Why aren't there more tanks in FFXIV?

[Loony_BoB]

As a healer, I totally feel you.
I hate speedruns too, but I also hate tanks that draw a plan of attack in the sand for every trashmob.
A tank should pull at a speedy, but comfortable pace, depending on: healer mana, TP reg, DPS output.

Agreed. And forgive the tank if for the first 2-3 sets of mobs he doesn't rush through them as he won't yet have an understanding of just how rapid that HP/TP/DPS is going to work out without actually seeing you all fight first.

The closest I get to "drawing a plan of attack" is putting a number on something, or (in Aurum Vale for this example) things like allowing people to choose their preferred locations when taking on the first boss so they can all have a 'designated fruit'. xD

As for DPS not having to worry about aggro - that depends on the DPS. Some DPS like to pull hate by spamming things that some tanks can't keep up with. If your tank is not as highly geared as you are, you should always be careful as a DPS not to pull hate.

[Mejingjard]

There's a lot of good points around here, but mostly, I find the main reason for lacking tanks (and in every mmos) is simply that players mostly like to deal damage and see big numbers when they hit. It is more appealing, more cheerfull, and the difference is way more visible when you upgrade your gear.
As a tank, your damage will not increase that much, when you get better stuffs, Players in the party don't see a real change in how fast you clear content. DPS is more "instant" rewarding when you get to progress.

[myahele]

Also, playing a DPS is alot more fun. You don't have to worry about aggro or HP just kill mobs ASAP with your flashy skills.

[Kiara1]

I have tanked in other mmos, but in this mmo I won't do it.
I like tanking, I like playing a role that needs to make sure the party survives, sets the pace and all that stuff OP said.
It's fun!

But I'm a bit silly, you see my character would never tank, she's very fragile and uses magic, I couldn't let her get hit by mean monsters

[Crimson-Falcon]

tanking is about responsibility

if you cant take criticism and cant improve and take responsibility then tanking is not for you

you are responsible about your group and must get hurt out of all of them unless you die by lack of healing

[Loony_BoB]

tanking is about responsibility

if you cant take criticism and cant improve and take responsibility then tanking is not for you

you are responsible about your group and must get hurt out of all of them unless you die by lack of healing

Tanking is about keeping the hate to the best ability you can in order to avoid the DPS and Healer getting killed, doing your bit to minimise damage to yourself in order to aid the healer in their role and, of course, doing your bit to ensure that the dungeon is completed before the timer runs out.

Every role is about responsibility, every role is about improving, every role is about listening to advice (far better than criticism), and taking it on board. Just as every role is also about being able to understand the limitations of other party members and acting responsibly to adhere to these limitations.

[Eye_Gore]

if you cant take criticism and cant improve and take responsibility then tanking is not for you

I believe this is the reason. Too many people have a short fuse. Too many people would rather not have the responsibility. Too many people don't want stress while playing. Too many people have responsibility and stress in their everyday life and want to unwind by playing, not create more.

Though for me I thrive on stress, keeps me ticking, guess thats why I like tanking. Heck I chose the class before I knew what tanking was. Guess I was just drawn to it.

[Granyala]

Couldn't have said it any better myself!

[Miyaka_Vigiles]

I have been playing as tank around 8 years, most of my MMOs time.

One of the things that was not mentioned here is the acceptance of a new tank (forgive me if it was already mentioned).
You see I played tons of MMOs. To be honest the community tends to be hostile against new tanks, or for better wording they drive new tanks away.

What does this mean?
I ding max lvl in XYZ MMO, get some starter gear and want to start running dungeons to get better gear or badges/coins.
Groups will most prolly not invite you because they dont want to deal with less than average geared tank. If they look past the gear they might not invite you cause you lack the exp, after all you dinged couple weeks ago and just started your end game journey.

Tank mistakes are also much more visible than others, so they are prone to trash talk and harassment/kicking.

As a personal experience, in almost every single MMO I play the hardest period for me is the 1st month right after I ding max lvl.
I have no gear, no achievements, no exp. Unless you are lucky to find a good guild that is willing to "invest" in you, you will have to beg for invites to group.

I learned to endure when these things happened, but for a new tank this will prolly make him quit or re-roll.

Just my 2 cents.

PS: I re-activated my account 2 weeks ago after 6 months break. I had ilvl90 PLD and went through everything I told you again.
Event today as ilvl95 PLD with T8 experience and Ramuh kill, getting groups is not that easy.

[Fated]

I don't enjoy tanking with randoms. Nothing infuriates me more than getting put into a random group with terrible DPS. It's like watching paint dry.