Help a fellow Support Main Learn Tank supports.

Almo·2/20/2018, 12:12:07 AM·1 votes·2,409 views

Hello there Support mains,

I am an Ardent Support that is struggling to transition to Tank supports. I don't know when to go in and my damage limit. If you put me on Lulu, Janna, I will most likely carry my lane and make my ADC ahead. However, I would really to learn tank supports. I am hating myself when playing them because all do is feed and make my adc play from behind.

My support Pool: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/413588507395620864/414921552493150208/unknown.png

Example Tank supports that I tried to play as:

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/394734324974354436/415297192673280011/unknown.png

I am getting really frustrated because I am feeding with them. Any tips on how to make the game experience a bit smoother? I am Diamond 5 last season and I have not ranked yet for season 8. Tank support feel like they have a very different game play behind them.

5 Comments

Ranmaru2/20/2018, 12:26:34 AM1 votes

BRAUM PLAY BRAUM JUST SHIELD AND KEEP YOUR ADC SAFE ITS EASY EVEN I CAN DO IT AND THIS IS MY BRONZE 3 SMURF. My MAIN IN BRONZE 5 BUT STILL YOU CAN DO IT ITS SO EASY

Baron Barian2/20/2018, 12:30:11 AM1 votes

Tank supports happen to be my preferred choice in the role.

Remember that even as a tank support, you are still a support, so the best you can really be as a tank is an off-tank, even if you're someone like Alistar who can reduce incoming damage on himself. Just because you're a tank support, doesn't mean they can't kill you fast, at least during the early game.

Just like how you'll usually want a redemption on healers,, you'll want a locket on tank supports. If you had to pick only one or the other, always pick locket since that scales with bonus health. In a pinch, it's a great teamfight tool that can save lives.

Now Leona and Blitz are likely giving you trouble because they're aggressive supports, in that they try to be the one to start fights. Good with an equally aggressive ADC, but only okay with anyone else. And unlike many other supports, they offer nothing for actually protecting your partner so if they get focused and you fail to peel, you'll have a bad time.

Alistar might be a good one for you to try. Unlike other tanks, he offers sustain for you and even your partner, and with his strong CC, you have offensive and defensive options. I know he's not in your pool, but it's just an idea I'm throwing for you.

Tahm Kench is my main support, though I see you've been having trouble with him. I can offer tips, but I would like to know how you've been playing him. What you do in the lane, skill order, things like that.

BALDG1VEN BOOMER2/20/2018, 3:44:29 AM1 votes

Specifically melee versus range is a bland and non-interactive lane, you pretty much rely on your ADC to do most of the poking other than that chill out and wait for ganks.

Other times to engages:

Summoner spell advantage/kill pressure ex. engaging onto Varus with no flash will likely be a kill
You are getting a gank
You seen your enemies use valuable skills ex. Ezreal E, Janna Shield

Other than that you aren't really looking to go in often.

In terms of trading you aren't looking to trade often because tank supports are about going all in, in "extended short" trades you'd most odds lose so avoid those kind of trades mainly because of range but also depends on circumstances.

Other than that it's all about instincts.

TakaDama2/20/2018, 4:12:19 AM1 votes

As someone who can't play Mage Supports to save his life, you have to get a feel for how your ADC plays: do they prefer to farm? Play a tank support that can heal or Shield like Taric Braum or Alistar. Does your ADC like to go for an early first blood? Play a tank support that with a hook. Alistar, once you can reliably get WQ combo down feels like he can do both heal and lock down, but for the most part he passively waits for the adc to farm and protects them with headbutts

For itemization, do not get relic shield; without face of the mountain, it really isn't as viable anymore. Instead I'd go with Ancient Coin for farm heavy lanes or maybe Spellthief's edge if you are actively harassing the opponent. The rest of your items should be tanky though (Mikael's Crucible is actually nice on a few champions).

Ayanami3rd2/20/2018, 9:14:01 AM1 votes

It's a matter of experience really. As a melee supporter, you will often be in a risky spot. Furthermore, if you play something like Leona, your mind is constantly telling you to go in (it's called Lee Sin syndrome). Don't get baited by these thoughts and choose your engages wisely.

The rest is basically practice. gl hf :)