Quote Originally Posted by Mikey_R View Post
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I think there is a fair point here, but I also think the concern is not unreasonable.

Yes, it is possible that the developers are using “Main Tank” and “Off Tank” differently from how the wider MMO community understands those terms. FFXIV has done that before with other role labels, and I agree that we should not immediately assume the worst.

However, I do not think players are wrong for being concerned when the official presentation itself uses the terms “Main Tank” and “Off Tank.” Those terms already have a very clear meaning to most MMO players. So if the developers are using them in a softer or different way, then they need to explain that clearly.

The problem is not that people are panicking for no reason. The problem is that the terminology creates uncertainty.

I agree that FFXIV will probably not design Off Tanks so they are unable to tank bosses. That would not make sense in a game with tank swaps, shared tankbusters, dual tank mechanics, and encounters where both tanks take responsibility. I also agree that there will probably be overlap, similar to pure healers and barrier healers.

But that is exactly why clarification is needed.

If “MT” and “OT” only mean design flavor or general tendency, then that is fine. For example, PLD may lean more toward self-defense and party protection, while another tank may lean more toward supporting the other tank or handling specific defensive situations.

But if “MT” and “OT” start to imply locked positions, duty expectations, or community pressure where certain tanks are treated as wrong for main tanking, then that becomes a real problem.

So I do not think the sky is falling, but I also do not think the concern should be dismissed.

The best version of this system would be:

* every tank can still MT
* every tank can still OT
* each tank has a stronger identity
* the difference is dynamic, not restrictive
* fights create moments where different tanks shine
* no job is locked into one position

That is the direction I hope they take.

The concern is not “Off Tanks will never tank.” The concern is that unclear role labels can lead to restrictive design or restrictive community expectations. That is why people are asking for clarification now, before the system is finalized.