Curse

Bango Skank · Jul 01, 2005, 09:37 PM // 21:37

Basic Tanking and Tactics 101

The purpose of this article is to explain some basic tactis of Guild Wars, which also applies to numerous other games you may encounter. This is intended for two audiences; those of you who are new to the game, and those of you in the Crystal Desert who are veterans, but play just like you are new to the game. This will be mainly directed at tanks (Warriors) for obvious reasons. This also generally covers PvE for purposes of the dreaded 'aggro'.

Tanks fall into two classes. Abrams tanks, which inspire fear in the hearts of your enemy and only proceed when ready to slaughter in a tactful manner, and Bradleys, which are far less superior, have less armor, and tend to get whacked rather quickly. These terms for our classes of tanks will be used hereafter. For those of you unfamilar with either term, please utilize a search engine.

The Abrams will consistantly attack the same target as the rest of the group, at times being so kind as to alert the whole group as to what target they have selected. This can be accomplished by holding CTRL while clicking the space bar (default attack) or selecting any other skill. Other group members can press the key that resembles a 'T' shape, commonly found between the 'R' and 'Y' on the keyboard. This ensures a tight shot group and quick, efficient kill. Sometimes, when in a moving formation, the rear of the column is attacked. Abrams tanks will turn around and attack those who would ambush their less armored characters instead of ignoring the threat and drawing fire from ahead.

Bradleys tend to scout out ahead of the group, usually failing to notify high command of their actions and operating independently. They take comfort knowing that their awesome skills will singlehandedly wipe an entire mob from the face of the earth. There is no fear to be had, for surely their Company medic is close at hand. After all, only weak healers will let everyone know "My Energy is 2 of 44." Bradleys often end up in situations where they discover their armor is not exactly as strong as they had hoped. The enemies of the Crystal Desert are a little bit stronger than that group of level 4 Grawls.

Abrams tanks will also tend to group on the same target, or utilize two key strategies when selecting an opponent:
1. Attack the enemy's healer!
2. Attack the enemy attacking your own healer!
Whereas Bradleys can often be found attacking several different targets on their own, confident their firepower is enough to overwhelm their opponent with no support. After all, what can that Ranger or Mesmer in your group really do?

Which brings us to another line of tactics. Keep your mesmers, rangers, and monks alive! Monks tend to heal you (if you're an Abrams). Mesmers wreak havoc on the enemy which you cannot see on your screen, but trust me - it is there nonetheless. And rangers, while thought to be weak by many, have about 50 excellent skills depending on their setup. Rangers utilize an excellent tactic known as...PULLING.

Pull- v. - To pull from a fixed position; extract

Rangers can go (gasp!) in front of the group. They may select a target, attack, and then (stay with me here) run BEHIND the Abrams tanks (hopefully you have no Bradleys). This brings a small mob right to you! You do nothing except slaughter the unsuspecting opponent! This use of tactics prevents other mobs from both healing the group you are attacking, and joining the fight. This often causes tanks who are unsure of their classification to become Bradleys. Where did that CTRL key get itself to?

Some other professions seem to think they are a form of tank, and may have a justifiable reason based on skill setup to do so. Often, however, they find themselves getting smote when charging in before the tanks instead of immediately after. Troops walk behind and to the side of tanks for a reason. Several of these players and also Bradleys can be identified by their speech. It may come in the form of all caps, or using phrases like "plz take me i hv mad skllz." Players who respond to a "LFG for mission" tell from you by saying "me me meeeee" are usually a no-go as well.

And last but not least, when you have finished a combat that lasts longer than 10 seconds, hold on for just a moment. Watch for a strange message from your monks or elementalists that look like "My Energy is x of x (see above)." That is hidden code which, when translated, is short for "I have utilized all of my energy reserves. In order for me to continue this mission and be a resourceful asset to the team, please allow 5-10 seconds for me to recharge." In the long run, a Nuker (means high damage for those of you that consistently ask - think big bomb thingie) or Healer with full energy is slightly more effective than one without reserves.

Remember: there is no 'moron' in 'team'. However, there are often morons in teams. Judge at your own risk.

-Bango Skank awaits the King

Suggested Further Reading: World's Greatest Support Build thread by Bango Skank in The Campfire section of the Guild Wars Guru forums!

Old Dood · Jul 01, 2005, 10:21 PM // 22:21

Well written and thought out. Good humor as well.

