Final Fantasy XIV: Which Tank Class Should I Play?

High in HP and trained in defense, a tank serves as the party's shield. Skilled at keeping a foe's attention and bearing the brunt of enemy attacks.

Paladin

The Paladin is a moderate HP tank with unmatched physical damage mitigation. (Thanks to your shield!) They make use of many, many abilities which reduce damage taken. They even have a move which allows you to directly take physical damage for another party member. The PLD has 2 stances: Sword Oath and Shield Oath. Shield Oath buffs your defenses while lowering your attack strength and Sword Oath increases the damage of your auto attacks. At higher levels, Paladins get a very strong heal that they can use for themselves or allies. One of their best abilities is called "Hallowed Ground". It makes them completely invincible for 10 seconds. It should also be noted that PLD's do the least amount of damage out of any tank. The Paladin is an all-around solid choice for a tank and is also a great beginner Job, as it is easy to play in the later levels. (It should be noted that Gladiator is somewhat difficult to play at early levels, due to not getting Shield Oath until level 40)

Warrior

The Warrior is a very-high HP tank that has does not over-excel in either Physical or Magical defense, but rather in damage and self-healing. They have 2 stances: Defiance and Deliverance. Defiance reduces damage dealt, increases max HP, and increases HP recovery via healing magic. Deliverance simply increases your damage dealt. The Warrior, hands down, does the most damage out of any tank. This makes Warrior a fantastic off-tank. (In fights with 8 players, there are 2 tanks. The tank not currently keeping the bosses attention is called the off-tank) Warriors have a move called "Holmgang" which makes it so they can't drop below 1 HP for 6 seconds. WAR is a bit harder to play than the PLD later on, but it is an easier Job to start out as. I would still recommend it for new players.

Dark Knight

The Dark Knight is a moderate HP tank with very good magical damage mitigation. Their playstyle involves heavy MP management, decision making, and micromanagement. What's unique about DRK is that their tank and their damage stances (Grit and Darkside) are both active at the same time. Despite this, they do a bit less damage than WAR, but still more damage than PLD. Darkside constantly drains your MP. A good DRK will never let Darkside fall off. Dark Knights have an ability called "Dark Arts" which consumes 1/4 of their maximum MP and enhances the next ability they use. You can use this for extra defense, or for an offensive advantage. They also have a decent amount of life steal. Finally, DRK's have a move called "Living Dead". It makes it so they can't fall below 1 HP for 10 seconds but the DRK will die if he isn't healed for his max HP before the 10 seconds is up. I would not recommend DRK to new tanks, due to their high skillcap and instant level 30 start.