[SW:TOR] Tanks like spanking.

Echo

Dibs on the tanky thread!

So, discuss spanking while I go write some more.

Tank Classes

Ladies and gentlemen, these are your advanced classes (ACs) with state of the art tanking capabilities. Well, OK, one AC per side has state of the art tanking capabilities; the others use ancient lightsabers.

Republic side:
Jedi Guardian (Jedi Knight AC)
Jedi Shadow (Jedi Consular AC)
Vanguard (Trooper AC)

Empire side:
Sith Juggernaut (Sith Warrior AC)
Sith Assassin (Sith Inquisitor AC)
Powertech (Bounty Hunter AC)

Recommended builds

Guardian/Juggernaut specs:

Shadow/Assassin specs:
Echo's initial theorycraft

Vanguard/Powertech specs:

Basil

I once spanked a dragon just to see it cry.

PiptheFair

super interested in people's experience with juggies in the beta

share your knowledge with me

Basil

PiptheFair wrote:

super interested in people's experience with juggies in the beta

share your knowledge with me

Don't expect to have much in the way of threat generation until your mid teens, but do expect to feel perfectly happy charging into anything that looks even remotely unhappy with you and murdering it! Your leap ability lets you be the first one into a fight, and you'll have an aoe smash to make sure everything feels very sorry you decided to drop in.

Lucascraft

I think its because the armor looks so damn cool, but I want to tank on almost every character I want to make in this game. I'm going Vanguard on my Trooper, Powertech on my Bounty Hunter, and Guardian on my Jedi Knight.

Seidkona

I've pretty much decided to make my first character a tank. Probably shadow/assassin flavor but I'm not against the other two.

Sterica

I am hoping Assassin pans out, because I enjoy tanking with a side of lightning.

Bubs

Basil wrote:

PiptheFair wrote:

super interested in people's experience with juggies in the beta

share your knowledge with me

Don't expect to have much in the way of threat generation until your mid teens, but do expect to feel perfectly happy charging into anything that looks even remotely unhappy with you and murdering it! Your leap ability lets you be the first one into a fight, and you'll have an aoe smash to make sure everything feels very sorry you decided to drop in.

All of this! People will tell you about how they're the worst tanks, and they might be right, but I had a lot of fun on mine. Threat is hard to come by before ~20, but nothing you do before then is all that hard. My favorite thing about Juggernauts is they use the single saber like it's a fucking baseball bat. Nevermind that it can cut through basically everything, you gotta muscle up on that thing and hit stuff hard.

Fun in PVP too. I played Juggernaut in three builds, two to high 30s, one to high 40s.

Comradebot

I'm looking forward to being a Vanguard. Didn't play much with a Trooper in beta, but mostly because I'm trying to save as much of the story as I can for the first run through.

If I remember I posted here, maybe I'll update on my experiences... more likely yall never hear from me again.

TheUnsane1

Based on the thread title this means being Sith Pureblood makes you the best tank? I hear they slap the shit out of people.

reVerse

I've seen this suggested as the most optimal Powertech/Vanguard tanking talents: http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#301GoMrdRrogzZMcbM.1

It leaves one point free for whatever. Most people suggest putting it in Steely Resolve.

Dr_Keenbean

I wonder if there's going to be a decent spread of the trinity in TOR or if it's going to be like WoW and being a competent tank makes you hot shit.

Because I kind of got used to living that pampered life or instant queues and extra loots and everyone being happy to see me.

Shurakai

After going back and fourth in my mind for ages, I've decided on Powertech. It made more sense to me to tank as a dude with a flamethrower and armblade than the trooper alternative. I am new to tanking, but hopefully I can do a decent jorb.
A few questions for those that have played the beta to some extent:

Will the tanking tree (Shield Tech, in this case) Be alright for leveling? If not, at what level does the dual spec option become available?

reVerse

There are no dual specs.

And yes, the tanking tree is fine for leveling, it's just (slightly) slower.

Shurakai

Edit: Duplicate post. *shakes fist at forums*

Shurakai

I was under the impression that dual specs were available within the same AC, just not *across* ACs.

Comradebot

Dr_Keenbean wrote:

I wonder if there's going to be a decent spread of the trinity in TOR or if it's going to be like WoW and being a competent tank makes you hot shit.

Because I kind of got used to living that pampered life or instant queues and extra loots and everyone being happy to see me.

I'm gonna guess it's gonna make you hot shit. Based on the polls on the boards (which are now sterilized), most people seem to be leaning towards DPS. Most Troopers are going Commando (awwwww yeaaah), BH's Merc, and then you've got oodles of Sith Inquisitards just running around spammin' lightning going "LOL, I AMZ DARTH RAIDEN"... and I know most IA's are planning to go Sniper (can't recall Smugglers)... so I predict a healthy amount of DPSers and fewer healers/tanks, just like WoW.


