[Wake N' Bake]

Alright so the game has been ordered, its in the mail, and I've been doing a great deal of pre-meditation on my char, about 3 hours ago I finally set in stone my decision of a Pld/Nin Elvaan because I've always enjoyed being the tank. However, the more and more I hear and read about the horrid 50-60 grind and how gruesome leveling can be in general, I have questioned my own ability to be a support class for that long, and I'm almost positive solo'ing will be hell with a tank. So what can a monk bring to the table, because the more I think about it, the more I think I need a class I will be enjoying alot time, and not endless mind numbing support. As you can see my decision isnt necesarilly set in stone anymore but I still really enjoy the idea of being the tank and the idea that it will be fairly easy to find parties. Also one of my real big questions, are how necesarry are monks?? cant most exp parties and most mobs in general be fought with a few mages a melee dps and a couple tanks? Or do they have a prominent need in parties.

[godsaiyan]

to be honest with you, i'm not too familiar with a tank's 50-60 grind as i play blm at the moment, and there may of been a grind in the past, but thanks to lev-sync that is not the case. If you are having trouble finding people to party with then try a lower level area such as qufim island or the dunes, where tanks are always on demand, at least on my server. You will find yourself at level 60 in no time what so ever so don't panic.

I can't say much about mnks either other than youtube vids i have seen. They are good but there seems to be a higher demand for plds ingame as i guess they make the best tanks, having most useful curing spells and good attack power, not to metion when in a bind, Invincible.

What i suggest you do is try out mnk for a bit, see which you prefer and you'll have your answer.

[Yellow Mage]

Monks are pretty much just "another" melee damage class. In terms of tanking, you'd be better off with even Warrior.

And to be honest, if you think supporting a party, especially tanking would be "mind-numbing," it is highly recommended that you stay far away from Monk, as it is typically seen as the epitome of mind-numbing auto-attack + WS button boredom. Also, stay even further away from Bard.

All in all, just find something you enjoy, and stick with it. Grinding is an inevitable, necessary evil in this game, so might as well grind the activity that you enjoy the most. Thankfully is has been made progressively less forever-taking an activity to gain experience, and particularly to solo (look in to the Dancer subjob sometime if you're interested in a melee class), so just advancing in the game shouldn't give you too much of a hard time, either way.

[Takelli]

Originally Posted by Yellow Mage

And to be honest, if you think supporting a party, especially tanking would be "mind-numbing," it is highly recommended that you stay far away from Monk, as it is typically seen as the epitome of mind-numbing auto-attack + WS button boredom. Also, stay even further away from Bard.

You left out Rdm post 50 (Refresh + Haste only with a whm in the party.)

As a Pld though. You can solo fine. You get an array of healing spells, and protection spells. You even get auto refresh at level 35, and you can even deal decent amount of damage with the right gear. Pld solo isn't so bad if you get some DD gear on your, and you get FoV refresh.

Don't do Pld/Ninja though until end game. Pld/War is for exp parties (Provoke).

[Lmnop]

Tanking, probably more than any other role in the game (main healer just requires you to be alert and worried all the time...), will keep you on your toes and totally aware of what's going on in the party. If it's mind-numbing, it'll be from overload. I can't imagine a tank ever thinking "dang, I feel like I'm just an under appreciated support role. I wish I could help more."

[DakAttack]

Originally Posted by Lmnop

"dang, I feel like I'm just an under appreciated support role."

Yes.

Originally Posted by Lmnop

"I wish I could help more."

No.

[Ryoii/Nonomii]

Please read this post for some information on standard exp party configurations: Why wont people do this?. The thread is primarily about why don't more jobs tank in exp parties.

PLD is definitely a more standard tank which requires less support to create a successful party. The only issue with PLD is getting invited to merit parties at Lv75. You can always go tank lower level parties or merit with linkshell members. Both MNK and PLD have good solo capability. Look at YouTube for videos to inspire you.

[Rothy]

Try them both, have some fun.

I can assure you that you'll be surprised if you try some jobs out first.