Is it pointless to lvl Paladin?

[Israacf]

I want a main tank seriously to play something different, as I've always healed or DPS'd. My 3 tanks are 53+ (War is 53, Pld 55, and Drk is 60) but I don't like War.

I seem to be enjoying Pld more than Drk, aesthetics and all, but I feel like I'm just losing my time when I could be mastering Drk, because everyone always tells me how bad Paladin are, with low dps numbers.

I like Drk, but something doesn't click, maybe it's the dark edgy stuff which isn't my style. So what do you guys think?

[Calypsx]

Paladin is pretty bad and kind of clunky but I also enjoy Paladins aesthetic and continue to play it. It's still able to handle content fine.

If you're playing to be super optimal though the other two are better choices.

I recommend playing what you enjoy above all else.

[Kosmos992k]

If you want to be in the main prgression groups at end-game, then currently PLD is at a disadvantage, however in (I'm guesstimating) 95%+ of the game PLD is just as viable as any other job/class. If you like the aesthetic and style, then why not level it? As Calypsx said, PLD will probably receive some attention in the next major update, and changes will be made to the damage calculation which may further level the playing field, and reduce the advantage of STR tanks vs traditional builds. Depending on what is done, this could reign in WAR a bit as well as evening things out otherwise.

[Atoli]

It depends on what you want to do with it and what you care about, basically.
PLD is doing just fine in normal content (even though yes, it is a bit less efficient than the other tank classes).
Even AS has been cleared with PLDs numerous times, so there is nothing a PLD can't do that WAR/DRK can. But, again, it will be less efficient/harder on PLD, because the DMG is just not there.

Keep in mind though that most people tend to play a lot better with a class they enjoy. So if you do enjoy PLD over the other 2, you might be able to play it to it's full potential while you maybe wouldn't if you played WAR, for example, instead, since you don't like it.

[Ragology]

Once upon a time WAR was frowned upon and everyone was hype for PLD and PLD only but now things are different. Since job balance can swing in any direction at any time, I think you should just go with whats fun for you.

Also from what I've read, PLD's off tank DPS is at a satisfactory level since its only slightly worse than the other two tanks, but its main tank DPS is where it falters. So at worst you'd be the designated off tank for the Alexander Savage fights because of the DPS checks. For the other 98% of the game you should be okay though.

[Ashelia_Ferron]

Do note: the damage IS there, if you're OT.

PLD is only really weak as MT. Their OT DPS is not that far behind the other two.

But even then, at this stage of the game, gear levels are high enough where it's not like you can't clear content.

Plus in non-DPS centric fights with high physical damage (Thordan EX), PLD is arguably the most useful

[Martin_Arcainess]

What Ahselia said,

Since A1S and A4S Tank busters are Magic based DRK is preferred and for it's ability to DPS more since Savage has some tight DPS checks so people care more about offence then defense.

But what PLD lacks in DPS it makes up for in Physical reduction thanks to it's shield, it's ability Shieldtron which just has a 30 secs CD and Hallow ground. Also since it's new by 3.0 it has the ability to cast protect if a member has been raised and it's Stone skin offers even more defense and not just for you but also for your party members.

So for Thordan, after he done his heavenly heel, I've got enough time to cast Stoneskin on 4 members.

I'm both leveling PLD and DRK at the moment, for Savage I tend to use DRK more but when it comes to Thordan and Solo Tanking Alex normal I go onto my PLD since PLD is that much more def like then the other 2. But its what ever you enjoy, PLD is a great class that some people over look due to it's lack of DPS.

[Sir_Hermes]

Paladin is fine, everything in this game can be done with a paladin, it's just harder. Use Pots, get your rotation perfect, know when to Royal authority vs rage of halone and know when to sword oath

[Kosmos992k]

Also since it's new by 3.0 it has the ability to cast protect if a member has been raised and it's Stone skin offers even more defense and not just for you but also for your party members.
**snip**
So for Thordan, after he done his heavenly heel, I've got enough time to cast Stoneskin on 4 members.
But its what ever you enjoy, PLD is a great class that some people over look due to it's lack of DPS.

I don't think that Protect and StoneSkin, or the ability to cast them on party members is new in 3.0.

[Ashkendor]

It's not pointless. I stay with PLD for the same reasons you do - I like the aesthetic, plus it's just what I'm used to.

PLD DPS numbers don't really matter outside of Savage (bad DPS players in DF notwithstanding).