Best Soulslike Games For Playing As A Tank Character, Ranked

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Summary

  • Soulslikes offer diverse ways to tank damage, catering to different playstyles.
  • Code Vein’s blood codes system and large weapons optimize tanking strategies.
  • Tanking in various soulslike games involves balancing defense and offense for effective combat.

As someone who’s spent countless hours honing my skills in the realm of soulslikes, I can confidently say that these games offer an unparalleled challenge for those seeking a true test of their mettle. The tank builds featured in this article are a testament to the diversity and depth found within these titles, each offering unique mechanics that cater to a more defensive playstyle.

The success of From Software’s Souls series has encouraged other game developers to tackle the complex dark fantasy genre. While many attempts have failed to meet their objectives, resulting in ordinary action games, some have successfully established unique identities, cultivating their own fan bases and spawning new franchises.

Different strategies are often employed by gamers when it comes to playing these types of games, and top-tier soulslikes provide players with various methods to conquer obstacles based on their preferred gameplay style. For those who prefer a defensive approach, such as hunkering down behind a shield or maximizing defensive attributes, these soulslikes offer numerous opportunities to absorb damage and widen the error margin.

8. Code Vein

Vampiric Anime Soulslike

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’d say that the distinct anime art style of Code Vein truly sets it apart in the soulslike genre. While it might not have revolutionized Souls-style action RPG gameplay, it certainly brought some fresh perspectives to character development. The game boasted an extensive cosmetic character creator, which was already impressive. However, what really caught my attention was the innovative concept of “blood codes” instead of traditional classes.

Mastering survival in Code Vein lies in merging the greatest HP and Blood Codes centered around Balance, while wielding large two-handed weapons. These weapons provide the maximum shield against damage upon blocking. Remarkably, the massive Zweihander sword offers full blocks, consuming minimal stamina.

7. Ashen

Slow And Methodical

Ashen” is a deliberate and thoughtful soulslike that emphasizes exploration and immersion within its visually distinctive environment. The combat isn’t overly intricate and tends to favor the measured, shield-centric fighting style seen in the initial Souls titles. It nudges players towards playing with restraint, as there’s minimal penalty for adopting a defensive approach.

In the game Ashen, enemies are limited and players will quickly adapt to the combat rhythm, figuring out when to strike and when to fortify their defenses. Tanking in this game doesn’t merely mean absorbing damage; rather, it involves mastering the art of using a robust shield for an unbreachable defense.

6. Lords Of The Fallen (2023)

Bearing The Lamp

In its follow-up or revamped version, the game Lords of the Fallen significantly improves upon its predecessor in numerous aspects. It offers a more enjoyable gaming experience with enhanced combat possibilities, improved enemy and encounter layouts, and intricate level designs. The improved design is largely due to the umbral lamp feature, which allows players to move between realms and presents engaging environmental puzzles.

Tank characters offer various construction paths for players. One option is to focus on Strength, Vitality, and Endurance, enabling them to don heavy armor and brandish formidable shields. Alternatively, they could specialize in Radiance, employing regeneration spells to nullify damage from blocking. Lastly, they could opt for Inferno, using the defensive enhancements of that school to boost their stats.

In the context of battles, a player must strike a delicate equilibrium between defensive and aggressive moves. Interestingly, this principle applies to many action RPGs like the “Lords of the Fallen”, which offers players ample freedom to decide their approach when it comes to handling defense and offense in combat.

5. Black Myth: Wukong

Rock Solid Defense

Many players of Black Myth: Wukong would argue that the best defense is a strong offense. They’re not wrong, but there are a number of ways that players who lack lightning fast reflexes can boost their defensive abilities and make the games’ many boss fights go a little easier.

Players aren’t only given the advantage of enhanced defensive attributes through their armor; they also have the freedom to personalize their spirits, spells, trinkets, and vessel. Each category offers defensive-oriented items, such as the Wandering Wight spirit’s passive defensive enhancement or the active defense shield provided by the Rock Solid spell. By combining these passive and active benefits, players can create robust, durable characters, particularly during new game plus cycles where extra defense becomes essential due to increased difficulty.

4. Remnant 2

Becoming Bulletproof

The third-person shooting style in the game Remnant 2 might be challenging for some players to reconcile with the character development and stat distribution found in role-playing games (RPGs) similar to Souls, but once players get accustomed to Remnant’s distinct mechanics, they can effectively construct tank-like characters that endure an impressive amount of damage by employing common build design concepts.

In the game we’re discussing, armor types are equally crucial as in other “souls-like” games. Players can opt for heavy defensive armor such as Leto’s, but it should be noted that this armor type affects a player’s evasion ability, which is vital in Remnant 2. To manage the burden of equipment load, players may need to adjust their inventory with rings or amulets.

In the game Remnant 2, the boss design frequently includes lethal attacks that require players to dodge skillfully, regardless of their character’s toughness. While a defensive build can absorb most standard boss attacks, it can also be strengthened with classes offering healing abilities such as the medic, for instant recovery and protective shields.

3. Salt & Sanctuary

Turtle Builds Welcome

A multitude of gamers were delightfully impressed by how effectively Salt & Sanctuary adapted the gameplay mechanics from the earlier Souls series onto a 2D platform. The combat maintains a striking resemblance to that of Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2, with a focus on mastering defensive maneuvers like blocking or dodging, and seizing attack opportunities when they arise.

Choosing robust, defensive characters equipped with big shields proves highly advantageous in combat, often nullifying many of the final boss’s attacks. If you find the game’s magical aspects tricky to handle, opting for a tank character might be your most effective strategy.

2. Blasphemous

Cleansing Sin

The game titled “Blasphemous” might appear quite tough for beginners due to its unique approach. It employs a 2D platform style within the soulslike genre, which could include some encounters that are intensely challenging for newcomers. Despite the limited options for defense, such as dodging or parrying, “Blasphemous” offers an advantage by allowing players to significantly enhance their defensive abilities.

As a devoted gamer, I’ve discovered an intriguing strategy at The Frozen Olive: by skillfully coordinating specific bead combinations, I can almost completely nullify incoming damage when my health dips below 20%. This means I can stand tall and face boss attacks head-on, as if they were nothing more than a gentle breeze. Remarkably, this trick only activates when my flasks are depleted, but with the reduced damage I sustain, that’s seldom an issue!

1. Mortal Shell

Stone Constitution

In simpler terms, the distinct action-RPG title Mortal Shell heavily emphasizes a tanking approach. A significant aspect of gameplay involves a defensive technique called “hardening.” Players can activate this move at any moment, causing them to temporarily stand still while deflecting incoming attacks. Mastering this common mechanic across all the shells within the game is crucial for conquering its more difficult obstacles.

In the Mortal Shell game, shells play a crucial role in shaping players’ defensive capabilities and deciding which weapons and abilities work best for them. To create a more robust character, gamers can choose a shell like Eredrim that boasts high defense stats, and equip skills such as accretion of endurance to increase the maximum health points. Unlike other games in the soullike genre, Mortal Shell prioritizes tanking less on crafting builds but instead has it deeply ingrained within the game itself.

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2024-12-15 02:36