Is Necromancer Tank Good? A Deep Dive into ESO’s Undead Protector
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The short answer is a resounding yes, Necromancer tanks are good in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). They are not just good; they are a versatile and powerful option for various content, from dungeons to trials, and even some PvP scenarios. The Necromancer class brings a unique flavor to the tanking role, focusing on damage mitigation, debuffs, and surprisingly, strong utility. While they may not be the absolute top pick for every situation, their kit offers a compelling alternative to the more traditional tank classes. This article delves into why the Necromancer excels as a tank, exploring its strengths and addressing common questions about its viability.
The Strengths of Necromancer Tanks
The Necromancer tank shines due to its unique toolkit derived from the class skill lines. Let’s break down what makes them a formidable force:
Bone Tyrant Skill Line: The Core of Tanking
The Bone Tyrant skill line is where the majority of the Necromancer’s tanking power lies. These abilities are designed to make the Necromancer durable and effective at controlling enemies:
- Beckoning Armor: This skill is a game-changer, especially when dealing with ranged enemies. It allows the Necromancer to pull distant foes closer, making it easier to maintain aggro and keep the battlefield organized. This is crucial in group content, where control of enemy positioning is paramount.
- Unnerving Boneyard: This ability not only applies debuffs to enemies, making them more vulnerable, but it also provides a synergy for allies, allowing them to further exploit the weakened foes. This skill adds a layer of group utility to the Necromancer’s tanking kit.
- Bone Armor: Provides a substantial defensive buff, helping to reduce incoming damage. This skill is essential for surviving tough encounters and bolstering your overall survivability.
Major Vulnerability and Debuffing
One of the Necromancer’s key advantages is its ability to apply Major Vulnerability, a significant debuff that increases enemy damage taken. The Necromancer’s unique way of applying this debuff allows them to provide extra damage to their group. Additionally, several of their skills have built-in debuffing capabilities, making them valuable assets to any party composition.
Versatile Resource Management
While not typically known for inherent resource sustain, Necromancer tanks have access to abilities that allow them to manage stamina and magicka relatively well. This is especially important for maintaining block and utilizing abilities. With proper gear and champion points, resource management should not be a significant drawback.
Synergies and Group Support
Necromancers offer vital synergies and buffs to their group. This extends beyond debuffing enemies; the class can provide helpful team support, making them a well-rounded tank.
Necromancer Tank Build: What You Need
To make the most of a Necromancer tank, a specific build is recommended. Here’s what to consider:
Race Choice
While several races can be effective, the most common and recommended include:
- Nord: The Nord is a top choice due to its increased health and stamina, coupled with bonus resistances and ultimate generation. These passive bonuses are ideal for sustaining prolonged fights, making it arguably the top pick.
- Imperial: Another excellent choice, the Imperial offers the highest raw health and stamina bonuses and improves sustain.
- Orc: A strong contender with its boost to health and stamina, the sprint speed makes it great for getting around, and it offers a bit of passive healing for survivability.
- Argonian: While not a top choice, Argonians can still tank well thanks to their bonuses to resources.
Gear and Skills
A good Necromancer tank will use a mix of gear and skills from different trees:
- One Hand and Shield: This is the bread and butter of tanking. The shield provides block and the one-hand weapon offers passive bonuses.
- Ice Staff: This is a great choice for the back bar and has strong defensive utility.
- Heavy Armor: The best choice for maximum defense.
- Core Tanking Skills: Skills like Pierce Armor (from the One Hand and Shield skill line), Heroic Slash (also from One Hand and Shield) and defensive skills from the Bone Tyrant skill line are essential.
- Class Skills: Abilities from the Grave Lord and Living Death skill lines can offer additional utility and resource management.
Champion Points
Champion Points play a critical role, with a focus on allocating points to defensive passives, resource management, and specific tanking perks.
Is Necromancer Tank Right for You?
While Necromancers are certainly a viable option, they may not be the best fit for every player. Consider these factors:
- Playstyle: Necromancer tanks excel at debuffing and controlling enemies, often through strategic skill use.
- Experience: While not the easiest tank class to learn, the Necromancer’s skill kit rewards experienced tanks who have a deeper understanding of the combat mechanics and the game’s content.
- Group Composition: Necromancers benefit greatly from team support and excel in coordinated groups.
- Solo Play: While capable of solo play, other tank classes have greater self-sustain, but the Necromancer’s unique mix of offense and defense make this a fun and dynamic class to play while soloing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the viability of Necromancer tanks, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Is Necromancer tank the best tank class in ESO?
No, Necromancers are not considered the absolute best main tank. Dragonknights and Arcanists are often seen as the top contenders for main tanks, but the Necromancer excels as an off-tank or in specific situations.
2. What makes Nord the best race for a Necromancer tank?
Nords have passives that increase health, stamina, resistance, and ultimate generation, all of which are crucial for tanking effectively. This makes them arguably the best choice for Necromancer tanks.
3. Is Necromancer tank viable in trials?
Yes, Necromancer tanks are viable in trials, especially as off-tanks. They bring unique debuffs and utility that can enhance group performance.
4. Is Necromancer tank good for beginners?
Necromancer tanking might be more complex for beginners due to its reliance on strategic skill use and understanding enemy mechanics. Dragonknights are often recommended as the easiest tank class for new players.
5. What is the most important stat for a Necromancer tank?
Health, stamina, and resistances are the most important stats for a Necromancer tank. These stats enhance survivability and resource management.
6. What weapons are best for a Necromancer tank?
The best weapon setup is One-Hand and Shield on the front bar and an Ice Staff on the back bar.
7. How does a Necromancer tank apply Major Vulnerability?
Necromancers typically apply Major Vulnerability through skills from their Grave Lord skill line. The specific abilities will vary by build.
8. What is the difference between a main tank and an off-tank?
A main tank primarily focuses on holding aggro and taking the bulk of enemy damage, while an off-tank assists with debuffing, controlling adds, and supporting the main tank. Necromancers are well suited to both roles but shine in the off-tank capacity.
9. What are some good tanking sets for a Necromancer tank?
Good tanking sets include Ebon Armory, Torug’s Pact, Crimson Oath, and Powerful Assault. It all depends on the scenario.
10. Are Necromancers easy to level as a tank?
Leveling as a tank can be slow, so utilizing a more DPS-focused build for faster leveling is recommended. Once you hit the level cap, you can transition into a proper tank build.
11. Is the Necromancer a good solo class?
While not the fastest at soloing, the Necromancer class has a unique playstyle and strong damage dealing capabilities, making them good for solo play.
12. What role does the Bone Tyrant skill line play in tanking?
The Bone Tyrant skill line is the cornerstone of a Necromancer’s tank build, providing skills for damage mitigation, enemy control, and debuffs.
13. How does Necromancer tank compare to a Dragonknight tank?
Dragonknights are renowned for their durability and self-sustain, while Necromancers excel in debuffing and controlling enemies. They are both very viable, it’s simply a different playstyle.
14. Can Necromancer tanks be used in PvP?
Yes, Necromancer tanks are viable in organized PvP groups as they can control zones and provide important debuffs.
15. Does it matter if Necromancer tank is a magicka or stamina build?
While both are viable, most Necromancer tanks primarily use stamina for blocking and defensive abilities while using magicka for utility and debuffs. However, this really comes down to build specifics and what the player prefers.
Final Thoughts
Necromancer tanks are a compelling and viable option in ESO, offering a unique blend of damage mitigation, debuffs, and utility. While they may not be the absolute best choice for every situation, their kit allows for versatile play that excels in various content and group settings. If you’re looking for a different style of tanking, the Necromancer is well worth exploring.