Summary

Tanking in MMORPGs is a role that often requires both skill and strategy, making it one of the most challenging yet rewarding ways to play. These classes frequently control the battlefield and are vital to the team’s safety. A great tank is more than just a damage sponge; it is the backbone of any successful group.

If you enjoy being a tank and are looking for something new to play, keep reading as we list several games that provide fantastic tank roles. We’ll also tell you a little about them, especially what makes them so great.

Blade and Soul - Arena Battle

10Blade & Soul

Blade & Soul stands out for its martial arts-inspired combat system, which offers a fast-paced tanking experience. The primary tank class in Blade & Soul is the Kung Fu Master, who can control the battlefield with precise timing and positioning.

Instead of relying on heavy armor, the Kung Fu master will avoid attack through quick reflexes, counters, and crowd control abilities, making the game both challenging and rewarding as you continually develop the skills you need to protect your party.

Rift  - Crucias Claw Update

9Rift

Rift is a great game that allows you to customize your player with various souls. The Warrior and Cleric classes usually take on tanking duties, while the Void Knight, Paladin, and Justicar add defense and support.

However, there are lots of customization options across the classes, so you can use unconventional classes if that’s your style. Rift’s dynamic content, including its famous rift events, provides tanks with plenty of opportunities to shine.

Lost Ark - prepareing for battle with Hanumatan

8Lost Ark

Lost Ark combines the best elements of actionRPGs with the traditional MMO format, offering a fast-paced and visually impressive tanking experience that’s a lot of fun to play. The Gunlancer is the primary tank class in this game, and you’ll love it for its ability to absorb massive amounts of damage while also dealing it out.

This class has shields to block incoming attacks and powerful counterattacks that can turn the tide of any battle, which is important in Lost Ark, as tanks need to be on the move continuously to dodge attacks and position themselves strategically.

Black Desert Online - Illezra the Darkness Born from the Desert

7Black Desert Online

Black Desert Online has a continuously growing community thanks to its fast-paced combat and stunning graphics. The Valkyrie and Warrior classes are the primary tank options in this game, and they both offer a good mix of offensive and defensive abilities that keep the game engaging and entertaining.

Tanks in Black Desert Online are vital to any group because they stop advancement, protect their teammates, and deal significant damage. However, to be successful, you will need to consider your position and timing, especially when leading the charge.

Guild Wars 2 - Menzies Greatsword.

6Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2offers a dynamic and flexible approach to tanking, particularly through its use of the “agony resistance” mechanic. Instead of having a dedicated tank class, players can take on tanking responsibilities by building their characters with high toughness and vitality stats, allowing for more flexibility in the way they play.

The Guardian and Warrior classes are particularly popular for tanking due to their strong defensive abilities and supportive skills, which can protect allies while drawing enemy fire. Even when taking on tanking responsibilities in Guild Wars 2, you will still need to dodge and block, which helps keep the game fun, especially during larger battles.

Star Wars The Old Republic - Jedi prepare for battle

5Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic offers a rich tanking experience for players who enjoy a blend of storytelling and combat. Tanking is both a strategic and engaging experience that requires careful thought and planning to get the most out of your character.

Players can choose companions that complement their tanking abilities or provide additional healing, damage, or crowd control as needed. Their decisions will also affect the world around them, while the detailed story provides an immersive experience for any class.

Star Wars The Old Republic - Space battle

4Albion Online

Albion Online offers a unique tanking experience, particularly in its PvP content, which sets it apart from many other MMOs. In this game, tanks take on the role of disruptors, using crowd control abilities to defend their healers and control the flow of battle. A well-timed stun or knockback can turn the tide of battle and help your team achieve their goals.

Albion Online’s focus on player-driven content means that tanks often find themselves in the thick of large-scale battles, guild wars, and territory control fights, making tanks one of the more fun classes to play.

Star Wars The Old Republic - Sith Lord Darth Malgus!

3World of Warcraft

World of Warcrafthas long been a staple in the MMO genre, and the tanking experience is legendary. The game offers a variety of tank classes, each with unique abilities and play styles that cater to different types of encounters. For example, the Protection Warrior is known for its high mobility and ability to generate threats quickly, while theBlood Death Knight excels in self-healingand surviving high-damage situations.

Tanks are often the ones to set the pace of a dungeon or raid, leading the group through complex encounters and ensuring that everyone stays alive.

Star Wars The Old Republic - Poison Swamp

2The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Onlinealso offers an immersive experience for players who enjoy taking on tanking roles. The game’s flexible skill system allows players to craft unique builds and combine different abilities and equipment to suit their preferred play style. This flexibility is particularly important during combat, where tanks need to block, dodge, and manage resources.

The Elder Scrolls Online also receives frequent updates, so tanking is an ever-evolving experience. There is also a large community that can provide tips and tricks to help you develop your character quickly.

Albion Online Treasure Chest

1Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIVis hugely popular thanks to its fantastic story, great visuals, and catchy soundtrack. It also has a fun job system where the tanks, like the Paladin and Warrior, to start the game with The Dark Knight and Gunbreaker becoming available later, are more than sponges for damage. They also have the tools to heal and defend their companions.

The dynamic nature of tanking in FFXIV, combined with an emphasis on teamwork, makes it a fun alternative to worrying about how muchdamage per second you are doingto your enemies.