Tanks are the meat shields. They wear the heavy armor and take the big hits so that the rest of the group doesn’t have to. Every group needs at least one tank to keep the enemies’ attention on him, take the damage, use his damage reduction abilities, shields, and survival skills, and let the rest of the group kill the enemies.
Tanks do not do a lot of healing and they do not generate big numbers on the damage meters. So, if you’re a dom type power player who likes to remind everyone who really sets the pace of the dungeon, then tanking is not for you. Or, if you like to see those big numbers come up and watch as your spells or abilities make the enemies’ health bars drop, then tanking probably won’t appeal to you either. However, if you like being vital to the group, like knowing the tactics, working with the team, and generally being considered the leader, then tanking might be right up your alley.
Tanks classes in FFXIV: Gladiator (becomes Paladin), Marauder (becomes Warrior), Dark Knight (requires Heavensward), Gunbreaker (requires Shadowbringers)