Not trying to be mean here. But how can you really compare 100% what's easiest if you've just started on the other two tanks and really only have in depth knowledge of one tank?
I compare based on my experience of Drk with it's lvl 30 skills which very much give it's flavor as a job, and my more limited exposure to the MRD/WAR skillset. I didn't like the styles of either, and found the skill set of DRK at 30 to be much less straight forward than PLD. Even though I've only taken MRD to level 8, I didn't like the way it played as much as GLA. I wasn't intending to start an argument here, it's my personal opinion that GLA/PLD is best principally because I prefer sword and board. I will, more than likely, eventually level warrior, but I'm just not feeling it at the moment. I stand by the statement that PLD is easiest to play because it's core skill rotation is the same whether you are trying to deal damage or manage aggro.
Pld is a good start. You will generate plenty of aggro. The only dungeon that won't be a ton of fun is brayflox. Use cd's and always open with shield lob and flash ×2 while cycling mobs. It will keep even the most A holeish dps at the bottom of the aggro pool.
Squishy? Maybe, but it'll help the healer learn what cure 1 is. Lol.
Im new to tanking aswell! I felt the same way.
In my opinion you need to level both and decide whats easiest for you.
I went with GLD until lvl 45 because everyone said it was easier but from my exprience war is easier(idk may change after 50) and more enjoyable tanking experience.
I leveled both to 40 before finally making my decision on which one to level to 60.
My experience is that if I'm playing my White Mage effectively in leveling dungeons, DPsing and healing when necessary, and there's a Paladin in the group... yeah, I'm just gonna go ahead and be the tank as well. Paladins just don't have the tools to keep aggro and leveling instances (pre 36 or so) don't seem particularly punishing, so I can heal-tank just fine.
I'm still working my way through this game and have no end game experience... but from a leveling dungeon PoV, Paladins do need a bit of love, I think. Even the best played Paladins are lame compared to Warriors/Dark Knights in almost anything pre-50.
Also, remember not to tank with your butt. You can't block/parry with your booty. So keep all the mobs in front of you.
Paladins are good tanks. I recommend putting all points into strength, and going with 2-3 slaying accessories and 2-3 fending. Try to get about equal vitality and strength. The extra dps makes a difference on holding aggro, which will make tanking, especially early level before getting the tank stance, less frustrating and dependent on dps following your lead.
By using some fending, there is a bit more cushion for the healer, which will let them dps a bit more. Some tanks simply don't care about the team or their healers and won't compromise their personal dps at all to help their team. Don't be like that.
If you can, try to find at least 1 friend to learn with you. You'll have fun learning how to play with a healer. Also, if you get in a bad run with rude people, either kick them or quit. There is no reason to play with rude people, and no reason to feel bad about leaving them behind.
Have fun tanking![]()
In early dungeons, Fight or Flight is your best friend. +30% damage gives you a pretty significant DPS advantage over your real DPS, and if you just Fast-Riot-Flash you'll never lose aggro.
Also, keep in mind that PLD in OT role uses Sword Oath, which still leaves them with Halone as their highest potency combo (before level 60) and it's their enmity combo. A SwO PLD who pops FOF on pull and goes to town is going to rip right off a Defiance or Grit tank unless the real MT is prepared to counter with Berserk or DAPS. I've done it by accident in trial roulette, and I haven't tanked MSQ roulette in ShO in weeks.
this is me with healer
i never played a healer
scared to touch it
plus its girly kinda
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