Tanking the Big, the Great, the Powerfull and the Cowards

Stormbringer

Academy Page

Join Date: Aug 2005

W/Rt

03 Nov 2005 at 13:23 - 1

Ok, a small question has been growing in the back of my mind and this is its physical/virtual incarnation:

First of all, most spellcasters( monks, elementalists and other warriors ) think the following.

Tanking = USELESS
DMG = GOOD

WRONG!!
That is what the intelligent people say.

Tanks, or also called Damage Sustainers, are one of the “things” that people don’t respect, since these “things” are protecting their silly little frail bodies from being crushed into oblivion.

One of the possible definitions:
The Tank is the one person that in battle, takes all the damage, melee and ranged one altogether, so that the other party members have time to cast their offensive and defensive spells without any stress or pressure.

He may do some damage, but that is NOT his goal.
Tanks are used in U.W, F.o.W, Hell’s precipice etc…

This thread’s purpose is to discover some of the tank builds….
And find some that may be of enormous help in PVE.

Please give your opinion on the builds posted, modify them if you feel like doing it, but DO NOT TAKE CREDIT FOR THEM! All builds belong to the ones who created them!
I will add all the builds that are the best in the original post so that you don't need to go to the last page, the name of the build poster will be said.

Have Fun.

Builds:

Sword Breaker

Attributes:
In my case
8 protection/10(8+1+1) strength/12(9+3) swordsmanship/12(11+1) tactics
Skills:
1. Galrath's Slash / Purge Conditions / Purge Sigent
2. To the Limit
3. Bonetti's Defense
4. Gladiator's Defense [Elite]
5. Dyolak Signet
6. Healing Signet
7. Protective Spirit
8. Rebirth

This build is best vs melee foes since Gladiator will deal the damage back to them, rangers will do less damage because of dyolak sig. but your greatest foes (as usual), are Elementalists and Illusionary Weaponry Mesmers.
Bonetti is a must here since you will need energy to keep the defenses up and going, healing signet should only be used with dyolak sig. and gladiator's defense on.

Shield of Power

Attributes:
In my case
10 smite/13(10+3) swordsmanship/12(11+1) tactics
Skills:
1. Watch Yourself / Symbol of Wrath / Smite Hex
2. To the Limit
3. Bonetti's Defense
4. Healing Signet
5. Shield of Judgment [Elite]
6. Holy Wrath
7. Balthazar's Spirit
8. Rebirth

Now this build is interesting, it is very hard to use it right since u are mostly based on using bonetti and not SoJ, with this build, you can use healing signet any time since the higher damage you get, the higher damage you deal back, watch yourself can help you when using healing signet, SoJ is simply a combo with Holy Wrath and Balthy's Spirit(dmg dmg knocked down adrenaline energy). Using Symbol or Smite hex is a bit more useful that the shout since you do more damage... you don't care if u get blind with this build, you will get adrenaline with each attack...

Shielding Fury

Attributes:
In my case
10 protection/6(4+1+1)strength/14(11+3) swordsmanship/10(9+1) tactics
Skills:
1. Galrath's Slash
2. Final Thrust
3. Bonetti's Defense
4. Shield of Regeneration [Elite]
5. Protective Spirit
6. Vital Blessing
7. Balthazar's Spirit
8. Rebirth

This build deals in damage dealing with a good protection on your back, of course Lingering Curse will get you killed but hey!, only Bone golems use that elite....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yukito Kunisaki

10+1+1 Axe Mastery
9+1 Tactics
7+1 Strength
10 Curses

Cyclone Axe
Dismember
Axe Rake
Bonetti's Defense
Victory is Mine! {E}
Plague Touch
Enfeebling Blood
Mark of Pain

A build that is very good to do plenty of damage, Thank you Yukito.

Quote:

Originally Posted by striderkaaru

this is my general earth protector build and the one build i use the most.

W/E
attributes:
earth/hammer/strength/tactics
no set numbers because i tweak based on the additional skills i bring. i generally max out earth at 12 and keep hammer at my weapon's req.

main skills:
counter blow
belly smash
earthshaker
aftershock
armor of earth
healing signet

side skills:
irresistable blow - for a more offensive style
berserker stance - not needed so much anymore since the buff to earthshaker
ward vs. melee - added protection for the whole party
"i will survive" - for condition heavy areas
dolyak signet - armor of earth + dolyak anyone?

this build is amazing since it allows me to both tank for myself as well as protect the squishies. self tanking builds are only good if you can ensure aggro on yourself. counter blow, belly smash, earthshaker, and ward vs. melee all allow you to protect anyone being attacked and knockdown is the ultimate snare. this is a build designed for bodyguard tanks.

