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Comparison of tank classes

From WoWWiki

This guide is an attempt to provide a quick reference guide for guilds, parties, raids, etc. to understand the relative strengths and weaknesses of the various Tank classes in the game. Specifically, it applies to the Main Tank role in the various Raids and Dungeons in the game, unless otherwise noted.

This page is a work in progress and will benefit from the community's contributions.

Note: Please use the discussion area to debate the merits of each tank while keeping this page clean.

Comparison

Legend
EASIER Any class will do, however this class may find it easier in this circumstance, and should be considered when Min/Max-ing the raid/party.
HARDER Any class will do, however this class may find it more difficult in this circumstance and may have to compensate with gear, Talent Spec-tweaks, party/raid setup, etc.
Encounter involves: Death knight Death knight Druid Druid Paladin Paladin Warrior Warrior Notes
Multiple Adds EASIER EASIER Paladins and Dks both have superior AoE threat. Dks have the advantage of ranged AoE pick up and Paladins have the best consistent mitigation through Redoubt.
Aggro Wipe EASIER Paladins have the advantage of DoT damage in the form of Consecrate and Seal of Vengeance. They also have excellent snap threat from Avenger's Shield
Attack Speed (Fast) EASIER EASIER
Attack Speed (Slow) EASIER
Damage (Magic) EASIER EASIER Large HP pools allow Feral Druids to soak magic damage well. DKs also have large HP pools and strong Anti-Magic Cooldowns.
Damage (Physical)
DPS Race
Demon EASIER Paladin tanks' Holy Wrath improves their pick up and control of demon mobs.
Enrages (or Berserks) Predictably
Being Disarmed HARDER EASIER EASIER HARDER
Fear EASIER EASIER Patch 2.3 Creature AI has been changed to no longer prioritize attacking unfeared targets over feared targets. All DKs have the item Insignia of the Scourge, which releases them from any movement impairing effects, including fear. Frost DKs also have the ability Lichborne in their talent tree, having a similar effect.
Interruptible Spells EASIER HARDER EASIER Paladin's interrupt Hammer of Justice has a long cooldown and is on the GCD.
Knockback HARDER EASIER HARDER EASIER
Mana Burn HARDER
Mind Control EASIER Many Mind Control spells only affect humanoids, though it depends on encounter.
Off Tank (Same target as MT, building threat without having aggro yet)
Off Tank (Different target as MT) MORE USEFUL Druid off-tanks have the advantage that they can turn into Cat Form and help dps main tank's target after their target is killed.
Off Tank (During single-tank boss encounter)
Polymorph EASIER Bear Form Druids are immune to polymorph.
Reflectable Spells EASIER
Silence HARDER
Spike Damage (Predictable) EASIER HARDER EASIER
Undead EASIER Paladin tanks' Holy Wrath improves their pick up and control of undead mobs.