Tank Swap

Raid encounters in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion almost universally take some steps to justify multiple tanks, no matter how many bosses are present. One gimmick is the Tank Swap, where a Stacking Debuff or other combat condition necessitates that one tank stop building threat on the boss and his partner immediately taunt, repeatedly through the fight.

Often, a 25-man version of a raid will have a Tank Swap mechanic that a 10-man version lacked.

Examples

• Naxxramas
  • Gluth
  • Thaddius's sub-bosses literally throw their respective tanks to each other.
  • The Four Horsemen requires this from four tanks (only two of whom are usually geared for the task).
• Ulduar
  • Razorscale during phase 2.
  • Thorim's Unbalancing Strike requires that tanks trade off to remain uncrittable.
• Trial of the Crusader
  • Gormok's Impales can't stack more than 3 times (2 in Hard Mode) on a single tank.
• Icecrown Citadel
  • Deathbringer Saurfang's tank debuff means he can gain Blood Power quickly unless tanks trade off.