You know what I find weird about Malphite?

Ralanr·Apr 16, 2016·4 votes·782 views

So, tanks are suppose to provide a frontline for their team. But can just say, "screw that" and ult into the enemy backline. Isn't that the job of a diving fighter/assassin? To get into the backline?

Wasn't this the reason didn't get to do this: https://45.media.tumblr.com/8f5022ba4c0749864cf87122d5912bca/tumblr_nlim81MjtY1uq9wyio1_500.gif ?

Because as a tank he wasn't suppose to dive into backlines?

Can someone explain this to me? It feels like tanks would be more disruptive if they could dive the backline (as with the whole and combo) but isn't that something they are not suppose to do?

15 Comments

AlwaysByMySideApr 16, 20163 votes

Tanks are allowed to dive the backline, lol, what are you talking about?

RalanrApr 16, 20161 votes

Please enlighten me. I am clearly lacking some important knowledge.

Shadow GilgameshApr 16, 20161 votes

Tanks don't exist to solely stand in between your carries and the enemy team. Since most of them have CC, you have to make the choice between being the frontline, and diving to disrupt the other team's carries.

Getting Shen taunted as an ADC can be a death sentence, but if Shen was your only tank, then your team is wide open for the other teams assassins and bruisers when you dive, but if tanks couldn't/shouldn't dive, then they could just insta-lose against any poke comp that could whittle them down from behind THEIR tank(s), then roll all over you.

Malph isn't the only diver tank either, Leona , Zac , Amumu , Sejuani , are all better suited to diving as opposed to strong front line blockers like Nautilus , TahmKench , Blitzcrank , etc.

RalanrApr 16, 20161 votes

Ok, that makes sense. But if that's the case, does this mean that Sion isn't a vanguard tank?

ViashinoWizardApr 16, 20163 votes

Because they're two different abilities on different champions with different kits and different strengths and weaknesses.

RalanrApr 16, 20162 votes

Fair enough.

VesarixxApr 16, 20163 votes

Tanks can usually be arranged between 2 different spectrums, engage/peel and disruption/control, on the one hand you have your engage tanks like Amumu, and on the other there are disengage tanks, the prime example being Galio, Sion falls into the middle of this as his kit allows him to engage as well as peel, so it wouldn't really be balanced if his engage was as strong as Malphites since his peel is stronger. Additionally Sion is also in the middle of the disruption and control spectrum, he has more CC but less damage than a pure disruptor like Dr. Mundo, but more damage and less CC than a control tank like Nautilus.

Sion has a basic competency in everything you need to do as a tank, his diverse options make up for lack of specialization.

RalanrApr 16, 20161 votes

That is interesting to note. I always considered Sion as a engage tank, but, as you explained, he is more of an all rounder tank.

HelmightApr 16, 20162 votes

The actual reason Sion wasn't allowed to keep going after killing an enemy champion is because, in playtest, Sion players would hold onto their ultimate to pick up kills instead of using it for its intended purpose of disrupting teamfights. I believe Meddler made a post about it a while back. Has nothing to do with Sion not being allowed to dive the backline.

RalanrApr 16, 20161 votes

I was trying to remember his words on the subject. I guess I got it wrong. My bad.

HelmightApr 16, 20161 votes

All good mate, s'why I posted. Clarity is always a good thing :)

Carry TogetherApr 16, 20161 votes

STEAMROLLED!

TehNACHOApr 16, 20161 votes

Honestly I've always seen Malphite more like a Tank Based Bruiser than a tried and true Tank.

One of those Grey Zone champions between Fighters and Tanks.

XantakApr 16, 20161 votes

Don't forget Alistar Maokai Poppy for backline diving as well.

MokkunApr 16, 20161 votes

Peel tank vs Dive tanks.

A dive tank's job is to tank the backline's damage by being in their face and being a threat. (Malph is an example of this) They also tend to be initiators.

A peel tank's job is to keep stuff off your backline. (Think Alistar) They can initiate, but they tend to walk backwards afterwards, instead of forwards.