the only places where the build is weak are places with enchant stripping, blinds, and enemies that cannot be knocked down. Thank you striderkaaru.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesh

w/n
13 Strength
11 Tactics
9 Curses
4 Swordsmanship

Flurry
Healing Signet
Bonetti's Defense
Mark of Pain
Dolyak Signet
Watch Yourself!
Defy Pain {E}
Enfeebling Blood

w/m
12 Axe
9 Healing
3 Smiting
15 Strength
6 Tactics

Vigorous Spirit
Live Vicariously
Balthazar's Spirit
Cyclone Axe
Watch Yourself!
Dolyak Signet
Defy Pain {E}
Flurry

Both builds sustain almost 200 AL in a fight. The first one, which I use, can definitely lay down more hurt with Mark of Pain and Flurry. I can also keep my squishies alive longer with Enfeebling Blood, because they WILL draw aggro. I have much higher hp without the use of superior runes (838 hp). The downside is I have a couple second without Dolyak Signet (never bothered me), and I only have my signet for healing.

The second is my brother's build, and he does use 2 superior runes. Obviously his healing capabilities are better. At least I don't use monk skills though.

The reason you don't see stances here are twofold. Stances won't protect you from elementalists, in most cases. Armor will. Another reason is simply that the skills I use for defense aren't counterable. Wild Blow and Warrior's Cunning won't do jack to these builds. It's pretty much a lot of 0s popping above your head, unless you're up against necros, with their dam shadow skills.

My brother's build is actually self sustaining enough that he can ignore it when empathy gets dropped on him. It's pretty funny. No res. Well, doesn't matter but these builds don't do much in UW.
Thank you anyways.

Screens will be added soon.

judge1121

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Outlaws Of Ascalon

Mo/

03 Nov 2005 at 13:45 - 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormbringer

First of all, most of you idiotic monks, elementalists and other warriors,

Tanking = USELESS
DMG = GOOD i think some ppl are also referring to pve and pvp ur builds are cool for pve but for pvp it might not be useful. and no us monks are not idiotic we just say that cause we dont want u to aggro everything and die. u might have a lot of exp wich i see u do but some dont.

Sister Rosette

Lady Fie

Join Date: Aug 2005

Sapporo

Tha Skulls [Ts]

D/W

03 Nov 2005 at 13:47 - 3

Wow, with an opening sentence like that who wouldn't be inclined to listen?

You know, besides people who are sick of broad generalizations based
on class.

And you spelled 'powerful' wrong.

smurfhunter

Banned

Join Date: Aug 2005

my w/mo uses mending, orison, and healing breeze. you cant kill him.

Sand Scorpions [SS]

W/Mo

03 Nov 2005 at 13:49 - 4

if you find a way to convince real (well mostly) people to attack you, when you are obviously tanking (in pvp), ill agree.

Stormbringer

Academy Page

Join Date: Aug 2005

W/Rt

03 Nov 2005 at 13:52 - 5

Quote:

Originally Posted by judge1121

i think some ppl are also referring to pve and pvp ur builds are cool for pve but for pvp it might not be useful. and no us monks are not idiotic we just say that cause we dont want u to aggro everything and die. u might have a lot of exp wich i see u do but some dont.

the you in my remark is only for those that ARE idiotic, and yes taking is mostly used in PVE. Have Fun

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sister Rosette

You know, besides people who are sick of broad generalizations based
on class.

And you spelled 'powerful' wrong. WHOUPS!

smurfhunter

Banned

Join Date: Aug 2005

my w/mo uses mending, orison, and healing breeze. you cant kill him.

Sand Scorpions [SS]

W/Mo

03 Nov 2005 at 14:00 - 6

just look at his avatar. fiery dragon sword. all knights armor. weird seethru thingy shield.

typical tank

Stormbringer

Academy Page

Join Date: Aug 2005

W/Rt

03 Nov 2005 at 14:04 - 7

Quote:

Originally Posted by smurfhunter

just look at his avatar. fiery dragon sword. all knights armor. weird seethru thingy shield.

typical tank

Changed to plate mail infact, too lazy to change picture, and i droped that damn fiery sword, it was really, REALLY useless.

smurfhunter

Banned

Join Date: Aug 2005

my w/mo uses mending, orison, and healing breeze. you cant kill him.

Sand Scorpions [SS]

W/Mo

03 Nov 2005 at 14:05 - 8

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormbringer

Changed to plate mail infact, too lazy to change picture, and i droped that damn fiery sword, it was really, REALLY useless. what, do you have a iCy fElLblADe of SkELetOnsLAyINg now?

