Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Why Tanks Matter in League of Legends
When it comes to League of Legends, flashy champions and epic plays often take the spotlight, but there’s a crucial element many players overlook the tank. In every game, League of Legends tanks are the backbone of the team. They are your frontline, the ones who absorb all the damage and keep your squishy champions safe. Without them, the team would crumble under the pressure of the enemy. Let’s dive into why League of Legends tanks are indispensable and which champions are the best tanks to play.
2. What is a Tank in League of Legends?
A tank in League of Legends is a champion specifically designed to absorb incoming damage while protecting the rest of the team. These champions boast high health pools, exceptional armor, and magic resistance. They might not be the ones dealing the most damage, but their presence is vital for creating opportunities for your damage dealers to shine. Without a tank, your team may lack the survivability needed to win crucial fights.
3. Benefits of Playing League of Legends Tanks
Playing a League of Legends tank offers several advantages:
- Durability: Tanks are incredibly tough, allowing them to soak up large amounts of damage. This durability gives your team the space and time to set up the perfect engagements.
- Crowd Control: Many tanks in League of Legends possess abilities that can stun, slow, or knock up enemies. These crowd control effects can turn the tide of a battle, especially when executed well during team fights.
- Team Protection: A tank’s primary job is to protect their team. When you’re playing a fragile damage dealer, having a League of Legends tank on your side means you can focus on doing what you do best—dealing damage—without constantly worrying about being targeted.
4. Top League of Legends Tanks to Play
Let’s highlight some of the best League of Legends tanks that are commonly picked in both casual and competitive play. These champions excel at absorbing damage, protecting their teammates, and controlling the battlefield.
1. Malphite
Malphite is a go-to pick for players looking for a sturdy tank with great engage potential. His Unstoppable Force (ultimate ability) is perfect for initiating team fights with a massive knock-up that can hit multiple enemies. Additionally, Malphite’s passive shield provides extra durability, making him an excellent choice for any team needing a solid frontline.
2. Leona
Leona is a fierce support tank with powerful crowd control abilities. Her kit is designed for locking down enemies and protecting her allies. With her Shield of Daybreak and Zenith Blade, Leona can chain stuns and immobilize enemies, making her one of the strongest tank supports in the game. Her natural tankiness also allows her to absorb significant damage, keeping her team safe.
3. Ornn
Ornn is a unique tank in League of Legends due to his ability to forge and upgrade items for his allies. Not only does he provide excellent team utility, but his Call of the Forge God (ultimate) can initiate fights from long distances, knocking up enemies and creating opportunities for follow-up attacks. Ornn’s strength as a tank lies in his ability to withstand damage while enhancing his team’s potential.
4. Sejuani
As a tank, Sejuani excels in crowd control and initiation. Her Glacial Prison (ultimate) can freeze multiple enemies, setting up devastating plays for her team. Sejuani thrives in team fights, and her combination of high health, armor, and magic resistance makes her a solid pick for absorbing damage and disrupting the enemy.
5. Maokai
Maokai is another reliable tank with excellent crowd control abilities. His Twisted Advance allows him to lock down priority targets, while his Nature’s Grasp can snare multiple enemies in a large area. Maokai’s sustain and durability in lane make him a popular choice for players looking to be a thorn in the enemy’s side throughout the game.
5. How to Play League of Legends Tanks Effectively
When playing a League of Legends tank, there are key strategies to keep in mind:
- Positioning: As a tank, you should always be at the front of your team, absorbing damage and preventing enemies from reaching your carries. Position yourself in a way that disrupts the enemy’s formation while providing a protective wall for your damage dealers.
- Engaging at the Right Time: Don’t rush into fights recklessly. As a tank, timing is everything. Coordinate with your team to ensure that you engage at the right moment, maximizing your crowd control and creating opportunities for your team to follow up.
- Communication: Let your teammates know when you’re ready to engage or when you’re low on health and need backup. Tanks often dictate the pace of fights, so effective communication is crucial.
6. The Role of Tanks in Team Composition
In League of Legends, team composition is critical to success. A well-rounded team typically includes a tank, a damage dealer, and a support. League of Legends tanks provide the necessary frontline that allows the rest of the team to thrive. Without a tank, squishy champions like marksmen and mages would be easy pickings for the enemy team.
A balanced team composition ensures that your team can handle various situations, whether it’s soaking up damage, dealing damage, or providing crowd control. When played effectively, tanks are the linchpin that holds a team together.
7. Conclusion: League of Legends Tanks are the Backbone of Victory
In summary, League of Legends tanks are the unsung heroes of the game. They absorb damage, initiate fights, control the battlefield, and protect their teammates. Without tanks, a team lacks the durability needed to survive intense engagements. Whether you’re climbing the ranked ladder or playing casually with friends, choosing to play a tank can make all the difference in securing victory.
The next time you jump into a game of League of Legends, consider playing one of these formidable tanks and be the cornerstone of your team’s success.
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