Tanks

[RVT]

It just takes a special kind of person to take up the responsibility of tanking or healing. Sadly, there are less of said kinds of people than there are of people who just want to burn the target, dodge stuff, receive win.

Responsibility? Completely depends on the fight. Tanking Titan HM, for example, consists of spam combo and stand and look pretty. Meanwhile, DDs have a tremendous amount of moving around, dodging, continually DPSing. They are the ones responsible for burning the heart down before total wipe.

Again, DD roles like BRD have the responsibility of silencing potential wipe mechanics in endgame. Pre-50, knowing when and what mobs to sleep can prove vital. And so on...

I admire tanks and healers for taking up (what I view as) less engaging/exciting roles, but I don't value them higher than good DPS. There is a balance to these things.

[juniglee]

In contrast, I actually enjoy tanking, because I enjoy leading. The tank's job in any party is almost always to be the leader. While I do play DPS or healer from time to time to break the monotony, but the part I hate most about being a DPS is the fact that I can't lead fights, or control the pace of the dungeon. It probably says something about me, but I love being in control of how things go.

I do not mind explaining things to people, I do not mind teaching new people what they should and should not do. If needed, I don't even mind teaching DD's how to play their classes (for example, teaching that Lancer that Impulse Drive is not the only skill they have for 50 levels).

While there are people who might not agree with how I play, but recently all I have been doing is queueing as a tank or healer on Duty Roulette (based on which role is needed - most often tank), and spiritbonding accessories there. In that sense, I get to control the runs. I do not enjoy speed runs, therefore I will always go the slow route on Wanderer's Palace, and open all the chests as I usually do. Some may not agree being subject to how I want to run the dungeon, some may see it as someone who is abusing the responsibilities and power granted onto me being a tank, but this is what I feel the main benefit anyone playing a tank gets. I feel that when it comes to spiritbonding in dungeons, tanks and healers probably can escape with having weaker than usual gear. I find that most end game dungeons usually end up being a DPS race of sorts, which means it's not quite as easy to spiritbond in dungeons as a DPS.

While I do agree that tank should have some more engaging mechanics, rather than spamming 1-2-3 again and again. But I do enjoy the TP management portion of playing a Paladin. While my Cure isn't going to help anyone, but I am still able to use skills like Stoneskin, Raise (outside of battle), and Protect, which makes me feel somewhat more useful to the party.

[MACEenyo]

If anyone thinks all you need to do as tank is hit 1-2-3, they have no clue. Tank is far from boring. To me it is the most fun role one can play.

[Lyrinn]

Just going to put my opinion here... Am I the only one who seems to think there would be more people playing a tank job if they looked more appealing? I'd love to be a tank but I just feel the two current tank jobs we have now just don't appeal to me as much as a DPS would or a Healer. I believe if the tank jobs had let's say wielded a greatsword or something else more exciting id definitely be a tank but hey thats just my view.

It's no secret that looks influence popularity. It's why Roegadyn is the least played race. However, I'd prefer they save greatswords for a DPS class that splits off from GLD or MRD. Hopefully, they add a lot of interesting vanity armour when 2.2 comes so tanks don't look like hulking chunks of metal. Also, more interesting shield designs.

[silentwindfr]

the looking of the tank (DL armor especially) are not that good... let's be honest it's pretty bad.
but that not the whole trouble, the tank have a gameplay pretty simple (almost boring actually) pld have 1 combo of 3 hit and can use another 2 hit combo for get back mana (barely used when you tank) leading to a feeling of repetition.

other point, in dungeon, DD and Healer will often try to lead or not follow the order of the sign... actually they don't really care. and when thing don't go well, like the loose of aggros it's your fault... (it can be your fault, but not all the time)
boss in Raid are barely funny for a tank, you will have little to avoid or do. (for titan hm, by example, you almost not move from all the fight)

they need to make the tank more appealing, i dunno how... but they really need to make it more enjoyable to play it.

If anyone thinks all you need to do as tank is hit 1-2-3, they have no clue. Tank is far from boring. To me it is the most fun role one can play.

but it's not as complex that some jobs like monk. you will have to know the pattern of the boss for know when to use some Cd and if the healer is well equiped, even this will not be needed.

[IndigoHawk]

Cooler looking tanks would be fun, but I agree that both Warriors and Paladins look powerful.

I think tanks need more fun abilities. I don't want to do a ton of damage, but I'd like to feel more in charge in the area. Instead of running over to a spot and waiting for a mob to follow me, why not give me an ability that lets me kick enemies where I want them, muscle them backwards, or feint in and step back, forcing them to follow me for a couple steps? Maybe knock things over flat, or grab a trash mob and toss it into another one as a taunt. Smash things in the back and throw them off balance if they're not facing me. When I taunt things, instead of putting a lame looking bubble on them, why not roar at them or use some type of magic to freeze their body and make them turn towards me?

More stuff that looks fun and puts the tank in control of the fight would be fun for me.

[Rizzo_]

It's no secret that looks influence popularity. It's why Roegadyn is the least played race. However, I'd prefer they save greatswords for a DPS class that splits off from GLD or MRD. Hopefully, they add a lot of interesting vanity armour when 2.2 comes so tanks don't look like hulking chunks of metal. Also, more interesting shield designs.

I wholeheartedly agree. Looks play a massive part. Also I believe that greatswords could also be used for a DPS class but that would be expected, I haven't really got much ideas for a what weapon a new tank class could use ha.

[Rizzo_]

the looking of the tank (DL armor especially) are not that good... let's be honest it's pretty bad.

.

Agreed. Tanking armour looks awful

[gadenp]

Tanking for me has a huge flaw. The targetting system sucks and the camera angles are horrible.

Also once you get all the gear you want from a particular fight, why would you go back there as a tank.

For example: For Ultima HM, looking for caster gear. Play as caster wait super long to find party. Play as tank in DF, chances of getting caster gear slim to none.

Play as tank in PT, chances after negotiation with unwilling parties to give up loot. Chances, 15~25%.

Play as tank via FC. Does not help current tank situation.

These does not factor in the amount of wipes you always seem to have to go through to win a battle.

Also for those that say tank is a 1,2,3 rotation. Tanks are actually more flexible then that. As a PLD off tank, I alway use cover to protect people. I cast SS, to mitigate damage to MT, etc.

[Lyrinn]

I wholeheartedly agree. Looks play a massive part. Also I believe that greatswords could also be used for a DPS class but that would be expected, I haven't really got much ideas for a what weapon a new tank class could use ha.

Flails? Though I suppose that screams DPS as much as GSs do. Then again, so do axes ...

And on the note of more varied shield designs, sheaths as shields please. Overdone to death for sure but tower shields are over here beating the horse that died 10 years ago.