Question time: What role—tank, healer, or DPS—do you actually play in MMORPGS, and why?
PC Gamer
by Harvey Randall February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article explores the enduring concept of the Holy Trinity—tank, healer, and DPS—in MMORPGs, a system that has defined the genre since its inception over 25-30 years ago. Despite attempts by games like Guild Wars 2 to challenge this model, variations still persist, with roles like controllers in City of Heroes or dancers in Final Fantasy XIV adding unique twists while maintaining core principles. The trinity remains central due to its balance between damage dealing, tanking, and healing, ensuring party survival and progression through challenging content.
The article highlights the role dynamics: healers are often first blamed for deaths, tanks take on direct damage, and DPS focus on输出 (damage per second). While some players prefer tanking or healing for the satisfaction of protecting their team or managing group health, most lean toward DPS roles due to their simplicity and focus on输出. This preference is evident in games like WoW or FF14, where the majority of classes are DPS-oriented, reflecting player desire for less personal responsibility.
The piece also touches on player sentiment, noting that while some grow tired of the trinity's predictability, others find fulfillment in mastering their role. Developers continue to tweak these mechanics, but the core system remains a staple of MMO design. The Holy Trinity's longevity speaks to its effectiveness in creating structured, cooperative gameplay, making it a fundamental aspect of MMORPGs.
For readers, understanding the trinity's significance is key to appreciating how it shapes their gaming experience. Whether you're drawn to DPS for its action or prefer tanking and healing for the strategic depth they offer, these roles are integral to the collaborative nature of MMOs. The debate over whether this system needs革新 (innovation) or should
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/14/2026