Dark Tanks

I am trying to figure out which way to tank and I am considering dark.......are they any good??? My first choice was WP but the aggro holding is poor and im not convinced about the survivability of INV...aldo the PSI hole keeps nagging me.


Heres the build came up with (don't worry about the cost)


Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.803
http://www.cohplanner.com/

Click this DataLink to open the build!

Level 50 Magic Tanker
Primary Power Set: Dark Armor
Secondary Power Set: Battle Axe
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Power Pool: Leadership
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery

Hero Profile:
Level 1: Death Shroud -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(23), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(29), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx(34)
Level 1: Beheader -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(5), Acc-I(45)
Level 2: Dark Embrace -- Aegis-ResDam(A), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(9), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(9), Aegis-EndRdx/Rchg(37), Aegis-ResDam/Rchg(37)
Level 4: Gash -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(5), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(7), Acc-I(50)
Level 6: Murky Cloud -- Aegis-ResDam(A), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(19), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(21)
Level 8: Obsidian Shield -- Aegis-ResDam(A), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(21), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(23)
Level 10: Taunt -- Zinger-Acc/Rchg(A), Zinger-Taunt/Rchg/Rng(11), Zinger-Taunt/Rchg(11), Zinger-Taunt(15), Zinger-Dam%(15), Zinger-Taunt/Rng(19)
Level 12: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(13), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(13)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Empty(A)
Level 16: Cloak of Darkness -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(17), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(17), DefBuff-I(45)
Level 18: Hurdle -- Empty(A)
Level 20: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+(A), Numna-Heal(45), Mrcl-Rcvry+(46), RgnTis-Regen+(46)
Level 22: Stamina -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(46), EndMod-I(48)
Level 24: Build Up -- GSFC-Rchg/EndRdx(A), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg/EndRdx(25), GSFC-ToHit/Rchg(25), GSFC-Build%(27), GSFC-ToHit/EndRdx(27), GSFC-ToHit(29)
Level 26: Dark Regeneration -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(40), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(40), Dct'dW-Heal/Rchg(43)
Level 28: Oppressive Gloom -- Stgr-Acc/Stun/Rchg(A), Stgr-Acc/EndRdx(39), Stgr-Acc/Rchg(40)
Level 30: Whirling Axe -- C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(A), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(31), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(31), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(31), Erad-Acc/Rchg(34), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(34)
Level 32: Boxing -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx(33), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg(33), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(33)
Level 35: Tough -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+(A), GA-3defTpProc(36), Aegis-ResDam(36), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx(36), Aegis-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg(37)
Level 38: Weave -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(39), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx(39), DefBuff-I(48)
Level 41: Pendulum -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg(A), Erad-Acc/Rchg(42), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg(42), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg(42), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg(43), C'ngBlow-Acc/Rchg(43)
Level 44: Conserve Power -- Empty(A)
Level 47: Physical Perfection -- EndMod-I(A), EndMod-I(48)
Level 49: Maneuvers -- LkGmblr-Rchg+(A), LkGmblr-Def(50), DefBuff-I(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
Level 1: Ninja Run

WP holds aggro fine if you play right. Invulnerability has incredible survivability so just because it has one 'hole' it is nothing to be dumping a whole set for. Well... maybe it is, but that's your choice I suppose!

As for your build, the first thing i see is manouvers, and it needs endurance or it needs to be gone.

Dark Regen needs more endurance modification too.

So does Whirling Axe.

Okay I sense a theme with that. The bonuses you get overall are very nice but I see yourself just gasping for breath very quickly.

I can't speak for the finer points of set bonuses and such, but in my experience of playing a Dark/Dark Tanker (currently level 39), I found it fun and quite tanky, but with the caveat that his health is on an insane yo-yo most of the time. Maybe I'm just fighting too many things or maybe I just like using my self-rez too much, but it is rather noticeable.

To compare, my experience of Willpower is that it's mostly quite solid, although I do find myself using the tier 9 pretty much every time it's up, and also making frequent use of revive... and as for Invulnerability, I find it also quite solid in most situations, although in its case you always seem to be fighting a battle of attrition with the enemies health vs. yours... but in most cases Unstoppable and Dull Pain recharge just before your health gets to really scary levels.

My strongest advice about Dark Armor is that as a tank, you need to pay close attention. You can't herd up a mob and then go to the bathroom and expect to still be alive when you return.

Ah, another topic I have to answer to. Yes, Dark Armor tanks, built and played well, can be some of the best tanks in the game. I've got a video in my sig if you want to see some of the potential of DA.

One of the best things you can get is the +endurance proc from Theft of Essence in Dark Regeneration. And yes, I'd generally slot some more end reduction in your attacks.

Also, that PvP IO is likely going to be hard to come by.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patteroast My strongest advice about Dark Armor is that as a tank, you need to pay close attention. You can't herd up a mob and then go to the bathroom and expect to still be alive when you return.