*edit

its actually a shocking longsword of enchanting.... i hope you get the idea by now

Yukito Kunisaki

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2005

Chicago, IL

W/N

03 Nov 2005 at 16:26 - 9

Here's an idea, how about a tank that can DESTROY mobs as fast as an ele can? ^_^ [pve based only, no smart alec pvp remarks unless you're too stupid to read]

10+1+1 Axe Mastery
9+1 Tactics
7+1 Strength
10 Curses

Cyclone Axe
Dismember
Axe Rake
Bonetti's Defense
Victory is Mine! {E}
Plague Touch
Enfeebling Blood
Mark of Pain

My ANCIENT pve farming build which can party quite well if your teammates do their job of hiding like sissy cowards while your manly man [or womanly woman] self charges into the fray... Of course, your teammates might be stupid squishies who run RIGHT ALONG SIDE you... Best done while the whole enemy mob is on you though obviously since MoP is da bomb... Your team should start their attack the instant you land a Cyclone Axe. [that usually causes monsters to stay on ya if they each get hit]

judge1121

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Aug 2005

Outlaws Of Ascalon

Mo/

03 Nov 2005 at 16:46 - 10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormbringer

the you in my remark is only for those that ARE idiotic, and yes taking is mostly used in PVE. Have Fun well u dont know the person till u actually get to play with them. i mean ppl that know me know im a good player, but u might not since we dont know each other.

Yukito Kunisaki

Forge Runner

Join Date: Mar 2005

Chicago, IL

W/N

03 Nov 2005 at 16:56 - 11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormbringer

nice, but if u really want ViM to work, u should be W/Me with epidemic, but i like this build, very nice.
Thnx. ViM! works perfectly with Enfeebling Blood. Before anyone starts blurting out goofy remarks. You cast Enfeebling AFTER the mob is bunched up around you giving maximum ViM! potential. the weakness lasts 15s. and the ViM recycles in that time. Enfeebling recycles in 10. Anyone see the idea here?

striderkaaru

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

Scars Meadows [SMS], Retired Officer

03 Nov 2005 at 18:25 - 12

capitalist

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2005

03 Nov 2005 at 18:32 - 13

I have to say this..

A good build and an understanding of how to tank is required for someone to be an effective tank...BUT, the most important thing is that the remainder of the group understands how to let the tank do his job.

Hannibel

Banned

Join Date: Oct 2005

Playboy Entertainment

03 Nov 2005 at 20:46 - 14

What are you talking about no one respects them? everyone knows that they need one in their group for pve, it's not that no one respects tanks it's that they're easy to come by and it's not difficult to make them, all you need is some basic tactic skills, and some healing from your monks and your group is safe aslong as the foes attack the tank(s)

striderkaaru

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Aug 2005

Scars Meadows [SMS], Retired Officer

03 Nov 2005 at 22:33 - 15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hannibel

your group is safe aslong as the foes attack the tank(s) and what do you do when they don't?

yes, it is rather easy to find a warrior in pve, but there's a reason why you hear so many complaints about the typical leroy w/mo. warriors are everywhere, but a decent warrior who knows what to do is harder to find. a good warrior with both the tactics and the skills needed to be an effective team player is even rarer.

this thread is about discussing tried and true builds and tactics in an effort to lessen the amount of leroys out there. and you'll be surprised to find that there are people out there who want to learn how to be effective tanks. this thread will help them with that.

and i completely agree with capitalist. the rest of the team needs to realize what a tanks job is and know how to help him do that in order for the whole thing to be successful.

Stormbringer

Academy Page

Join Date: Aug 2005

W/Rt

05 Nov 2005 at 11:03 - 16

The thing is that too many warriors charge the enemy without thinking what they can and can't do....monks can not heal them at too far a distance and the eles fear the foes, so no spells and bang the tank is dead....
I say this, beeing afraid....gets your tank and team killed.

jesh

Forge Runner

Join Date: May 2005

San Diego, CA

Penguin Village

Mo/

05 Nov 2005 at 21:04 - 17

I'll post my build and my brother's build.

w/n
13 Strength
11 Tactics
9 Curses
4 Swordsmanship

Flurry
Healing Signet
Bonetti's Defense
Mark of Pain
Dolyak Signet
Watch Yourself!
Defy Pain {E}
Enfeebling Blood

w/m
12 Axe
9 Healing
3 Smiting
15 Strength
6 Tactics

Vigorous Spirit
Live Vicariously
Balthazar's Spirit
Cyclone Axe
Watch Yourself!
Dolyak Signet
Defy Pain {E}
Flurry

Both builds sustain almost 200 AL in a fight. The first one, which I use, can definitely lay down more hurt with Mark of Pain and Flurry. I can also keep my squishies alive longer with Enfeebling Blood, because they WILL draw aggro. I have much higher hp without the use of superior runes (838 hp). The downside is I have a couple second without Dolyak Signet (never bothered me), and I only have my signet for healing.

