Is Drk ok or should I level Pld? (also one other tank question)

[Claire_Pendragon]

I'll attempt to go into detail after this "over simplified" comparison.

Going from 1-5, where 1 is being bad, and 5 is being good.
Lets say your personal skill at a job is a 1
performance is going to roughly be;
(1)
DRK > PLD > WAR

then going to
(3) PLD > DRK > WAR

then going to
(5)
WAR > PLD > DRK

It's a bit weird, but if you're really bad at the game, you're better off being DRK.
If your mediocre, then PLD will be a better fit.
If you're really good, then WAR will be a better fit.

Of course "difficulty" varies from person to person, but this is a generalization that should fit the largest number of people.

Now for more complexity.

DRK is meant to sacrifice its MP to try and match what the other tanks do.

So it can try to use MP for trash pulls, to gain more mitigation.
It can use MP for mitigating tank busters.
It can use MP to help a party member survive an attack, maybe.
You can use MP to help mitigate magical attacks.
You can spend MP to gain more enmity.

but MP is used for DPS, so you can use MP to raise your DPS.

These are all "Catch up" options, to help you catch up to PLD and WAR.
but in most cases, spending the MP on anything short of DPS, means ur going to lag further behind in DPS from the other tanks. (And atm, DRK is just barely under both tanks in DPS, even if all MP is devoted to DPS)
So if you spend your MP solely for DPS gains, you now lost out on some of your options.

But if you pretend you had those options anyways, DRK has less "filler" mitigation for auto attacks/cleaves, compared to the other tanks.
So when a boss uses a big attack, you're always ready, but for medium/light attacks, you'll find yourself out of mitigations to use. (Luckily a healer can just waste more MP and carry you. Though they would contribute less DPS probably)

You're defensive utility is a single target ability, while PLD and WAR have a similar buff that protects the WHOLE party, not just one person.
So you best be picking the ONE person you feel will die that moment. (Anyone else will just have to die, if they would have died. But luckily not too much content atm requires this save, just unlucky situations. And Healers may or may not have to spend another AoE heal on the group)

You're enmity is lower than the other tanks, unless you spend your MP, then its higher.
But spending your MP is a DPS loss.
Using enmity moves is a DPS loss in all tanks most of the time, but its an even bigger loss on DRK.

If your group doesnt have a NIN, SAM, or WAR for some reason, you'll also be contributing less DPS, since you cant put up a slashing debuff like WAR can.

Normally DRKs living dead is considered pretty useful, but current content makes it worse than hallowed ground/holmgang. (maybe next patch cycle will change that, as its really dependent on when bosses use mechanics)

The hardest content doesnt require the extra defensive utility of PLD/WAR, nor does it require the extra threat/DPS they offer. So its possible to beat content as DRK, but you would be making it slightly harder.
But if you find DRK fun, stick with it. Pick a group of people who dont mind.

But I should mention DRK is better with sustained AoE DPS in dungeons (with WAR being the better burst AoE tank), and people tell me they are great for PvP, though i prefer my PLD for PvP

[Seku]

Play the one you like the best. PLD is probably better over all, but DRK can still clear the content. Hopefully SE Fixes it soon.

[NosamKin]

Play the one that makes the most sense to you and one that you will have fun with.
There is plenty of information and statistics about which one is best at any given time.
However, my tanks are:
DRK lvl 70
WAR lvl 61
PLD lvl 23

DRK "feels" right for me and I like the story. PLD is lamelist - too much goody two shoes. WAR got lost after SB

So "my" order is opposite of what is recommended because of how it "feels".

Have fun!

[Tegernako]

DRK isn't bad but it's not anything special. PLD is the way to go. (I say this as a war main)

[Ryutamashiisan]

Lv WAR. At it's current pace of getting buffs you will be able to solo all content in a couple patches

[ManuelBravo]

Hello everyone. I've been wanting to work on other class since I finished Rdm and Smn and I don't really have anything left to do with my Smn at the moment. I was considering Drk since I did play it briefly in Heavensward, but due to a bad first run of Weeping City I had quit the job. I'm wanting to go back to tanking to try to redeem myself, but I'm wondering if Drk is still a good job to play or should I jump onto the Pld bandwagon?

Also, on a slightly related and not related note, what stats should I focus on as a tank?

To be honest it depends on your play style. I prefer overall DRK and second PLD depending on content. I keep WAR as well maxed in case certain groups prefer that, yet over all I main DRK. IF you specialize in playing tank roles though I would suggest having PLD specially if your doing endgame. WAR and DRK would depend more on you or if your int a pleasing the crowed and they want that. Otherwise DRK should be fine as long as you have mastered DRK arts and are not one of those DRK who think they know how to tank with out taking full advantage of it skills. Sorry I main Tank DRK and hate seeing people who think they know DRK and reality lack knowledge. Practice, learn how all skills work, and manage your MP for Darkside. I also hope you know how Shirk works with tanks...if you don't then I may suggest you learn how to use it specially on swaps.

PLD is the easiest to learn and master in my opinion just make sure you know your rotations on mobs and such.

[Jandor]

All tanks are viable. Personally I use PLD for 8 man stuff and DRK for 4 man. I also find DRK a tad more fun.

Shake it off was a mistake.

[Laerune]

Play both tanks and look which one you like more. Some classes are in a good place and others need a little bit love, just know that just because class X is in a good place right now, doesnt mean it will stay like that. Having leveled all 3 tanks and tanked level 70 dungeons time, I can tell you that all 3 are viable. Personaly, Paladin was the easiest for me to play, I had alot of defensive buffs, self-heal and AoE tanking is very easy with the new level 40 skill.

[Galgarion]

Well then to answer your question.
From best to last.
1. Paladin. 2. Warrior. 3. Dark night
Why? Paladin offers self heal, party wide mitigation, reasonable damage, ranged cleves and good mitigation.

I think that is how most of the tank community feels. I personally play WAR, PLD. DRK not so much. It just doesn't do the job for me after Stormblood. Its all my thoughts tho.

Pffft, you mean Paladins offer a nice comfy blanket and some coco for people who need their noses wiped for them. Pick a warrior if you're hanging out with MEN (Or some extremely violent WOMEN) and you want to have fun.

[Anienai]

WARRIOR

Dilly dilly