The Black Orc: Unstoppable Force of the Destruction Frontline

The Black Orc in Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning is a quintessential tank class, embodying the brutal, relentless spirit of the Greenskin horde. They thrive on direct engagement, using a continuous onslaught of strikes to unlock more powerful abilities. This makes them a uniquely offensive tank, highly valued across all scales of Realm vs. Realm (RVR) combat.

RVR Strengths: The Aggressive Guardian

• Brawling Mechanic: Offense as Defense: Black Orcs love a good brawl, and their core “Onslaught” or “Brawling” mechanic perfectly reflects this. With each successive blow, they unlock more powerful abilities, allowing them to press forward into the fray with a continuous flow of strikes. This isn’t just about personal damage; it means their defensive capabilities are often tied to their offensive aggression, making them highly proactive and dangerous.
• Best DPS Tank in the Game (2020): While their primary role is tanking, the Black Orc, particularly in a 2-handed “DPS” setup, boasts the best damage output of all 2-handed tanks in the game (as of 2020). This allows them to contribute significantly to group damage, making them a dual threat on the frontline. The “Brawling” mechanic, while complex, adds depth and fun to their playstyle, with add-ons like “Plan-b” helping to optimize it.
• Versatility Across All RVR Scales: The Black Orc is incredibly versatile and welcomed in all aspects of RVR:
  • Small Groups (Duos, 6v6s, Scenarios, Ranked Scenarios): Their ability to provide protection (Guard, Challenge) while also dishing out high damage and significant crowd control makes them excellent for aggressive small-group play. They can peel for allies, control enemy threats, and contribute heavily to kills.
  • Warbands (24-Man Groups): Their raw tankiness, coupled with their high damage output and powerful AoE crowd control (Punt, Root, Knockdown), makes them an indispensable part of any warband’s frontline. They can effectively hold choke points, disrupt enemy formations, and spearhead pushes.
• Comprehensive Tanking Toolkit: Like all tanks, Black Orcs have access to essential protective and control skills:
  • Guard: Guards 1 person and takes 50% of their damage, which can be blocked. Mastering Guard switch is crucial for optimal protection.
  • Challenge: Reduces incoming damage for their party by 50%.
  • Crowd Control: A robust array of crowd control abilities, including Punt, Root, and Knockdown, vital for controlling the flow of battle and protecting allies.

RVR Challenges: Mastering the Onslaught

• Complexity of Brawling Mechanic: While fun and powerful, the “Brawling” mechanic requires active management to maximize its benefits. Players need to understand how to maintain their “Onslaught” to unlock and utilize their most powerful abilities effectively, adding a layer of complexity to their game play.

The Black Orc in RVR: The Brutal Vanguard

The Black Orc is a frontline force of nature in Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning. Their unique “Brawling” mechanic perfectly blends offense with defense, allowing them to deal significant damage while enduring the brunt of enemy assaults. As the premier DPS tank on the Destruction side, and with a full toolkit of essential tanking abilities, the Black Orc is an invaluable and highly desired asset in any RVR group, from skirmishes to full-scale warbands. They are the definition of an aggressive, unyielding vanguard.