I'd say that depends on how its built, but in general, this is true.

As others have mentioned, I think you're going to have huge endurance problems with this build. Even with Physical Perfection I don't think you have enough recovery to run all the toggles and still attack.

I also think you are making too many sacrifices to soft-cap to all defense types. For instance, Maneuvers has a very high end cost for a non-damage toggle, and I don't think the relatively small amount of defense it provides is going to be worth it. In general, I think a better strategy would be to either go for around 40% defense to all but Psi, or try to soft-cap S/L/E/NE and don't worry about F/C defense as much. I think either choice would give you a much more playable build than the one you posted.

Specifically:

Death Shroud and Dark Regen both a big end-hogs, and you should be sure to have at least 60% end reduction in both. Attacks should have at least 40% end reduction, and the same for the other toggles. As it is, most of your attacks and toggles are pretty seriously underslotted for end reduction.

Another big problem: no KB protection! At the very least you need one -KB IO, though two or three would be better.

Also, Beheader and Gash are underslotted for damage. Instead of a common accuracy IO, try an IO from another set that gives both accuracy and damage. If you can only give them one slot, I like the Mako's Bite Acc/Dam/End/Rchg.

Instead of a common defense IO in CoD and Weave, use a LotG Def/End/Rchg. That will give you enough end reduction and still hit the ED cut-off for defense.

Honestly, I'd drop Maneuvers altogether and pick up another attack; Cleave would be my preference since it's the highest damaging attack in the set.

Dark Regen and Death Shroud both need another slot or two so they have sufficient end reduction. The Multi Strike Dam/End should be enough for Death Shroud, but you may have to make more changes to DR to get enough end reduction and add the Theft of Essence +End. I'd also take DR much earlier in your build. Death Shroud is a good choice to delay post-Stamina since it takes so much endurance to run. You also definitely want to get Pendulum (and Cleave, IMO) as soon as they're available, Tough and Weave can be delayed if necessary.

The Gaussian's set in Build Up is a great choice for positional def, but the return is pretty small for typed def, especially since you need slots elsewhere. I'd suggest two Rectified Reticle for some S/L and an additional recharge slot instead. That will free up three slots.

Here's what I would do with your build. I left in the PvP +Def IO, presumably you know you can afford it! This build is soft-capped for S/L/E/NE, has about 25% F/C def, and is much better slotted in terms of endurance.

Hero Plan by Mids' Hero Designer 1.803
http://www.cohplanner.com/
Click this DataLink to open the build!
Level 50 Magic Tanker
Primary Power Set: Dark Armor
Secondary Power Set: Battle Axe
Power Pool: Leaping
Power Pool: Fitness
Power Pool: Fighting
Ancillary Pool: Energy Mastery
Hero Profile:
Level 1: Dark Embrace -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(23), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(29), RctvArm-ResDam:40(34)
Level 1: Beheader -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg:35(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx:35(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg:35(3), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:35(5), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(27)
Level 2: Murky Cloud -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(9), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(9), RctvArm-ResDam:40(37), S'fstPrt-ResKB:30(37)
Level 4: Gash -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg:35(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx:35(5), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg:35(7), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:35(7), Mako-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:50(17)
Level 6: Obsidian Shield -- S'fstPrt-ResDam/Def+:30(A), GA-3defTpProc:50(19), GA-End/Res:50(21), TtmC'tng-ResDam/EndRdx:50(43)
Level 8: Dark Regeneration -- Erad-Acc/Rchg:30(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(13), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(17), Theft-+End%:30(21), Dct'dW-Heal/EndRdx:50(23), Numna-Heal/EndRdx:50(27)
Level 10: Taunt -- Zinger-Acc/Rchg:50(A), Zinger-Taunt/Rchg/Rng:50(11), Zinger-Taunt/Rchg:50(11), Zinger-Taunt:50(15), Zinger-Dam%:50(15), Zinger-Taunt/Rng:50(19)
Level 12: Combat Jumping -- LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(A), LkGmblr-Def:50(13), Krma-ResKB:30(40)
Level 14: Super Jump -- Jump-I:50(A)
Level 16: Hurdle -- Jump-I:50(A)
Level 18: Health -- Numna-Regen/Rcvry+:50(A), RgnTis-Heal/EndRdx/Rchg:30(34), Numna-Heal:50(45), Mrcl-Rcvry+:40(46)
Level 20: Stamina -- EndMod-I:50(A), P'Shift-EndMod/Acc:50(40), P'Shift-End%:50(45)
Level 22: Death Shroud -- Erad-Dmg:30(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(45), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(46), Sciroc-Dmg/EndRdx:50(46), Sciroc-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(48)
Level 24: Build Up -- Rec'dRet-ToHit:20(A), Rec'dRet-ToHit/Rchg:20(25), RechRdx-I:50(25)
Level 26: Oppressive Gloom -- Stpfy-Acc/Stun/Rchg:50(A)
Level 28: Cloak of Darkness -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:50(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(29), LkGmblr-Def:50(39), LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(40)
Level 30: Whirling Axe -- Erad-Dmg:30(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(31), Erad-Dmg/Rchg:30(31), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx:50(31), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(34)
Level 32: Boxing -- KntkC'bat-Acc/Dmg:35(A), KntkC'bat-Dmg/EndRdx:35(33), KntkC'bat-Dmg/Rchg:35(33), KntkC'bat-Knock%:35(33)
Level 35: Cleave -- Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(A), Erad-Dmg/Rchg:30(36), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(36), M'Strk-Dmg/EndRdx:50(36), M'Strk-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx:50(37)
Level 38: Pendulum -- Erad-Dmg:30(A), Erad-Acc/Dmg/Rchg:30(39), Erad-Acc/Dmg/EndRdx/Rchg:30(39), C'ngBlow-Acc/Dmg:50(43), C'ngBlow-Dmg/EndRdx:50(43), C'ngBlow-Dmg/Rchg:50(48)
Level 41: Tough -- RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx:40(A), RctvArm-ResDam/Rchg:40(42), RctvArm-ResDam/EndRdx/Rchg:40(42), RctvArm-ResDam:40(42)
Level 44: Weave -- LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx:50(A), LkGmblr-Def/EndRdx/Rchg:50(48), LkGmblr-Def:50(50), LkGmblr-Rchg+:50(50)
Level 47: Conserve Power -- RechRdx-I:50(A)
Level 49: Physical Perfection -- EndMod-I:50(A), EndMod-I:50(50)
------------
Level 1: Brawl -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Sprint -- Empty(A)
Level 2: Rest -- Empty(A)
Level 1: Gauntlet
Level 1: Ninja Run
------------
Set Bonus Totals:

