I want to create a tank to eventually tank raids and M+. I’m not interested in the FoTM, because it will most likely change seceral times before I’m prepared to content that matters. I am, however, looking for a Tank class that is intuitively easy to learn/play. Answers to the items below will me with my decision. Any info is appreciated.
- Which tank has the least amount of buttons to press during rotation, active mitigation, and cool downs?
- Which tank is the least reliant on well timed CDs and active mitigation?
- Which tank class historically is average or better in both M+ and Raids.
- Which tank has the bes toolkit and mechanics to solo elite rares or hardish content?
I’ve been a tank main for a good number of years now. I’ve lost count honestly. But i’ll try to help.
- Few rotational buttons and mitigation tools: Definitely goes to Death Knight. They have one BIG Mitigation tool that is used in all situations. Death Strike. and it is the only Rotational tanking ability you use unless you talent for more. They have few, but VERY impactful tanking cooldowns.
2: Least reliant on cooldowns and Active mitigation: Brewmaster, or Death Knight. Both of them have a more nuanced, slightly reactive playstyle in the way that they tank. Allowing an inexperienced player to ‘go with the Flow.’
However, Brewmaster’s complexity gives it a big downside for a new tank, so I also have to give this point to Death Knight.
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Most consistent in Raids and Dungeons: Prot Warrior. Easily one of the most consistently well performing Tanks in WoW history. Demon Hunters and Death Knights, both have powerful tanking utilities that shine in Mythic + Dungeons, and a Paladin’s emergency cooldowns are incredible for Raid encounters.
All in All, the Pinnacle of consistency is Prot Warrior, but any tank works well enough.
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Easily the most Solo Capable tanks are Death Knights, or Demon hunters. Being able to dish out decent enough damage with a large amount of Self Heals.
Again, i have to give the Edge to Death Knight here, due to utilities like Blooddrinker, and Will of the Necropolis.
If it isn’t clear. I strongly recommend DK. They have a simple, but fun play style that is reactive, and easy to understand for a new tank as well as having an easy time controlling agro, and a lot of forgiveness for mistakes.
Need to heal? Death Strike.
Just messed up a mechanic? Pop cooldown. and Death Strike.
Boutta die? You guessed it. Keep Death Striking.
Make sure to watch your Runes and keep Bone shield up. 
Welcome to the Club.
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Liianas,
The information you provided is exactly what i was looking. Thank you so much for your help.
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Thank you! <3
I appreciate you saying that. I Love tanking more than Anything in this game, It’s what keeps me around and what keeps my helping out my beloved guildies.
If you have any questions, fears, or problems, just ask for me again.
Bear tanking is extremely easy to learn
i wouldnt go bear. not great at the moment. DK sounds like a good choice. DH, while probably not as good as a DK, doesn’t have a ton of buttons either. dang, i kinda feel like playing my neglected blood alt now too thanks to Liianas post lol XD
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Eh. I’d have to say any tank that isn’t a warrior or monk will get you started. So long as you avoid those 2 classes you should be good.
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Paladin across the board pretty much my mitigation is tied to my damage.
4 button rotation helf heals and a a few hot shiet options.
can you fly in legion or BFA?
If yes…well above has some good tips.
If no…DH in vengeance might be worth a look at. Demon glide will be your friend in such fun lands like Highmountain, Naz, drusvtar. If a land has mountains (cliffs in the case of Naz) the ability to jump off them and glide is real nice.
But…you do have some active stuff. Buidling up souls to eat or pop.
Immolation aura and spikes can be nice…but CD’d.
As a Blood Tank Alt player, I approve of this message.
I love my Blood DK >.<
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Play a paladin. Blizzard made Paladins because 6 year olds play this game. Doesn’t get any easier than that.
I actually Main a Monk, and Learned how to tank as a Warrior.
And honestly. You’re totally right. Don’t play either of them.
I Love Monk. I Love all of Brewmaster’s Abilities, I Love their utility, their cooldowns, I love everything about them.
AND STILL I would NEVER recommend it to anyone else. It’s convoluted, odd, crazy, and otherwise completely backwards. It is terrible for a new tank, and terrible for anyone who wants something practical…
And I love it. 
2 expan in a row been on top and warriors been feeling the shaft!
Paladin really isn’t on top, it is just kid/new player friendly.
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Paladin is Krunk, I love it, and I love the fantasy.
But for a brand new tank, Putting faith in your Light of the Protector ability, and having below average mitigation tools outside of that is a Scary thing. Fun, but I wouldn’t recommend it to OP.
Paladin’s biggest strength is it’s ridiculous amount of emergency “HOLY FRIJOLES” Buttons to press when things go south. But they need to be used properly, and with much consideration. Which OP was against.
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Trust me the ruined warriors compared to palies with the artifact stuff.
I can’t even read what you are typing, what exactly am I trusting you with?
Lop isnt main mitigation its a soft one only usefull on consecration.
It’s in the talent build thankfully not reliant on any artifacts.
op also said not so much CD.
Prot is all about the CD. You have several to choose from. What makes it so noob friendly. Press the button that is actually off CD.
Saw this as my last 120 run was prot. Now the buffs and such add complexity, I guess. Solo leveling, 120 elite hunting and such…its still press the button that is up and working.
Haste gear helps a lot here but you still see CD’s. A lot.
I loved this post. Very thoughtful and accurate.
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