I always TRY to stay alert to what is happening to the Casters/Healers in the group. It is nice to have another Warrior that attacks right along with me..or I with him. Also you are very observent to realize that you have to go back and defend the Casters/Healers from time to time. Let them back up and heal/recharge. A good healer will appreciate this and fire off some healing toward the helpful Warrior that saved them from doom as soon as they can. This is also why I carry a self-heal spell with me for those sticky times that healing just isn't available at that moment. I also will call a target, however, I rather have the Caster/Healer call targets because they can see the bigger picture more then I can in a middle of a fire-fight. Also when everything is going wrong and people are all dying I will run away using Sprint and come back and Rebirth.

Nice Post. You can call on me in the game anytime. Lets Walk Softly together and carry a Big Stick.

Howling Wind · Jul 01, 2005, 10:37 PM // 22:37

You know that reminds of me doing a mission with my 3rd character a warrior/monk in the wilds, there was a W/E who was pissing me off sooo baad, he just kept running off and every time the monks and eles would say my energy is x out x, he'd still run off and i'd yell to come back and let them recharage and he'd still run and yell back "come on" stupid guy cost us uncessary deaths to the other chars, he didn't realize if they had no energy they can cast or heal. I tried to explain to him that keep the monks and eles alive and that monks are our life source and eles are our main firepower... sadly he didn't understand about eles being the uber dmg dealers...

Well anyway I guess all the other games that created the image of warriors as uber damage tankers got to peoples head in this game a bit too much...

theclam · Jul 01, 2005, 11:03 PM // 23:03

I've got some advice for warriors from a Monk. If we're being hit, then you need to attack (and preferably Cripple) the mobs hitting us. If you're doing this, then I find it very easy to run around in a circle around you, putting the Warrior in between me and the mob, so it will latch onto him.

I've got some advice from my Necromancer, too. If we put up a well, try to stay in it.

Other than that, as long as a Warrior is taking damage, he's doing a good job, in my book.

Jia Xu · Jul 01, 2005, 11:43 PM // 23:43

One of these days i may venture back into the world of PUGs - but thanks to too many, as you call them, Bradleys around, I simply take henchies every time. and for those who say you need PUGs for crystal desert - thats a load of bull. All three missions are easily accomplished with henchies if you yourself can detection pull. (where you move just into an enemies detection radius then run away)

Bango Skank · Jul 01, 2005, 11:49 PM // 23:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jia Xu

One of these days i may venture back into the world of PUGs - but thanks to too many, as you call them, Bradleys around, I simply take henchies every time. and for those who say you need PUGs for crystal desert - thats a load of bull. All three missions are easily accomplished with henchies if you yourself can detection pull. (where you move just into an enemies detection radius then run away)

This is a great point. As a warrior, you have the luxury of playing through virtually most of the game with henchmen. I also use sprint with my warrior to get through the Crystal Desert in a hearbeat. Henchmen will draw the mobs off and let me run away. I always prefer the interaction of playing with other people, but there's those times when I just have to go it alone for my sanity. With good tactical sense even tough missions can be done with henchmen. Now, for my healer character, that's another story...

-Bango Skank was here

Osangar · Jul 02, 2005, 12:21 AM // 00:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by theclam

I've got some advice for warriors from a Monk. If we're being hit, then you need to attack (and preferably Cripple) the mobs hitting us. If you're doing this, then I find it very easy to run around in a circle around you, putting the Warrior in between me and the mob, so it will latch onto him.

I've got some advice from my Necromancer, too. If we put up a well, try to stay in it.

Other than that, as long as a Warrior is taking damage, he's doing a good job, in my book.

Also if you are a monk or mesmer etc soft target you should know how to move around...run right past your tank and drop the one beating you to a pulp on the warrior...he wont mind...thats what he does...takes a beating for us

.

Varcon · Jul 02, 2005, 12:55 AM // 00:55

Quote:

sadly he didn't understand about eles being the uber dmg dealers...

Warriors can be one of the most damaging classes in the game, if played right. However damage often isn't the best thing. (W/E with conjure element, and the right skill set, or a W/E using earth magic.[You can tell I'm a big fan of W/Es])

The most important skills for a warrior, in my opinion, changes drastically between PvE and PvP. In PvE, it is much easier to tank effectively, getting everything to attack you, and therefore high ranks in tactics (which unfortunately not many warriors use) can get a party through a mission whilst taking little damage. In PvP, of course, it's best to concentrate on doing as much damage as possible, and axe rake with dismember, or hamstring, or any knockdowns are vital for any warrior, along with disrupts.

