WAR or PLD?

[Tauu]

Paladin benefits:
20% less damage taken
Random shield block mitigation
Better cooldowns
5% less strength on enemies
Stun without cooldown on GCD

Shield Bash is on GCD isn't it? What stun is not on GCD?

[Bucy]

Shield Bash is on GCD isn't it? What stun is not on GCD?

Dragoon has a stun that is off of GCD. It doesn't last as long as a tank stun. Being off of GCD only means it is instant cast, but it has it's own longer CD.

[DefendPopPunk]

Personally, OP, it's a tough call because they both play differently and are fun in their own ways. I have a hard time choosing between the two. If you can, level them both up so you can always tank and have the option of either one to break the monotony.

[Seiryuukishi]

I have both and have ran both extensively. My personal preference is paladin. However, this is about which might work for you.

Truth be told Paladin doesn't really get "good" until level 40 when you get Shield Oath. Why it wasn't 30 at unlock is beyond me, still, paladin mitigation is off the charts if you do it right. But it suffers from an lack of dps even in Sword Oath. They do have benefit of being more TP efficient if you weave Circle of Scorn, Spirits Within and Flash into the mix. Plus cross class from conjurer is useful solo.

Warrior is essentially everything paladin isn't. Their mitigation isn't great but useful in a pinch one being reliant on five stacks of wrath the other is the last skill of a combo. Dps, even in Defiance, is greater than paladin's for certain. Health is higher but that is sort of its own kind of mitigation. Cross class is lack luster at best save for a couple of gladiator abilities you need (flash and provoke). They eat TP like candy.

As far as aggro gaining and maintaining Warrior has the easier time of it especially where multiples are concerned. But you'll burn through an ungodly amount of TP to hold it. Paladins are great at single target. Bosses are a great example of this because they can hold out in a pinch due to their mitigation to give healers a quick break to heal party. A lot of their issue with multiple target aggro is that their only true multi target gainer is flash where warriors get flash (if cross classed) steel cyclone and overpower. Unless you are spamming the crap out of flash at the end of your rage of halone combos on top of circle of scorn every time its up you'll pull your hair out trying to keep it off of the party especially if you have black mages.

Story is best left for you to decide. Ultimately I'd say level them both and get a feel of them. Then pick what suits you and your play style.

[Sapphic]

Dragoon has a stun that is off of GCD. It doesn't last as long as a tank stun. Being off of GCD only means it is instant cast, but it has it's own longer CD.

So does MNK and WAR. But they all have CDs unlike PLD shield bash.

To OP, WAR has a lot more to do, and a bit more choice on what abilities to use. Do you apply storms eye/path or do you need to keep building enmity with butchers block combo/overpower? PLD is pretty much 1,2,3 flash, 1,2,3 flash XD. PLD is simpler to play than WAR, not saying WAR is complex, just have more things to think about.

[Melinabean0]

To OP, WAR has a lot more to do, and a bit more choice on what abilities to use. Do you apply storms eye/path or do you need to keep building enmity with butchers block combo/overpower? PLD is pretty much 1,2,3 flash, 1,2,3 flash XD. PLD is simpler to play than WAR, not saying WAR is complex, just have more things to think about.

Yeah, that's why I've been thinking of going with PLD for awhile. Work out how to tank with that class, then try out WAR. I think I will like WAR better in the end, but I'd rather know how to tank properly before getting into that one.

[Gextiv]

Warrior has you hit more buttons than Paladin. In the end, both classes do what they are meant to do: To be Tanks.

If you want an easier time tanking or are new to tanking etc., I would definitely recommend the Paladin.

[Melinabean0]

Warrior has you hit more buttons than Paladin. In the end, both classes do what they are meant to do: To be Tanks.

If you want an easier time tanking or are new to tanking etc., I would definitely recommend the Paladin.

Yeah, I have decided PLD would be better for me to start out with based on the general consensus of comments here. I'm looking forward to giving it a try! Everyone has been super helpful.

[Lakuma]

I've got to admit that this thread makes me want to reroll warrior, just for trying out.

Out of curiosity, would PLD gears be compatible with WAR's attributes requirement - - Are they both able to share the same set of gears? Exclude weapon, of cause.

[TheMax1087]

I've got to admit that this thread makes me want to reroll warrior, just for trying out.

Out of curiosity, would PLD gears be compatible with WAR's attributes requirement - - Are they both able to share the same set of gears? Exclude weapon, of cause.

Except for their af and i90 armors they share all the same equipment.