The best skills for a tank in Torchlight II include abilities that enhance defense, such as Taunt, Armor Expertise, and Forcefield. Skills that increase health and healing, like Vitality and Fast Healing, are also important. Additionally, investing in skills that boost damage output and aggro management will make a tank more effective in combat.
Defensive Skills:
The most important skills for a tank in Torchlight II are those that enhance their defensive capabilities. Skills that increase their health, armor, and resistance to damage are crucial for tanking effectively. Investing in skills like "Iron Skin" which increases armor or "Vitality Mastery" which boosts health points can greatly enhance a tank's ability to soak up damage. Additionally, skills that grant damage mitigation, such as "Block and Parry" or "Dodge Mastery," can make a tank more resilient in combat.
Aggro Management Skills:
Another crucial aspect of tanking in Torchlight II is managing aggro effectively. Skills that increase threat generation and draw enemy attention towards the tank are essential for maintaining control of the battlefield. Abilities like "Provoke" or "Taunt" can help ensure that enemies focus their attacks on the tank, allowing other party members to deal damage more safely. Tanks should invest in skills that help them establish and maintain aggro to protect their teammates.
Crowd Control Skills:
Being able to control enemy movements and actions is also important for a tank in Torchlight II. Skills that can stun, slow, or immobilize enemies can help a tank disrupt enemy formations and protect their team. Abilities like "Crippling Blows" or "Earthquake" can be useful for controlling crowds of enemies and preventing them from overwhelming the party. Tanks should consider investing in crowd control skills to help manage difficult encounters more effectively.
Support Skills:
Support skills can also greatly benefit a tank in Torchlight II. Abilities that provide healing, buffs, or debuffs can help a tank support their team and contribute to the overall success of the party. Skills like "War Cry" which increases armor for the whole party or "Defensive Aura" which boosts resistances can be valuable assets for a tank in group play. Tanks should consider selecting support skills that complement their defensive abilities and enhance their role within the party.
Utility Skills:
Lastly, utility skills can provide tanks with additional tools and options to handle varied combat scenarios. Skills that grant mobility, like "Charge" or "Leap," can help tanks reposition themselves quickly and engage or disengage from enemies as needed. Additionally, skills that provide damage reflection, like "Thorns" or "Retribution," can punish enemies for attacking the tank and make them think twice before targeting them. Tanks should look for utility skills that offer versatility and enhance their overall effectiveness in combat.