Unfortunatly, unlike WoW I can't currently make a macro for my Harpoon to scream "GET OVER HERE!" in an attempt to make folks choose between kicking a talented tank or keeping me around with my incredibly overplayed to death macro. Shockingly, actually never got kicked over it (or at all while tanking). :-(

reVerse

Shurakai wrote:

I was under the impression that dual specs were available within the same AC, just not *across* ACs.

I'm 99% sure that's a "post-launch feature".

Comradebot

Shurakai wrote:

I was under the impression that dual specs were available within the same AC, just not *across* ACs.

I don't believe there currently are Dual Specs in TOR.

Ferrus

Has anyone tried to two-man FPs and 4 player quests? Im going to play a Juggernaut and my friend will most likely roll an Assassin which means we won't have any healing capabilities apart from companions. We figured one of us can just take the ship robot or some other healer companion and do it that way.

Edit: "Inquisitards", I like that one.

reVerse

I completed two-man Black Talon as a sniper, the other guy was an assassin, both of us had tank pets. Went fine.

Sterica

Yeah, we two-manned the Republic's version of the Black Talon. I was a Vanguard, and he was a Scoundrel.

You're not going to really be hold much aggro unless you tell your companions to attack other mobs. It's not really a huge deal, as the enemies don't deal terrible amounts of damage at that level anyways.

Mad Jazz

I was thinking something like this for a guardian/jugg spec. All the threat, all the accuracy, all the survival.

Foefaller

Rorus Raz wrote:

I am hoping Assassin pans out, because I enjoy tanking with a side of lightning.

Assassin was one of the classes I took the effort of leveling past the starter world (got her to lvl 20ish before the beta ended) and it was pretty fun. The lack of a charge or range pull (sure, you can use Recklessness to increase the range of force lightning to 30m, but it's better to use the charges to crit your other force powers.) until lvl 30 when you can spec Force Pull was kinda annoying at first, but I found sneaking in with Dark Charge active and droping a Discharge followed by an Overload to work just as well.

In any case, Powertech is going to be my main, and my first alt/Republic main's going to be a Jedi Guardian, so I'm going to be in this thread quite a bit.

Tyberius

Since I plan to main Vanguard, here's some info you can fill in for the OP for Vanguard/Powertech section for now.

Vanguard and Powertech are the Republic's and Empire's "Ranged" Tank/DPS hybrids respectfully. The reason I quote ranged is due to the fact if you choose this advance class of the Trooper/Bounty Hunter, the majority of your abilities are most effective within 10 meters of the target if not directly in melee range. Don't let the blasters and pistols fool you in thinking just because you don't have a sword and shield you won't be in the nitty-gritty, that is where you will find yourself most effective and you will have the tools necessary to make sure any and everyone will pay dearly for letting you get close.

Republic Trooper - Vanguard
Unstoppable and utterly fearless, Vanguards wade into battle wearing advanced heavy armor. They are the first and best line of defense in the Republic military. These steadfast soldiers ignore personal risk, deliberately stepping into the line of fire to divert danger from allies and innocents. Though their tactical role is inherently dangerous, Vanguards have an uncanny survivability due to their expert defensive tactics and the advanced technology at their disposal.

Vanguard Abilities
Trooper skills

Vanguard skills

Talent Trees
Vanguard Talent Calculator
Shield Specialist (Tank)
Powers up the Vanguard’s shield generator to absorb firepower and protect their allies.
Example spec: (32/9/0)

Tactics (Melee DPS)
Trains the Vanguard how to more effectively deal with close range combatants.
Example spec: (8/31/2)

Assault Specialist (Range DPS)
Teaches explosives and grenades to complement either rifles or heavy cannons.
Example spec: (8/2/31)

Bounty Hunter - Powertech
A Powertech wears heavy plating like a second skin and never balks at taking on the newest prototype technology if it means greater protection and upgraded safeguards. The best in armor shielding, smart defensive tactics and high-powered flamethrowers combine to make the Powertech an impenetrable one-man blockade, from which few enemies escape unscathed.

Powertech Abilities
Bounty Hunter skills

Powertech skills


Talent Trees
Powertech Talent Calculator

Shield Tech (Tank)
Further boosts the Powertech's defensive technology, allowing him to soak up attacks.
Example spec: (32/9/0)

Advanced Prototype (Melee DPS)
The latest technology makes the Powertech a versatile fighter against any enemy.
Example spec: (8/31/2)

Pyrotech (Range DPS)
The Firebug concentrates on burning their opponents with missiles and technology.
Example spec: (8/2/31)

Crew Skills
Biochem + Bioanalysis + Diplomacy -- For those of you who like to supply your our medpacs, stims and adrenals. Bonus when you get the best quality from reverse engineering that your products doesn't consume on use or go away when you die.
Armormech + Scavenging + Underworld Trading -- For those of you who like to supply your own equipment for not only yourself, but companions as well.
Armstech + Scavenging + Investigation -- Craft your own blasters and pistols, however I don't believe you can craft shield generators with Armstech.
Cybertech + Scavenging + Underworld Trading -- If you like grenades and being able to create droid parts for your companion (as a Trooper). Also good to keep the best quality tanking mods on hand.

