What would inspire more people to pick tank role?

Tasear

What makes tanks happy in their role? Why do they enjoy it?

Alpheu5

What I enjoy most is having actual control of most encounters, save for a few off-the-rail bosses (Warden, Drodda). But another part of the appeal is knowing very few people are willing to do it, so it always feels like I'm helping out regardless of the content being done.

rabid64

laziness

MartiniDaniels

I think main problem is necessity to regularly switch all gear between group/single content, yes, it is solved by dressing room add-on, but there are consoles and there are people who doesn't use addons and so on. If there was in-built interface for gear switching there will be more tanks.

Narvuntien

Yeah the annoying thing about tanking is a lot of it is about learning how to tank. You kind of have to learn all the mechanics for everything.
But then once you know the mechanics it can be kind of boring taunt, hold and block. pull trash and wait for mechanics.

So you can't just jump in and do it for fun because you get abused if you fail at it (sometimes deserved) and you don't really get much reward as far as gameplay goes for learning. (other than quick pledge queues)

Also, there is an issue is that you lack agency, you can tank but if you do it "properly" you can't actually deal damage to push a bad dps group across the line of a dungeon.

also also darkshade 2 sucks.

As for solutions, what about tank only mechanics? bosses that will give bonuses for tanking well rather than groups dpsing well. Atm good dps can allow you to avoid mechanics but good tanking is barely noticeable and is still reliant on good dps.

Edit: As an example of places where being a tank matters there is HoF that has a bunch of boss placement mechanics. HoF is a bit of a slog but i'd like to see more dungeons and trials that have you move bosses around into certain locations for group DPS boosts or mechanics that want to you to chain trash in certain ways. That would make tanking fun and more desirable. oh and the twins in MoL.

VaxtinTheWolf

If more experienced players that play with friends or guilds didn't bring their expectations into PUG groups with a negative attitude, and instead of complaining or harassing a player, provide tips or suggestions to those who seem to be struggling in their role. Again, I said tips and not rudely commanding them to play how you think they should be doing their job outside of the very basics. Things like explaining that there is no Threat mechanic in this game and they should be using the 1H&S taunt, and that they don't *need* to taunt every single enemy. That using their armor buff, if available, will boosts their survivability and they should be trusting the healer to heal them while they stand relatively still with the boss turning it's back to the group so the DPS can do what they need to. Just if there was a more supportive and encouraging attitude to those just wanting to try it out, there might be some sort of improvement.

I'll personally stay in a dungeon for a while, and I have been in Darkshade Caverns over 2 hours before, if it seems like everyone is really trying to listen, learn and progress through a veteran dungeon. I want them to succeed if they aren't easy quitters. I enjoy it more when people are having fun with it, sharing an interest in heavy sacks and chests or the quest. I do not care what build you are using as long as the player is being proficient in their role, instead of just light attacking and occasionally deciding to use an ability.

When I'm new to a game, I do tend to pick a Damage class, and then transfer to a healer or tank class after I become familiar with the game mechanics. I prefer healing and Tanking, and want to help fill those role instead of adding to the plethora of individuals chasing big numbers. I enjoy receiving the occasional compliments given by group members that appreciate me just existing as a sufficient non Templar Healer or non DK Tank player. I guess they may have had bad experiences

efster

I like to tank because I like stabbing things much, much bigger than me and making them very angry.

What would inspire more people to tank? The ability for every class to tank on par with the current de facto tanking class(es). Until they close the gap between DKs and Wardens and the other 3 classes, only DK and Warden players will feel (or be) encouraged to tank.

mocap

i play tank in dungeons only when i want perfect tank in party, dlc dungeons specifically. Want to do something good, do it yourself

Don't know for others. Maybe they get bored eventually so they roll new character (tank).

feyii

From my perspective playing a tank would be more fun if I could also use it effectively outside of group content. Playing solo (specifically fights) as a tank takes at least thrice as long, as when playing as DD or healer. At the same time it's neither harder nor easier, just longer. And that is a really big downside.

Noctus

the anime "the rising of the shieldhero"

thing is noone sees ur effort and skill when u are tanking but everyone can see the damage numbers ur generating. tanking is actually the most skillfull thing in the game. (i still want it nerfed for pvp tho ;D)

MartiniDaniels

Narvuntien wrote: »

Yeah the annoying thing about tanking is a lot of it is about learning how to tank. You kind of have to learn all the mechanics for everything.
But then once you know the mechanics it can be kind of boring taunt, hold and block. pull trash and wait for mechanics.

So you can't just jump in and do it for fun because you get abused if you fail at it (sometimes deserved) and you don't really get much reward as far as gameplay goes for learning. (other than quick pledge queues)

Also, there is an issue is that you lack agency, you can tank but if you do it "properly" you can't actually deal damage to push a bad dps group across the line of a dungeon.

also also darkshade 2 sucks.

