Is the Necromancer Tank Viable in ESO?
The question on many gamers’ minds: can a necromancer tank be viable in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)? While necromancers are known for their devastating magical abilities, can they also thrive as a tank? In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of playing a necromancer as a tank.
What is the Best Race for a Necromancer Tank in ESO?
Before we dive into the pros and cons of a necromancer tank, let’s consider the best race for this role. Nords are often considered the most suitable race for necromancers due to their natural resistance to physical damage. As a tank, you’ll take the brunt of the damage, and having a higher amount of HP and armor can be a significant advantage. Mundus stones like The Atronach can also provide you with a significant boost to your spell absorption and magicka regeneration, which is crucial for a necromancer’s arsenal.
Necromancer Skills and Abilities
The necromancer’s skillset is designed for dealing damage, not for tanking. Bonestrider, the default necromancer skill line, provides passives that increase damage dealt, armor penetration, and spell damage, making it less suitable for tanking. Unnerving Boneyard, another core skill line, focuses on crowd control and damage, but doesn’t offer many defensive benefits. However, there are some Magicka-Based Abilities that can be useful for tanking, such as Ricochet and Grabs the Axe, which can interrupt enemy abilities and stun them.
Playstyle and Strategies
While a necromancer tank won’t excel in the traditional sense, they can still be effective in certain situations. A Supportive Role with a focus on keeping allies alive, as opposed to absorbing damage directly, can be a viable strategy. A necromancer tank can provide damage absorption through Ricochet and Grabs the Axe, while also offering a chance to stun enemies and break out of fights. Additionally, their spells can be used to set up enemies for your allies to attack, giving them an opportunity to take them out.
Equipment and Builds
Equipping your necromancer tank is crucial to its success. Focus on maximizing your Magicka Regeneration and Spell Power through gear and skills. Some Mundus Stone combinations can also enhance your necromancer’s tanking capabilities, such as pairing The Atronach with The Lover.
Here’s a sample Magicka-Based Build:
| Set | Stats | Why it’s good for tanking |
|---|---|---|
| Ebon Arms of the Morag Tong | Spell Power, Magicka, Regeneration | High spell power and regen to sustain your magicka-heavy build |
| Torcha | Spell Critical Chance, Spell Critical Damage | Increase critical chance and damage to deal significant damage |
| Ring of the Venerable Queen | Magicka Regeneration, Spell Power | Regeneration for sustainability and spell power for more damage |
Conclusion
A necromancer tank is definitely viable in ESO, but it requires a shift in playstyle and focus. As a supportive role, a necromancer can excel at keeping allies alive while taking a more indirect approach to absorbing damage. With the right equipment, Mundus stone combinations, and strategy, a necromancer tank can thrive in the right situations. If you’re willing to adapt and think creatively, you can successfully play a necromancer tank and make the most out of this unique playstyle.
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