Finding the best tanks for Season of Discovery is going to be important. Without a tank, running group content is impossible; someone needs to be able to hold aggro and withstand enemy damage!
Tanking is a big focus on Season of Discovery, with new tools being given to classes like Paladin, as well as the introduction of Warlock and Rogue tanks.
Our tier list for the best tanks in Season of Discovery will help ensure your group is the best it can be. One thing to keep in mind is that nearly every tank is on equal footing here. Just because one class ranks higher than another on our Season of Discovery tier list doesn’t mean they’re bad!
For more, check out our list of the best tanks in Dragonflight.
Warrior
The best tank class in Classic World of Warcraft remains the best tank class in Season of Discovery. Who would have thought that giving Warriors new tools wouldn’t simply result in them still being the kings of tanking?
Warriors’ ability to perform top-tier DPS while tanking helps them stand out, especially this early in the game. They don’t have to go all-in on survivability, meaning they can dish out as much damage as they can take.
Shaman
Back in the days of Classic World of Warcraft, Shaman tanks were a meme spec. It was fun when someone could pull it off, but more often than not, it was a joke. That’s not the case, as Shamans are one of the best tanks in Season of Discovery.
Their single-target threat is the best in the game, thanks to Earth Shock and the Way of Earth rune. Dealing with AOE packs helps them regenerate mana effectively. The only thing holding them back from being as good as Warriors is a lower damage profile and fewer resources. Still, they’re an excellent option.
Paladin
It seems fitting to have the two faction-specific classes back to back.
One big reason why Paladins perform well as one of the best tanks in Season of Discovery is the addition of an actual taunt to their tool kit. Additionally, they excel at AOE tanking. While they may lack the damage compared to other tank classes, they compensate for it with class utility.
Druid
Like Paladins, Druids can pack a punch when dealing damage. One advantage they have is the ability to easily perform a DPS role when they’re not required to tank.
The one thing holding them back is missing out on key Druid abilities such as Survival of the Fittest. Some people view them as one of the best tanks in Season of Discovery. For Phase One, however, I have them a little lower than Paladins. That can easily change in future phases.
Warlock
The most anticipated tank class in Season of Discovery, Warlocks, thanks to their Metamorphosis rune, are proving to be an extremely viable tank option.
They offer an impressive damage profile and good AOE tanking abilities, making them an attractive off-tank option. When it comes to single-target threat, however, they’re lacking compared to the alternatives, which has them on the lower end of things for now. That doesn’t mean they can’t get the job done, though!
We look forward to seeing how Warlock tanks perform in later phases.
Rogue
The only “bad” tank in Season of Discovery, Rogues haven’t caught on as well as other classes. They can do well to off-tank in a pinch, which is useful for some bosses in BFD. Ghamoo-Ra is one example where a rogue off-tank can truly shine.
Unfortunately, the other classes are far better equipped if you’re looking for a main tank option.
For more Season of Discovery content, check out our tier list of the best DPS in Season of Discovery.