As for solutions, what about tank only mechanics? bosses that will give bonuses for tanking well rather than groups dpsing well. Atm good dps can allow you to avoid mechanics but good tanking is barely noticeable and is still reliant on good dps.

Omg, LA-pierce armor, pickup synergy, LA-heroic slash, LA-igneous shards, bar switch LA-blockade, LA-engulfing flames -> chain/taunt couple of new adds, claws, roll dodge aoe, bar switch, block heavy attack, LA-green dragon blood, pickup synergy, LA-balance, LA-pierce armor, bar switch, LA-blockade, LA-engulfing flames, bar switch, block heavy attack, omg, minor brutality running out, pickup synergy, igneous shards, block heavy attack, LA-heroic slash, you're almost out of resources, horn is ready, moment of triumph, WOOHOO! Block heavy attack, LA-pierce armor..

It's so BORING to keep 5 debuffs and 3 buffs running while controlling mobs and surviving one-shot hits targeted at you and incoming each several seconds and missing of any of those hits is simply a SHAME, I'm simply yawning playing as tank.

Noctus

MartiniDaniels wrote: »

Narvuntien wrote: »

Yeah the annoying thing about tanking is a lot of it is about learning how to tank. You kind of have to learn all the mechanics for everything.
But then once you know the mechanics it can be kind of boring taunt, hold and block. pull trash and wait for mechanics.

So you can't just jump in and do it for fun because you get abused if you fail at it (sometimes deserved) and you don't really get much reward as far as gameplay goes for learning. (other than quick pledge queues)

Also, there is an issue is that you lack agency, you can tank but if you do it "properly" you can't actually deal damage to push a bad dps group across the line of a dungeon.

also also darkshade 2 sucks.

As for solutions, what about tank only mechanics? bosses that will give bonuses for tanking well rather than groups dpsing well. Atm good dps can allow you to avoid mechanics but good tanking is barely noticeable and is still reliant on good dps.

Omg, LA-pierce armor, pickup synergy, LA-heroic slash, LA-igneous shards, bar switch LA-blockade, LA-engulfing flames -> chain/taunt couple of new adds, claws, roll dodge aoe, bar switch, block heavy attack, LA-green dragon blood, pickup synergy, LA-balance, LA-pierce armor, bar switch, LA-blockade, LA-engulfing flames, bar switch, block heavy attack, omg, minor brutality running out, pickup synergy, igneous shards, block heavy attack, LA-heroic slash, you're almost out of resources, horn is ready, moment of triumph, WOOHOO! Block heavy attack, LA-pierce armor..

It's so BORING to keep 5 debuffs and 3 buffs running while controlling mobs and surviving one-shot hits targeted at you and incoming each several seconds and missing of any of those hits is simply a SHAME, I'm simply yawning playing as tank.

ikr ppl underestimate the effort. the harder the run the more skill u need as tank than the other roles. tanking is only easy in most nondlc dungeons

Zacuel

If tanking had a more fierce image to it I'd be more interested. I want to charge in and trade blows with the big scary boss monster like a champ while protecting my team. Not just sit there managing resources, buffs and debuffs.

In that regard I find that it's way too much work and responsibility for way too little excitement.

I guess that's why I dps.

Noctus

yeh tanking is just very hard and a huge responsibility for harder content. i tank vet dungeons but no trials. if u do a mistake as dps its not like ur whole raid group will wipe u know

Harrdarrzarr

Because as pointed out, tanks can't do anything in solo-play. One of my friends mains a tank, and he asked me to help him in a delve, because he wanted the skyshard. If he goes by himself in there, he can't die but it will take him minutes to kill a small mob.
That is what makes tanks less attractive to play imo, BUT dealing almost zero damage is normal for a tank. You can't and shouldn't do decent damage with a tank setup, that's part of the build.
PC can use dressing room to make a dps-setup to switch to within a second, maybe even use an addon to switch between championpoint-setups. But console-players need to switch every thing by hand, which takes forever.

For me, playing a dd is just my style.

HappyLittleTree

Harrdarrzarr wrote: »

Because as pointed out, tanks can't do anything in solo-play. One of my friends mains a tank, and he asked me to help him in a delve, because he wanted the skyshard. If he goes by himself in there, he can't die but it will take him minutes to kill a small mob.
That is what makes tanks less attractive to play imo, BUT dealing almost zero damage is normal for a tank. You can't and shouldn't do decent damage with a tank setup, that's part of the build.
PC can use dressing room to make a dps-setup to switch to within a second, maybe even use an addon to switch between championpoint-setups. But console-players need to switch every thing by hand, which takes forever.

For me, playing a dd is just my style.

If your friend plays as a tank in solo you should give him the advice to change to a dd setup for when he decides to solo play.

