I can't decide which tank to play! Help :)

[Stormfur]

I'm working on GNB right now just for the mount (I like big cats and I cannot lie) but I'd also like to have a tank to main in addition to samurai. The problem is... I can't really decide which one.

Paladin was the first class I ever chose in FFXIV, not knowing it was a tank (I didn't even know what a tank was back then). I really like the protective abilities that paladin has even though it seems like they don't have much in the way of damage abilities.

Warrior, I love the lore behind it and the raw damage they do. My character looks awesome as a warrior, not gonna lie. It seems like his HP is the only thing pretty much keeping him alive unless they've added in some protective measures in shB?

Gunblade: Not sure how to feel about this one at the moment since I'm still like mid 60s with it. It seems a mix between paladin and warrior?

Those of you who main a tank, what do you like about your class?

I intentionally left out Dark Knight because I can't make heads or tails of it at this point!

[Jimmymagic]

I have the most fun with GNB. But imo Pally is the true tank. good mitigation rotation. Also fun to play after 70. War is ok just very boring to me. Drk is basically War clone although TBN is pretty op mitigation you get at 70 and then DRK is petty awesome.

I like GNB mainly because of the combos and visuals. but to each there own.

[Bright-Flower]

Paladin does have a full dps rotation but it takes a while to get it. Your rotation doesn't really become complete until Shadowbringers.

Once you unlock requiscat/holy spirit/holy circle/conveitor and all of your combo buttons, it's a lot better. The rotation being based around cycles of magic burst via requiscat and physical burst with fight or flight.

But it takes a while feel complete.

[DRKoftheAzure]

GNB or PLD, those are the only correct choices.

[Hierro]

GNB or PLD, those are the only correct choices.

WAR performs better than either in dungeons and isn't far behind in aDPS to either.

[DRKoftheAzure]

WAR performs better than either in dungeons and isn't far behind in aDPS to either.

Except WAR is not the correct choice when DPS and faster clears/re-clears matter.

[Hierro]

Except WAR is not the correct choice when DPS and faster clears/re-clears matter.

The tanks are so similar in DPS, any difference is simply not significant. Yes, that includes the difference between WAR and GNB. If you honestly think playing a WAR holds a party back from making similar clear times, you've got bigger issues on your hands.

[DRKoftheAzure]

The tanks are so similar in DPS, any difference is simply not significant. Yes, that includes the difference between WAR and GNB. If you honestly think playing a WAR holds a party back from making similar clear times, you've got bigger issues on your hands.

The only way you could get enjoyment out of WAR(and DRK since they have the exact same playstyle) is if you are HEAVILY intoxicated...


NOTE: I do not drink/abuse alcohol, nor do promote/condone it.

[Canadane]

Warrior, I love the lore behind it and the raw damage they do. My character looks awesome as a warrior, not gonna lie. It seems like his HP is the only thing pretty much keeping him alive unless they've added in some protective measures in shB?

They are no longer the meat shields they used to be.
I'm actually a little bit sad I don't have 20% HP more than the others anymore. But instead they are inline defensively with the other tanks.

[VenKitsune]

They are no longer the meat shields they used to be.
I'm actually a little bit sad I don't have 20% HP more than the others anymore. But instead they are inline defensively with the other tanks.

Looking at them in context of most content, WAR is actually the most defensive of all the tanks. Keeping RI on cooldown will give you far greater mitigation than keeping sheltron or HOS on cooldown all the time. TBN is the exeption to this, but that kinda has to be used when you know it'll break and even one of the current savage bosses autos dont break it.

WAR is the most heavily defensible tank right now.