The Best Single-Player Western RPGs For Playing As A Tank Character, Ranked

Summary

Tank characters are crucial for covering weaker party members and drawing enemy aggro in Western RPGs.
Tank builds are essential for efficient combat strategies, especially in games like Mass Effect 2 and South Park: The Stick of Truth.
Having a tank in games like Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3 can make battles more manageable and protect other party members.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the intricate world of CRPGs, I can confidently say that having a tank character is as essential as a mage with a powerful spell or a rogue with quick reflexes. My life experience has taught me that battles are won not just by sheer power, but also through strategic positioning and knowing when to take the hit.

As a seasoned gamer, I’m well-acquainted with the role of a ‘tank’ character – these heroes are like our defensive walls, soaking up enemy attacks and drawing fire away from more vulnerable allies. They truly shine in squad-based games where their ability to stand firm and protect their squishier comrades, who excel at ranged combat, is crucial for our team’s success.

It’s imperative to use tank builds in certain Western RPGs to implement efficient strategies in combat, especially on higher difficulties. The last thing anyone wants is for their ranged glass cannon to become a target of enemy attacks, and a tank is perfect to serve as cover for such party members in battle.

Games will be ranked on the basis of how helpful a tank character is in combat.

8. Mass Effect 2

A Tank Becomes Unstoppable In Battle

As a devoted fan, I’d say that Mass Effect 2 significantly ramped up the action and dynamism in its combat compared to its precursor. This enhancement allowed players to employ distinctive build strategies that felt distinct in battle. The blend of intense classes and formidable equipment transformed Shepard into a force to be reckoned with, rapidly turning him or her into an unstoppable tank on the battlefield.

Making sure that the Commander’s shield strength is maximized allows them to boldly advance against enemies, typically attracting most of the hostile attention. Generally speaking, Shepard’s comrades are capable enough in battle to avoid unnecessary deaths, but having a tanky Shepard who can charge into combat with impunity provides an added layer of security for them.

7. South Park: The Stick Of Truth

A Tank Can Protect Vulnerable Party Members

In simple terms, “The Stick of Truth” is considered the finest game based on “South Park,” accurately mirroring the series’ distinctive style to allow players to embark on a humorous journey filled with all the quirks they cherish from the show. For those who prefer a sturdy character throughout, opting for the Fighter class can simplify gameplay. Additionally, players have the option to utilize Butters as a Paladin, attracting enemies and providing healing support.

Instead, when it comes to a straightforward battle tank, the Fighter build makes the New Kid the most potent combatant within the game “The Stick of Truth“.

6. Dragon Age: Origins

A Tanky Protagonist Is Easier To Lead Into Battle

Dragon Age: Origins represented a significant leap forward for BioWare, establishing them as one of the premier role-playing game (RPG) developers. Immersed in an intricate RPG world from the get-go as players chose their race and personal origin story, the impactful choices made throughout the game underscored this game’s unique selling point.

As a gamer, when I want to play as a guardian for my teammates, I’d transform my Gray Warden into a tank. This can be done by equipping them with a shield to deflect attacks, using skills that attract enemy focus, or adopting a more agile and evasive playstyle reminiscent of rogueish characters to dodge most incoming attacks. Alternatively, I might opt for heavy two-handed weapons, plunging into the thick of battle to clear the field and eliminate foes with powerful charges.

5. Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

A Jedi Knight Who Can Attract Enemy Attention Will Save Their Allies With Ease

Fans eager to delve into arguably the most compelling narrative in a Star Wars video game will be captivated by the offerings of Knights of the Old Republic. This renowned BioWare production allows players to take charge of an amnesiac Jedi, gradually unearthing his past in one of gaming’s most memorable plot reveals.

In a squad-based RPG like Knights of the Old Republic, it’s perfectly feasible to fortify a player’s defenses and transform them into a formidable tank equipped with a lightsaber. To achieve this ‘tank’ build, players should prioritize heavy armor and focus on developing both Strength and Constitution. This will not only make them resilient but also enable them to safeguard their teammates effectively.

4. Tyranny

A Tank Can Lead Party Members And Draw Aggro

As a gamer, I can’t help but appreciate the intricate combat mechanics found in CRPGs. In games like Tyranny, for instance, I get to assemble a team of four characters, each with unique abilities, to take down my enemies tactically. The game rewards me for this strategic approach, making every battle feel more satisfying and engaging.

Instead of having the Fatebinder handle both taking enemy attacks and dealing significant damage directly, characters such as Barik and Kills-In-Shadow can also excel in a battlefront role. If players prefer to construct an optimized Mage setup over the Fatebinder, these characters can still be formidable frontline fighters.

3. Pillars Of Eternity 2

The Lower Party Count Compared To The First Game Makes Tanks More Viable Than Ever Before

In “Pillars of Eternity 2,” the sequel stands out with tactical combat that’s even more engaging than its predecessor. The number of party members has been decreased from five in the first game to four, making it essential for players to have a tank character during battles to handle most encounters effectively.

By transforming the Watcher into a tank, you’ll find it simpler to charge into combat fearlessly without fretting about attracting unwanted attention from squishier mage or ranger builds. The flexibility of multiclassing allows players to reap the advantages of a tank while also utilizing abilities from other classes that complement this high HP and damage setup particularly well.

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

Enemies Can Spend Turns Trying To Whittle Down A Tank As Other Party Members Rely On This Safety

In the captivating world of CRPGs crafted by Larian Studios, I often find myself engaged in strategic battles reminiscent of a thoughtful chess game. It’s crucial for me as a player to tactically position my party members, aiming to seize the upper hand in every skirmish. This is particularly evident in Baldur’s Gate 3, despite its relative leniency compared to the challenging title that came before it from Larian Studios.

However, there’s no denying that having a tank in Baldur’s Gate 3 makes battles quite manageable. Players won’t feel like they need to accomplish a ton of mental gymnastics to optimally finish each encounter, since an aggro-attracting tank will ensure that enemies waste precious turns having less of an impact in battle as they’re slowly demolished by the player.

1. Divinity: Original Sin 2

A Tank Can Handle Physical Attacks With Their Armor To Save Mages, Rogues, And Other Weaker Members

In the challenging role-playing game, Divinity: Original Sin 2, understanding and mastering the significance of both Physical and Magical Armor is crucial for players aiming to create an effective tank character. Typically, it’s beneficial for players to have two distinct party members at their disposal. One member should possess high levels of Physical Armor while another should excel in Magical Armor to ensure comprehensive protection.

In this scenario, individuals with high Constitution may not continue to attract enemy attention for an extended period once their armor runs out, but having durable characters remains crucial for overcoming challenging encounters. If players can strategically utilize two party members who specialize in exploiting enemy AI and making them squander their attacks, they can optimally manage the battle’s action economy and neutralize most threats before fights drag on excessively.

2024-12-18 10:34