Noctus

Harrdarrzarr wrote: »

Because as pointed out, tanks can't do anything in solo-play. One of my friends mains a tank, and he asked me to help him in a delve, because he wanted the skyshard. If he goes by himself in there, he can't die but it will take him minutes to kill a small mob.
That is what makes tanks less attractive to play imo, BUT dealing almost zero damage is normal for a tank. You can't and shouldn't do decent damage with a tank setup, that's part of the build.
PC can use dressing room to make a dps-setup to switch to within a second, maybe even use an addon to switch between championpoint-setups. But console-players need to switch every thing by hand, which takes forever.

For me, playing a dd is just my style.

u only need to switch the armor open world is *** easy no special build needed. its sort of weird that i never have this problem when im on my tank set up i rly dont get it. i dont switch of my tank gear i just put on a good dmg skill and it takes me no time to smash things in the open world. i rly would like to see that minutes of fighting from another player. i actually use tank set up to solo group bosses easier.

macsmooth

Pug queue time to wait is less

Heady

when your raid group is all DPS

MattT1988

I picked tank as my main because when my friends joined me in the game we realised we didn’t have a tank for our group stuff. I’d made a Nord Stam DK as my main so I decided to spec it as a tank so we could do dungeons together. Haven’t looked back since. I actually really enjoy it.

GlorphNoldorin

HappyLittleTree wrote: »

Harrdarrzarr wrote: »

Because as pointed out, tanks can't do anything in solo-play. One of my friends mains a tank, and he asked me to help him in a delve, because he wanted the skyshard. If he goes by himself in there, he can't die but it will take him minutes to kill a small mob.
That is what makes tanks less attractive to play imo, BUT dealing almost zero damage is normal for a tank. You can't and shouldn't do decent damage with a tank setup, that's part of the build.
PC can use dressing room to make a dps-setup to switch to within a second, maybe even use an addon to switch between championpoint-setups. But console-players need to switch every thing by hand, which takes forever.

For me, playing a dd is just my style.

If your friend plays as a tank in solo you should give him the advice to change to a dd setup for when he decides to solo play.

I heard that Ashes of Creation are implementing a system for xp gain that allows healers and tanks to level through every action done in the game, crafting, exploring mobs everything.

Sure you can swap to a dps set up but it is onerous and costly to go back and forth.....and really if the game were designed better why should you?

lokulin

My main is 50/50 tank and stam sorc. What would make my life easier is loadouts that can switch gear/CP/skills/attributes in one go. I kind of use a hybrid setup which means my dps is lower than it could be and my tankiness is a bit more squishy. I think newer players would struggle with this especially because the number of skill points you need to do this can be quite prohibitive. Especially if you also want to craft and do PvP.

Brrrofski

Honestly, better dps. As in, people who are better at DPSing in lfg.

It's a horrid experience when you queue as a tank and get two dps who struggle to pull 10k between them.

Tanking with people you know is actually fun. Just not so much with randoms.

CavalryPK

That the dungeon q is like 2 seconds.

VDoom1

Smooth runs. If everything goes well, then everyone is happy. It's when things go badly blame comes around and you get "tank you suck" or "healer you suck" or even "dd you do to little damage". That is when it's not so fun to be a tank.

Dungeon queue as tank is also really fast.
I imagine most people don't go as tank because of the pressure. Because if one mistake happens, you wipe once or something else happens. It can be a total firestorm of "you suck". Thankfully in my experience that has rarely happened.

If anyone is considering going as tank, I say do it. It's a lot of fun, if you have a nice group. Just make sure you have 1 taunt ability and at least 1 shield ability. As well as a good amount of health.

TempPlayer

Reward the tank for their effort. Gold and exp is kind of useless in end game. Maybe set it so that dungeon, overland gear drop chance is proportional to the damage you absorb. Can apply to healer as well.

Noctus

CavalryPK wrote: »

That the dungeon q is like 2 seconds.

ahaha i agree thats why i tank

sigsergv

Tanking is the easiest way to obtain dungeon sets. My tank is feeding other chars with sets basically.

MLGProPlayer

I don't play tank (or support in general) for 2 reasons:

1. I'd need to respec to DPS when doing overland questing
2. I can't carry a PUG and need to rely on my DDs being competent

Kalgert

I recently decided to pick up a Warden Tank, here are my thouggts thus far:

I like the idea of being a meatshield, and it seems to be a more mechanical role as opposed to DPS, which makes me feel more comfortable (I "Sucked" as a DPS but I can do fairly well when it comes to mechanics, so this feels like the next best thing).

I do not like the notion that I have to also be a buffer for the group, rather than focus on being able to survive fights (Though I haven't gotten any tanks really to a level where I could confidently do anything with them, except for two), nor do I feel that comfortable seeing myself do rather miniscule damage to enemies (Apparently tanks are also bound by a minimum DPS threshold that is fairly substantial? Eeeh?)

By the way, for Warden Tanks: What would be a reliable way of self sustain? I have Arctic Winds but it feels like it doesn't heal a single worthwhile bit.

Lyserus

Honestly? More variety, and tanks need to be stronger at least in overland

Tanks have probably the least variety in character building, and they are a pain to use in overland content if yours is a end-game pure tank