The unfortunate thing is, warriors are seen as a class anyone can jump into and play very well - this is not true, warriors take as much skill as any other class to play properly, and to actually be a benefit to the team.

Rossaroni · Jul 02, 2005, 01:33 AM // 01:33

Wow, so I'm not insane!

My W/E, Varcon, actually uses Tactics (Bonetti's and Shield Stance specifically), and it just amazes me when other warriors see me tank 4+ mobs for minutes at a time (while the monk rezzes everyone), and they ask "OMG HOW DO YUO DO TAHT?@!!1/" Ugh.

And yes, Conjure Frost + 100 Blades in the Ring of Fire is a good one.

Another kind of personality should be mentioned here, I think. Every great squad has a great (or two great) medic. However, these medics need to realize a few things in order to become said "great medic," thus enabling the squad to push onward into the realm of greatness:

1. If you are being killed, do not run away from the group. This will only ensure that you die a lonely death, away from the rest of the corpses, and the vultures do not look highly upon this type of individuality. Instead, try running towards the group's tank (hopefully he is an Abrams). Use the tank as a sort of pole to run around, and if you are lucky, the mob on you will find a new punching bag in your tank. If said tank is a Bradley, yelling obscenities and things like "ATTACK IT, GET IT OFF ME, I'M DYIIING!" tend to get the attention of the group. To spam, hit enter, then the up arrow, which will repeat your last message.

2. Spells like Healing Seed, Mark of Protection, Healing Hands, and anything else that reduces per-blow damage done to a tank one way or another are your best friends, especially when you are facing hordes of monsters that do the majority of their damage through melee. This is also why monks are given a line of spells called "Protection Prayers." When you prevent damage, you prevent the need to heal, and a skill like Aegis, combined with Ward against Melee, can reduce the damage done to your entire group by 75%, and if your tank is an Abrams, chances are the damage bypassed is going to be somewhere around 90%. Isn't that dandy.

3. Let us know when you are out of mana. As a warrior, I like to know when the time is right to turn on Bonetti's Defense.

And this needs to be repeated and emphasized:

PvE Warriors: use the Tactics line. It was created for a reason. I will give you a few examples of the skills you can find down the line and why these skills are your friend (you do want to be an Abrams, don't you?)

Bonetti's Defense: This skill runs on adrenaline. It blocks 75% of all attacks (melee or ranged) thrown at you, and every time it does so, you gain 5 energy. Works especially well for W/E's that like to use those high-cost E spells like Phoenix. Downside: ends when you use a skill. That makes sense, though, because when you're using Bonetti's, you're not trying to do lots of damage. You're trying to reduce the damage done to you for one reason or another.

Disciplined Stance: Blocks 75% like Bonetti's, except it costs 10 energy, and has a 60-second cooldown. However, you do get a +24 armor bonus, which will soften the few blows that do connect with you. Skills like this are good transitions between Bonetti's, if you don't get enough adrenaline during the 8-10 seconds you have Bonetti's on to reactivate it.

Gladiator's Defense: 75% block rate, does damage for each melee attack blocked, costs a mere 5 energy, and has the shortest cooldown of all the energy-based defense skills. Your best friend if you are a pure defensive warrior.

Shield Stance: Lasts ~2x as long as typical defense skills, but it slows you by 33%. That shouldn't matter, though. You are a pillar of steel and...uh. Hard stuff.

"Shields Up!": A defensive shout! If you're having problems with lots of archers, bring this baby along. +50 armor against piercing, and 10-34% chance to block arrows for everyone affected. Very good juju, and your teammates with weaker armor will thank you later.

"Watch Yourself!": +20 armor for 5-10 seconds for everyone affected, but this baby is adrenaline-powered, so this is another good one to bring along if your spellcasters find themselves in dire straits often.

See? Tactics does NOT suck. In fact, I was amazed at the power of tactics the first time I got to use it to its full effectiveness. My entire group, save me, died, and I ended up with about 6 (melee) mobs on me, all about my level. Using just Bonetti's Defense, Gladiator's Defense, Shield Stance, and Healing Signet, I was able to kill 3 of them before they finally took me down. Now, go have fun.

