Sorc Tank Build Ideas

ClockworkArc

Hey gang,

I'm looking for some build ideas for my new Sorc Tank! I've tried it a couple times on my Stam Sorc with typical tanking gear to great effect but am right now trying to theorycraft a tank that feels uniquely like a Sorcerer. Ever since Thieve's Guild, I feel the staying power of a sorc tank has increased exponentially but the playstyle doesn't seem to have been explored very well so..I'm jumping in and would like your ideas and/or feedback!

Ideally, builds should feels uniquely like a Sorc, by either using lots of class defining skills or by finding unique synergies between Sorc skills/passives and item sets. Basically, I don't want to feel like my build could be done better by a different class.

Anyway, right now I have two ideas that are relatively unique. You're welcome to give feedback or come up with your own ideas.

Pet Tank
Class Defining Skills:
Twilight Matriarch
Unstable Familiar
Deadric Ward

Item Sets:
Trinimac's Valour
+ Another Set.... either Imperium, Whitestrake's, or maybe the new Mazzatun.
+ A Monster Set

The basic concept of the above is that Trinimac's Valour will proc on pets. The Matriach is then your heal, so you can then pick the Familiar for the DPS and stun. This tank is a bit more supportive then, and can toss out plenty of heals and some okay AoE DPS.

Shock Tank
Class Defining Skills:
Boundless Storm
Liquid Lightning
All Storm Calling Passives
Destro Staff lightning spells

Weapon Set Up:
SnB + Destro Staff
Both weapon traits are charged.

Item Sets:
Storm Knight's Plate
+ Another Set....I've wanted an excuse to try a 5-piece Torug's on a tank but any of the usual suspects should work.
+ A Monster Set

The basic concept I was using here was that the combination of lightning damage and abilities, plus the destro staff trait, plus the charged weapons would keep the enemies Concussed (Lightning Status Effect which causes Minor Maim for 4 seconds) with relatively high uptime.

What do you guys think?

Brrrofski

If you're using pets, the hunt set could've decent for a stam sorc tank. It comes in jewellery, so could go 5 heavy 2 medium with it still. That with surge and dots like caltrops could be a lot of contact self healing.

Azoryl

Shock Tank is, imho, the only sorc tank worth mentioning.

Bound Aegis + Boundless Storm = large boost in mitigation
Throw in Liquid Lightning and Hardened Ward...you can do better damage then most tanks

Clannfear is only useful as a OT in specific fights, mainly AE heavy fight, and even then is not worth it.

Matriarch is not useful as a tank at all... better things to slot

However, the issue is slot management with all the toggles needed.

DRXHarbinger

Permafrost and malubeth actually works really well on a sorc. Pop your shield and health goes right up. Surge gives it a boost and just use boundless storm for your heals off it. I used it with Ebon set. You need a permafrost maelstrom shield though. Never seen an Ebon one.

Cronopoly

Here's a guy that Tanks Maw of Lorkage on Playstation with Pet out. Using it for the passive 8% increase in health I assume, and if it temporarily taunts a mob off a squishy toon great.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ouQnT6eVepo

CreepyPahuska

You should give shield stacking a try.
IMO, the sorcerers strength for a tank are :
1. Damage shields : avoid hitting your HP directly by absorbing the damages with your magical shields. Thanks to those shields, you only need to block the heavy attacks that would CC you. This way, you don't need lots of stamina.
2. Crowd Control : The sorcerers has some very useful CC skills that you can use to prevent the mobs from running everywhere. Keep them close together and your DDs will thank you.
3. Mobility : the sorcerer has an easy access to speed buffs, and can also teleport.
4. Damages : you won't have a huge DPS like NB Tanks, but it's still higher than average



Useful Skills :
- Hardened Ward and Harness Magicka are your damage shields
- Restraining Prison and Suppression Field (ultimate) are your CC skills
- Boundless Storm, will grant you Major Ward/Resolve, aswell as adding some DPS
- Bound Aegis will buff your max magicka by 8%, increasing the size of your shields
- Liquid Lightning, helps you quickly pulls trash mobs. Adds a bit of DPS
- Energy Overload, gives you a 3rd skill bar. Big DPS (from a tank perspective). With enough practice you can tank in overload, it's pretty fun. it also recovers magicka
- Streak, not a must-have skill in all situations, but sometimes it helps (vICP end boss for example)

Weapons :
Sword and Board
Restoration staff

Basically, you manage your ressources by weaving heavy attacks. SnB bar when you need stamina, Resto Staff when you need Magicka.

This kind of build has been tested and aproved in most endgame content.


Details here.

Waffennacht

Your idea is awfully close to my Trinimac build...

Check it out, it's in my sig