Here's why tank supports feel weaker to play as than prior seasons

The Ecdysiast··3 votes·1,800 views

Edit: To clarify, I said FEEL. They are not weaker. But they feel squishier because they are.

They... aren't so much tanks any more. While it's up for debate whether or not the introduction of tank support items was positive or negative for the enjoyment of tank supports, the fact remains that the items provide less defense for the individual as compensation for the defense they provide for the team.

Prior to the relatively large overhaul in support items across the board, Tank supports often were just that-- tanks. So a typical finished build for them would include quite a lot of health and defense. Because that was really the only option.

But now "tank" support items are in large part designed to make them more like enchanters. Rather than focus on surviving as a tank, they help keep an ally alive or add damage to allies: item 3109 item 3190 item 3050 and for some item 3107 So they do allow you to provide more than just crowd control for your team, but you don't have anywhere near the defense for yourself that a top lane or jungle tank builds.


As for my personal opinion, I preferred it when tank support meant you built as a tank. When it meant sacrificing the shielding and healing an enchanter would have for more CC instead. I feel like now you're forced to put yourself into danger while acting as a pseudo-enchanter with just a bit more CC. Which works fine if you're ahead-- anything works if you're ahead-- but falls flat if you're not.

11 Comments

Saezio3 votes

What are you talking about? Supports always went for stuff like aegis, shurelia and most of the time they didn't even have time to finish the rest of their items because support was so starved of gold. Just go check videos of season 2 season 3 competitive, supports were way less tanky. I don't even remember when relic shield was introduced along with spellthief and coin, but it was a fucking GODSENT.

Daddy Ants3 votes

Tank Supports feel weaker...

  • Tank and Playmaking Supports have dominated pro play for the entire season.
  • Tank and Playmaking Supports are also dominant in regular play.

If anyone's weak right now it's Enchanters except for Nami Sona

Somebody Love Me1 votes

{quoted}

  • Tank and Playmaking Supports have dominated pro play for the entire season.

  • Tank and Playmaking Supports are also dominant in regular play.

If anyone's weak right now it's Enchanters except for Nami Sona

Imo the only legit tank supports are Braum, Tahm, and Taric.

Then there's the tanks that are good at engage like Alistar

Then the pure playmakers and engage. Alistar is the best because he's tank AND engage. Engage supports have dominated the game all year, and tank supports have done pretty well too. I dont think they need anything

Daddy Ants1 votes

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Imo the only legit tank supports are Braum, Tahm, and Taric.

Then there's the tanks that are good at engage like Alistar

Then the pure playmakers and engage. Alistar is the best because he's tank AND engage. Engage supports have dominated the game all year, and tank supports have done pretty well too. I dont think they need anything

From a regular play point of view....

Alistar Thresh Pyke are busted. Blitzcrank Leona Nautilus Braum TahmKench Taric are all very viable picks. Shen is below average

Let's look at the enchanters

Sona Nami are strong but not overpowered. Janna Soraka are viable picks. Lulu is below average. (Good I say, I don't want her or Kog'Maw strong) Karma sorry, people play this "enchanter"?

Thresh and Pyke in particular could do with some nerfs.

saltran2 votes

Alistar is the best supp in the game along with Thresh and tank supps have dominated along with catchers the supp role this whole season.

Tesladin1 votes

You just need to learn how toplay carefully. Tank supports are still plenty tanky. I like the utility that locket provides

xDelightifyx1 votes

There js no tankiness in the actual meta. There is only oneshotting.

The Ecdysiast1 votes

{quoted}

You just need to learn how toplay carefully. Tank supports are still plenty tanky. I like the utility that locket provides

  1. No need to be an ass about it.
  2. The fact of the matter is they are less tanky than before. Your opinion that they're tanky enough has no bearing on it.
  3. That said, if that's your opinion, sure. You're entitled to it. Doesn't mean it's based in reality, but being wrong is okay.
Warlord Rhinark1 votes

#BringBackFOTM

BestPudgeNA1 votes

Tanks supports are literally the best Tanks in the meta. Tank supports were given a ton a free base Armor in the rune rework, the change from Courage of the Colossus and Stoneborn pact to Aftershock and Guardian were both massive increases to supports durability and massive nerfs to top lane tanks and jungle tanks.

Knight's Vow even after several nerfs is still more gold efficient then the non-support armor/hp items like Deadman's and Sunfire

Daddy Ants1 votes

Tank Supports don't need any sorts of buffs.

Hell, even some nerfs or enchanter buffs would be welcome.

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