From what I've read, it seems like fighter is the most viable option for a front line tank. Does anyone have any parties without a fighter in them? I was thinking about getting a tank chanter or paladin in place of a fighter, just for that extra CC/Buff. How would these options work in the long run?

When I got the NPC paladin I ditched the fighter, no real difference on my hard playthrough. My party: cipher,cipher,paladin,priest,wizard,druid, no selfmade companions.

The game has enough alternatives that no class is really necessary.

 

With that said, I think having at least one fighter in your party is optimal. Defender is a really good ability that ties up 3 enemies, which no other class has access to.

 

I don't think any class fits as well into that "tank" role.

You get enough +engagement items to make up for the defender skill. Can't engage if your tank can't reach the mob and after 3 or 4 it gets quite hard. Anyone tried tanking with reach weapons, can you lock out the 2nd row ?

Edited April 1, 201510 yr by vikke

Nope, while I really like Eder's character, he got dumped the second I got access to the full compliment of companions. No I run with my main Cipher, Paladin, Chanter, Priest, Ranger, and Wizard. Between Pallegani, Kana, my Cipher, and Saganis wolf I have more than enough tanks and offtanks to hold any enemy from attacking the squishy priest and wizard. Any bigger trouble is typically only in long term combats, but then I have Kana's 3 skeletons or now 3 wyrms breathing fire at the enemy to block passage.

 

Lately I have been thinking of giving Durance plate armor, shield and warhammer to try and make him into a Warhammer Fantasy like warpriest, love those guys )

Edited April 1, 201510 yr by gnoster