Henroid

"TORHead"? Oh god. It begiiiiiiiiiins.

Really gotta finish my new rig, behind schedule. My trooper tank must wait.

xgalaxy

Fuck me.
I didn't realize until recently that Powertech gets a charge / leap like ability.

Is there an equivalent in the Vanguard tree? I don't see one

Henroid

I briefly looked at Vanguard, and one of the trees does have a Storm ability. Which I'm assuming is a charge-like ability. I forget which tree. It's high up.

Sterica

This is one Assassin build I have planned. But it's really hard to tell when I'm kinda going in blind.

Depending on how useful mobility is, this might be better. Especially if switching between charges is something that happens in combat.

Chases Street Demons

Dr_Keenbean wrote:

I wonder if there's going to be a decent spread of the trinity in TOR or if it's going to be like WoW and being a competent tank makes you hot shit.

Because I kind of got used to living that pampered life or instant queues and extra loots and everyone being happy to see me.

I suspect that many people will be happy to see you. No matter how many forum goers swear they are rolling tank, there are thousands upon thousands of unwashed masses ready to DPS the crap out of everything they see.

Eat it You Nasty Pig.

The proportions of the groups alone will cut down on the mania about tanks in WoW and other mmos.

Still, it seems to take a certain personality to really want to play a tank long-term, and I doubt there'll be many more of those people in TOR than anywhere else.

Louie

I have not played Jedi guardian yet so I don't spoil myself so I'm looking forward to tanking for eu people in the not too distant future, like 24 hours hopefully!

The Dagon

I think I've decided that my Powertech is going to be specced for DPS up until 50, then I will (hopefully) respec to be a full-on tank.

My brief experience with Powertechs up to about 20 made it feel like I wasn't a tank at all, even with every possible point thrown into Shield Tech. Figure I'll be better off setting shit on fire while I wait for the actual tanking skills to become available, then just reallocate back to what I'm most comfortable with (tanking) at endgame.

Enig

This is my theoretical tank assasin build: http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#200dcrokrskZ0zZfocRr0z.1

Of course, I haven't played the game at all yet so this is just based on what I've read plus WoW experience.

Operative21

Personally, I had a ton of fun with a vanguard tank in the beta. It says something that I had originally planned to play a jedi guardian, but decided to do vanguard instead just because it was really quite fun to play both story and mechanic wise. After years of playing a melee tank in other MMO's it was also rather liberating, to be able to move around in battle freely without having to worry about staying next to the target. It certainly made dodging ground-target AoE's considerably easier.

Tyberius

xgalaxy wrote:

Fuck me.
I didn't realize until recently that Powertech gets a charge / leap like ability.

Is there an equivalent in the Vanguard tree? I don't see one

It's the 21 point talent under the shield tree dor both ACs.

Louie

Don't they get the jetpack ability as standard around level 18?

Seidkona

Operative21 wrote:

Personally, I had a ton of fun with a vanguard tank in the beta. It says something that I had originally planned to play a jedi guardian, but decided to do vanguard instead just because it was really quite fun to play both story and mechanic wise. After years of playing a melee tank in other MMO's it was also rather liberating, to be able to move around in battle freely without having to worry about staying next to the target. It certainly made dodging ground-target AoE's considerably easier.

oh the spider. . .

Anyway, I can see where this would be an advantage but I am still going to try the shadow/assassin first mainly because the health regen tank really interests me.

Tyberius

Louie wrote:

Don't they get the jetpack ability as standard around level 18?

Nope, you can see all the possible abilities they get in my post under the abilities section. Jet Charge is the talented "charge" attack they get with their 21st point under the Shield Tech (Shield Specialist) tree.

Dr_Keenbean

I plan on going long-term. After only playing DPS (rogues specifically) through all of vanilla and most of BC, then healing out the end of BC and back to DPS for WotLK, I finally settled on tanking towards the end of LK and I just can't look back.

Like I tired playing some DPS in WoW recently just to cool my MMO lust but I can't switch gears back to being squishy.

The only problem with always tanking is burnout. This problem was huge on Cata with the sheer volume of geese out there just stroking their e-peens and living by the LK ways. I hope this does not happen in TOR. Specifically, I hope that enough of the PA folks are always around that I can party up with people who aren't awful.

Ferrus

Rorus Raz wrote:

Yeah, we two-manned the Republic's version of the Black Talon. I was a Vanguard, and he was a Scoundrel.

You're not going to really be hold much aggro unless you tell your companions to attack other mobs. It's not really a huge deal, as the enemies don't deal terrible amounts of damage at that level anyways.

Well, the first FPs aren't hard at all. What about the 20+ ones? Anyone any experience with two-manning those?