ESODecoded

What does it mean when a tank is pulling in ESO?

Understanding the concept of pulling in tanking roles within The Elder Scrolls Online.

data retrieved 2026-08-23 · datamined via UESP

What is Pulling?

In the context of tanking in The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), 'pulling' refers to the act of a tank initiating combat with enemies. This involves the tank using abilities or skills to draw the attention of enemies towards themselves, ensuring that they take the brunt of the damage and protect their allies. Pulling is a crucial part of tanking as it allows the group to control the battlefield and manage enemy positioning effectively.

How Tanks Pull in ESO

Tanks typically use specific skills to pull enemies. These skills can include taunts, which force enemies to attack the tank instead of other group members. Common tanking skills that can be used for pulling include 'Puncture' for Dragonknights or 'Inner Fire' for Templars. Additionally, tanks may use area-of-effect (AoE) abilities to engage multiple enemies at once, helping to establish control over the encounter.

Importance of Pulling

Effective pulling is essential for maintaining group survivability and ensuring that damage dealers (DPS) can perform their roles without being overwhelmed by enemies. A well-timed pull can also help to position enemies for optimal damage output from the group, making it a key strategy in both dungeons and trials.