Is Dragonknight Good for Tanking?
The Dragonknight is a versatile and powerful class in The Elder Scrolls Online, capable of dealing massive damage or absorbing damage and protecting their allies. While they are not traditionally considered a tanking class, they can indeed be effective tanks in certain situations. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of playing a Dragonknight as a tank and provide guidance on how to make it work.
Pros of Tanking with a Dragonknight
- Stunning damage output: As a Magicka-based class, Dragonknights can deal significant damage with their spells and abilities.
- Versatility: They can adapt to various situations, using their stam-based skills for burst damage or magicka-based skills for sustained damage.
- Survivability: With their high health pool and ability to absorb damage with their shields, Dragonknights can withstand significant damage before needing to heal.
Cons of Tanking with a Dragonknight
- Limited survivability: While Dragonknights can absorb damage, they are not as resistant to damage as some other tanking classes.
- Lack of utility: Dragonknights lack the crowd control and ability to control adds that some other tanking classes offer.
- High damage potential: As a high-damage class, Dragonknights may find it difficult to resist the urge to deal damage, making it harder to stay in tank mode.
Setting Up a Dragonknight Tank
To effectively play a Dragonknight as a tank, you’ll need to focus on setting up your character for tanking. Here are some key tips:
- Choose the right skill setup: Focus on stam-based skills for absorbance and survivability, while also using magicka-based skills for burst damage.
- Invest in survivability: Increase your health pool and shield block chance to improve your ability to absorb damage.
- Choose the right armor: Wear heavy armor for increased damage reduction and armor penetration.
- Prioritize defensive skills: Invest in skills that reduce damage taken, such as those that grant damage reduction, shield blocks, and increases to armor penetration.
Tanking Strategies with a Dragonknight
To successfully tank with a Dragonknight, you’ll need to employ effective tanking strategies. Here are some key tips:
- Positioning is key: Use your position to absorb damage and protect your allies. Stay between the enemy and your group.
- Use your shield: Use your shield to block damage and reduce damage taken.
- Control the enemy: Use your abilities to control adds and prevent them from getting close to your group.
- Heal when needed: Use your abilities to heal yourself and your allies when necessary.
Comparison to Other Tanking Classes
While the Dragonknight can be an effective tank, they are not the best tanking class. Here is a comparison of the Dragonknight to other tanking classes:
| Class | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dragonknight | High damage output, versatility | Limited survivability, lack of utility |
| Tanker | High survivability, crowd control | Low damage output, limited versatility |
| Nightblade | High damage output, ability to control adds | Limited survivability, lack of tanking utility |
In conclusion, the Dragonknight can be an effective tank in The Elder Scrolls Online, but it’s essential to set up your character correctly and employ effective tanking strategies. While they have some limitations, their versatility and damage output make them a formidable tank. With practice and patience, a Dragonknight tank can be a valuable addition to any group.