Old Dood · Jul 02, 2005, 01:58 AM // 01:58

Rossaroni, Good post as well. I would add Shield Bash. I like using that first then wait a few seconds then turn on Gladiator's Defense. This way they do not run out at the same time. They are very close in timing. both are only 5 energy. I like that tactic so I can still use my skills without penalty.

However I am going to print out these posts and practice these tactics.

Sunrazor · Jul 02, 2005, 03:02 AM // 03:02

I heartily reject your inferior capitalist notions of using “Abrams” and “Bradleys” for tanking. While I greatly admire the proletarian spirit of the General Omar Bradley (often referred to as the “GI General”) that your Bradley’s were named after, they remain the tools of the plutocrat to oppress the workers of the world. The T-34 is all the tank that a true man needs. Massed together, backed with the artillery of the people, no force on earth is a match for them.

Aranador · Jul 02, 2005, 03:11 AM // 03:11

Sarcastic indeed.

Not a lot of actual help behind the vitriol either.

Funny for those that see the 'unskilled' far too often, and pay the price for them, but unikely to change anyones life.

ComMan · Jul 02, 2005, 03:11 AM // 03:11

For the record, the Bardly was altered heavily before being sent into combat. The ones that are in the field are not the same defective units that they started out as.

In addation, they're not even tanks. They're APCs.

kuramaroze · Jul 02, 2005, 03:15 AM // 03:15

I also have another piece of advice for fellow warriors that sadly isn't known enough. BRING A LONGBOW! It allows you to pull from a longer range, and you don't need any attributes to use it. All you need is 1 inventory slot, and it helps a lot.

Also, use tactics as the post ahead of me said. When tanking, I bring shield stance and watch yourself with me, and it makes you an uber tank! Really! Also, Watch Yourself helps everybody around you, so you can increase your team's defence if a different warrior is taking hits.

My third piece of advice is to fight to the death. Unless your team has organized to retreat, do not run around i circles. All it does it makes every hit on you do critical damage, you get hit in the back so your shield ar doesn't count, and it brings aggro onto your weaker players.

There are some very well written posts in this thread. Good job.

Bango Skank · Jul 02, 2005, 03:22 AM // 03:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by ComMan

For the record, the Bardly was altered heavily before being sent into combat. The ones that are in the field are not the same defective units that they started out as.

In addation, they're not even tanks. They're APCs.

Impressive! I was wondering how long it would take someone to point that out. Thankee-sai!

-Bango Skank was here

Nidhogg · Jul 05, 2005, 09:34 PM // 21:34

This is the best help topic I have read so far. I can't believe more people don't make.. let's say an W/N to stand by casters and shutdown charging warriors. This is great advice I hope everyone gets a chance to read.

Somhairle Isis · Jul 05, 2005, 10:54 PM // 22:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunrazor

I heartily reject your inferior capitalist notions of using “Abrams” and “Bradleys” for tanking. While I greatly admire the proletarian spirit of the General Omar Bradley (often referred to as the “GI General”) that your Bradley’s were named after, they remain the tools of the plutocrat to oppress the workers of the world. The T-34 is all the tank that a true man needs. Massed together, backed with the artillery of the people, no force on earth is a match for them.

Does Communism/Socialism really have a place in a GW discussion. Tactless.

Mister Pie · Jul 06, 2005, 07:06 AM // 07:06

Yeah, sometimes when I'm pretty sure I'll be in a good tanking position I'll bring my defensive skills, otherwise I'll only one. Most PUGs just don't understand the concept of pulling and focus firing. It drives me crazy when the other warriors run off when the casters are still low on energy.

Once while doing a mission, this guy in my group was like "I have 6 elites on me right now". I wanted to slap him too. Who brings 5-6 capture sigs on a MISSION?

QuixotesGhost · Jul 06, 2005, 01:35 PM // 13:35

Yeah, I wish more wars would read this, too. It drives me crazy when I see the w/mo next to me thinking that mending is somehow going to replace a good defensive stance.

mamluk · Jul 06, 2005, 02:37 PM // 14:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Somhairle Isis

Does Communism/Socialism really have a place in a GW discussion. Tactless.

Does humour really have a place in a GW discussion? Humourless.