)

If your team is focusing a monster while you're holding off a bigger one (A known strategy), use your bigger buffs to give your team a good enough time to finish it off which allow them to quickly come to you/healers included since they might be a bit busy healing the other tank. Being conservative helps too but not too conservative.

Take the time to understand a dungeon or boss, don't rush through. Rushing through usually gets you and your team killed. If someone else rushes, it's NOT your fault. A tank needs time to hold and maintain threat.

Communication is key. As the person everyone follow, you must communicate and not always expect this or that. Mark if you have to. Give a warning if you have to.

End

Hopefully not just the tanks that read this thread. I typed this up so it can help as many people as possible. Instead of whining about something, do something about it right? Hope you guys enjoy this.

[Denyantras]

Great read. I played tanks in a couple of the mmos I was a part off (Shadow in SWTOR, Warrior in WoW, Paladin in Rift). It's always great to see someone, especially this early in the game's lifetime, encouraging other tanks in training and advising them on what to and what not to do. Friendly advice is way WAY more helpful than the old L2P N00B. Thank you sir, I award you 2 internet points.

[NoctisCaelus]

Great read. I played tanks in a couple of the mmos I was a part off (Shadow in SWTOR, Warrior in WoW, Paladin in Rift). It's always great to see someone, especially this early in the game's lifetime, encouraging other tanks in training and advising them on what to and what not to do. Friendly advice is way WAY more helpful than the old L2P N00B. Thank you sir, I award you 2 internet points.

Thanks man. I appreciate the positive feedbacks. :3

[Taaz]

/fistbump

Tanks for the win.

[MrJiggyFly]

Very good read, after leveling CNJ/WHM to 32 i wanted to try tanking, i am a level 19 GLD and it is fun in those first 3 dungeons, i cant wait to play more.

[Blindfate]

Blame is easily pointed, mostly, into two directions. The tank, or the healer.

DPS are rarely responsible apparently.

[Jonath]

Good stuff, I play tanks mostly, Paladin in FFXI, Guardian in SWTOR. Great to see more tip threads around.

[NoctisCaelus]

Blame is easily pointed, mostly, into two directions. The tank, or the healer.

DPS are rarely responsible apparently.

Lol. That's true. I didn't include healers blaming tanks because I find that they don't blame the tank as much or they hold a similar responsibility. So most healers might be more understanding. Especially since they're healing, they can access the situation a lot better than people who are just doing damage and dodging.

[Kyp]

Blame is easily pointed, mostly, into two directions. The tank, or the healer.

DPS are rarely responsible apparently.

DPS takes a lot of crap on DPS check fights when they putting out the numbers they need, its one of the few things that will make me bail from a DF group is not enough dps because you just CANNOT complete the content if dps cannot kill things within the allowed time period.

[Avalon_Albrook]

Threads like this =

Like, seriously, this is my first MMO ever in the history of everything ever, and I already feel so attached to and protective of the tank role that I see myself helping to start support groups for it to bolster us all.