The second is my brother's build, and he does use 2 superior runes. Obviously his healing capabilities are better. At least I don't use monk skills though.

Manfred

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Oct 2005

06 Nov 2005 at 00:10 - 18

Yeah, except that w/mo farming build do a surprisingly poor job of tanking in the ring of fire due to rampant enchant removal. Oh, and in the crystal desert, with chiliblains. And against those maguuma jungle mesmers with shatter...

So I guess that enchantments are just as vulnerable, if not more so, than stances.

jesh

Forge Runner

Join Date: May 2005

San Diego, CA

Penguin Village

Mo/

06 Nov 2005 at 06:39 - 19

Not really, vigorous and live vicariously are both 5 energy recasts, they can both be thrown up as chaff that actually benefits you. Even without enchants, you still have 200 AL. And if you could actually comprehend the words I'd typed, you'd see that's my brother's build, not mine.

jesh

Forge Runner

Join Date: May 2005

San Diego, CA

Penguin Village

Mo/

10 Nov 2005 at 19:02 - 20

Stormbringer

Academy Page

Join Date: Aug 2005

W/Rt

11 Nov 2005 at 11:23 - 21

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesh

I couldn't help but notice you said my builds would be useless in UW.. geez, do you have a brain? Throw out bonetti's on the w/n and take a signet. On the w/mo, throw out Live Vicariously, you have a monk. Don't think that because you are part of the "High-Council" you are smarter than us "others"...For UW you really need plenty of defensive stances....that's all...but doesn't matter we aren't talking UW tanking but GENERAL tanking...btw trying to find other builds...

entropy

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

N/W

11 Nov 2005 at 17:50 - 22

no such thing as tanking now :P

Stormbringer

Academy Page

Join Date: Aug 2005

W/Rt

11 Nov 2005 at 17:55 - 23

Quote:

Originally Posted by entropy

no such thing as tanking now :P Uhm, yeah cause most warriors forget that it helps...

entropy

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

N/W

11 Nov 2005 at 18:23 - 24

no because of the update :P cmon its the 1000 post thread in riverside

Stormbringer

Academy Page

Join Date: Aug 2005

W/Rt

11 Nov 2005 at 19:29 - 25

Yeah, that to, AoE doesn't work anymore

jesh

Forge Runner

Join Date: May 2005

San Diego, CA

Penguin Village

Mo/

12 Nov 2005 at 07:22 - 26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stormbringer

Don't think that because you are part of the "High-Council" you are smarter than us "others"...For UW you really need plenty of defensive stances....that's all...but doesn't matter we aren't talking UW tanking but GENERAL tanking...btw trying to find other builds... Yeah I forgot, if I don't fit the mold, then my build is useless. Even if it outperforms yours. Jackass.

zeroxy

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Dec 2005

Dark Angels of Rising Chaos [DaRc]

21 Jan 2006 at 13:41 - 27

Well youre right..tanks aren't damage dealers
BUT...
If a tank uses swords and does a sever artery + gash combo the target will suffer from bleeding and deep wound.So thats -3 health regen and 20% health off.And 20%off is a MAJOR amount of damage!

purplet

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Nov 2005

21 Jan 2006 at 16:30 - 28

aftershock also deals massive damage+earthshaker the enemys are knocked down.
I think hammer warrior is the best tank, but i´m not sure so i´m trying at the moment

sword or axe warriors should bring whirlwind

i think tanks are underestimated cuz of the classic UW and/or quest item carrying tanks who doesnt do more than stance after stance.

exodite

Academy Page

Join Date: Jul 2005

KISS

Mo/Me

22 Jan 2006 at 11:02 - 29

my Tanking build is for my W/Me

Physical Resistance
Elemental Resistance {Can Be Changed to Mantra of Frost if you have a ranger with winter}
Bonnetis Defense
Riposte
Deadly Riposte
Watch Yourself
Hundred Blades {ELITE}
Galrath Slash

Attribute points!
Sword 10
Tactics 10+1
Inspiration 11
this build woks on increasing you armour by a massive amount but while still retaining the ability to do defensive damage and to charge up adrenaline quickly with Hundred Blades

161 armour vs Elemental
171 armour vs Physical

Im one of the few people that dont use a W/Mo for tanking but i find this works much better than been able to heal yourself as you take next to no damage from Physical damage and if you do have a ranger with winter elemental damge is reduced by 47% and you regain 1 energy.
it also helps to have a zelous sword as when you use Hundred Blades you mana will increase too