• 2.5% DamageBuff(Smashing)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Lethal)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Fire)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Cold)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Energy)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Negative)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Toxic)
• 2.5% DamageBuff(Psionic)
• 26% Defense(Smashing)
• 26% Defense(Lethal)
• 6% Defense(Fire)
• 6% Defense(Cold)
• 26.6% Defense(Energy)
• 26.6% Defense(Negative)
• 6% Defense(Psionic)
• 16% Defense(Melee)
• 16.3% Defense(Ranged)
• 6% Defense(AoE)
• 11.3% Max End (in PvP)
• 18% Enhancement(Accuracy)
• 27.5% Enhancement(RechargeTime)
• 5% FlySpeed
• 126.5 HP (6.75%) HitPoints
• 5% JumpHeight
• 5% JumpSpeed
• Knockback (Mag -8)
• Knockup (Mag -8)
• MezResist(Immobilize) 11.6%
• MezResist(Sleep) 3.3%
• MezResist(Terrorized) 2.75%
• 3.5% (0.06 End/sec) Recovery
• 62% (4.85 HP/sec) Regeneration
• 5% RunSpeed

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Meant to mention that if you're interested in a weapons set, Mace is actually a better choice to pair with Dark than Axe. The stuns in Mace work really, really well with Op Gloom. I regularly stun bosses with the Clobber/Op Gloom combo on my Dark/Mace tank.

Hi, Regarding Dark Tanks, in my opinion dark Armor is just as good a class as any other class.
Of course every class will have there strengths and weakness, Dark Armor i would say has the best Res to Psy ATK and has loads of great De-buffs (Mostly -To hit) of course they do lack strength in areas like Energey res as well as the AT not having a Inherent KB Protection, but with all tankers there are ways around these or you work on there strengths to make up for there weakness.
I currently have a lvl 49 DA/DA tank,(this is my own Opinion) i have taken all the DA powers except Cloak of darkens and Oppressive Gloom, and have opted for kick and Tough (i'm, still on the debate whether Weave is worth taking (due to it's very small Def Bonus and it's expensive cost to run).
I think it's greatest assists is the ability to De-buff there to-hit (resulting in them missing, and not being able to hurt you) and the ability to regain both you HP, and you Endurance (should you have a DM as your STK) with IOs you can get around the problem with a lack of KB protection and not needing to take Acrobatics.
Hope you have fun

I would take Invul over Dark Armor, but that is me

I'm working on a DA/Ice Melee tank that, on paper at least, should be a monster.

Planning on making Ice Slick perma (really easy to do, shouldn't require more than 3 recharges in the power itself) and leveraging that for survivability.

I would agree with advice that War Mace will pair better with Dark Armor than Battle Axe. Damage should be comparable and War Mace's secondary effect is more useful. (plus it gets an Extreme damage attack very early in Clobber)

Ice patch only requires one Recharge IO to make perma.

