Guide to Tanking : World of Warcraft General Discussions

I myself have seen many warriors fail at tanking. The common misconception is that DPS warriors can not tank. THis is not true. They can tank perfectly well they just aren't as good as defense build tanks.

The first rule of tanking is get a good group. I know it sounds stupid but you need to have a group you can trust to get the heals you need and listen to you when they need to.

The second rule is you don't always need to pull. Sometimes a hunter or other ranged attacker is much better for pulling. Other times you need a mage to sheep pull. But when you dont need these special circumstances you should pull. THe reason is two-fold. First the starting aggro is already on you. Second you get the rage you need from the Intercept.

If you are main tank expect to be doing some stance dancing. You want to spend most your time in Defense since your threat is higher that way and you have taunt to draw off aggro. The easiest way to maintain aggro is Sunder Armor. Use this constantly. Its instant aggro AND you can use it even after it has stacked 5 times. With Sunder armor it is relatively easy to maintain aggro even when your with high DPS.

For situations when there are multiple mobs (non-bosses):
Make sure everyone focuses on the mob you are attacking if you pulled. Why? because all aggro is already on you and the mobs will continue attacking until threat is generated by someone else. THis is usually done by healers. To prevent healers from getting mobbed you should try what i call second pulling. THis is when you disengage with the mob your fighting. Taunt the mob headed for your healer or caster. Sunder armor that mob and switch back to the original mob. This works 99% of the time with groups that listen. Why?
Because a taunt takes your threat on that mob and sets it just to the same level as the person with highest threat. So if you dont attack it the mob will run back as soon as the taunt time is over. The sunder amor should prevent this until your next taunt is ready as long as no one attacks that mob. Sometimes it is best to do to sunders or if you can sunder and revenge.
If you are out of range for taunt switch to berzerk, charge, sunder sunder, switch. This is highly important if mob is going for your healer. No heals = death for you and maybe your group

For boss fights.
ALWAYS TANK BOSS
unless there is another way of removing the boss from battle for long enough to get rid of other mobs (Sheeping or Sapping) which in most situations is not possible. While your group focuses on the less powerful mobs your job is to keep the boss off of them. With your high armor and Stamina you can take a beating but when the boss goes after your casters they can die fast.
Don't worry about your health you have to trust your healer. If you die while the aggro is on you its not your fault (unless its a bad pull) your job is to get hit. You act as the shield for your group. if you don't like it re-roll

I would suggest all warriors, even DPS warriors carry a shield and a two handed weapon. Scout out a mod that you like that allows you to key change you outfit. If your is a fight and your overpower comes up equip your twohander, beat them and go ack to shield.
The reason for DPS to carry a chield is shield bash. This is for going against casters. Your armor is useless against casters so the only way to take let damage is to stop the casting. Bash them with you shield and you got 5 seconds with no casts (from most mobs). This short period of time can save you tons of health and help you take out caster mobs and bosses alot easier


In end game your skill as a main tank will prove your worth to your guild and your party. If your a great tank you can save from wipes. Tanks usually act as leaders of the group. Some guilds respect the need for great tanks that they are given first dibs on Plate above Pallys and DPS warriors.

The best way to learn about tanking is do it. You'll learn what works best with your character's gear the more you do it.
If you recieve criticism from your party take it with a grain of salt. See if you can improve your methods more or keep mobs off your casters any better. If not politely ignore them. No need to flame and waste your time

Can premium members say yay or nay to this being moved to a confirmed section.

Looks like a pretty good guide. I'd reccomend it.