I have to chime in on this one and share my experience with my very first tank, which happened to be a DA/DM Tank. I will be honest it took several respec's to get her right. You need to have patience in leveling DA/DM. Get some IO's listed below as soon as you can, especially the ToE+End. For me it did not help that only after she reached 50 did I learn about 'soft capping'. All her powers were basic IO's and I skipped CoD (big mistake). Since then she has become one amazing Tank, she is an absolute joy to play.

I often farm +4/x8 Carnies and Malta for Inf and drops and sometimes just for fun Rarely does my health drop below 25% and when it does I hit DR - and 'swoop' my health and Endurance are full again. Groups that have -def such as Romans, I just pop a purple and a red before battle and try to kill as amny as possible before the -def widdles away at my extra +def.

So, what have I learned after countless respecs and several Mids builds helped by Findulias and Dechs - the following:

Get IO's Kinetic Combat (5 sets of 4 each) for Melee Attacks
Get IO's Eradication (1-5 sets of 3 each) for PBAoE's
Get IO's Theft of Essence + End Mod and put in Dark Regeneration (& Siphon Life, IMO)
Go for mitigation of damage; balance +def/+Resist/+Hit Points/+Regeneration
Go for +Recharge
Get -KB IO's at least -6/-8 or even -12
Put Siphon Life on Auto Attack!

IMO Skip CoF, ToF and Op Glm. Take Weave & Tough.
Why did I skip CoF and ToF? Because I found it difficult to herd large groups and sometimes they walk away or stand still and I can't hold their Agro. They both suck up endurance like a sponge. I skipped Oppressive Gloom because enemies will wander way like with the Fears, so I also skipped it.

I hope my experience helps you in some way, if not at least it was fun to brag a little bit about a Tank that put up with so much; even a /Tell from an 'A-hole' telling me 'that DA sucked and that I was the worst Tank'.

Which brings me to another thought. Enjoy playing this game, it is a game. If you want to be the All Mighty Kick A$$ AT then go for it just dont expect everyone else to think the same way you do.

Good Luck and I hope you enjoy playing your Tank as much as I do mine.


Liberty - Widow Knight Level 50 DA/DM
SG leader of The League of Misfit Super Heroes

You have to pay attention and be fast with the clicky's as your health and end will yo yo a lot, but I can honestly say my Dark Dark tank is arguably the all around toughest tank out of the five I've got. He bloomed late, but once I had key pieces in place he became a really badass mo fo.

I slotted him w/ Performance Shifter +END, Miracle +REC, and Numina +Regen + REC, which makes a big difference on such an END heavy set.

My Dark/Dark Tank is slotted with... single origins. *cough*

Personally, I find Oppressive Gloom to be an indispensable power. I just let them group up on me before toggling it on, and I don't really have any problems with them wandering around.

You really don't need all those Eradications for endurance management, I have one set, and really, I am more than fine on end. 4 Erads, and 1 common end redux IO in Death Shroud.

As for slotting for Regen, seriously, it's not going to do that much for you when you have a monster heal that is up in 15 seconds or less, I think mine is at roughly 12. All those Kinetic Combats are great to get, but now they are silly expensive.

I am seriously thinking of making a build that actually makes use of the extreme amount of mitigation in DA. Like my old SO build on steroids.

And my other project, softcapping a DA/DM positionally.

Think Shield Defense with less damage, more resistance and a monster heal.

If anyone says you can't they are mistaken, it is just REALLY expensive.

I've been oog for a year, and coming back, I've rediscovered my DA/DB tank. I've also discovered some serious erros in slotting, but I hadn't given him any thought at all when I started him, sadly. Luckily, there's been a respec handed out and so I can salvage this wonderful toon. Even as he sits now, with only SOs and all kinds of mistakes, he seem to have better survivabilty and fewer endo issues than my Shield/Mace tank, though neither one is near finished.
Thx for all the great discussion and the MIDS' builds, it's been really helpful in setting my mind on how I want this guy to work.

I have a DA/DM Tank at L27 (who I am about to go in-game and play with) who is very tough on just SOs, however he still has END issues since he's not IOed out yet.

He does sometimes feel a bit weak since his attacks are still underslotted (I always build 'defenses first' regardless of the impact on my soloing), but I don't have to worry about fighting opponents that can hit him in his weak spot because he doesn't really have one. Sure, Energy damage will be a pain at higher levels until he's IOed, but with two heals and multiple AoE mitigation auras some of the sting will be drawn.

As far as the wandering of stunned critters is concerned, I plan to make him a Vigilante once he can run the Patron arcs and pick up an AoE Immob to counter that. I do not yet know if I will be taking any additional mitigation from the Patron pools, although I probably will since I always take it from APPs.