All of this is just shorthand created by the Overwatch community and not an official descriptor. But it’s also a concept from MMO games which properly defines what they are. Especially in Rivals most heroes have multiple subroles present. And I’m tired of hearing all these people spread misinformation and personal opinions. Main tanks- the primary space creator / engager / shield tank who dictates the teams pace. Just like in an mmo this tank is the primary frontline. The space in which the teams fight is dictated by this person. These tanks are able to take and hold space while sustaining themselves in an area often because of their multiple damage mitigating abilities ( mag shield and bubbles) these tanks stabilize the team and force the enemy to respect the frontline. They are reliable solo tanks. (Mag, Dr Strange, Groot, Emma) Off tanks - the secondary tank who enabled the main the tank, peeled, or created secondary pressure. Create space through dives or disruption, peeling for supports, pressuring the enemy backline or key targets, enabling the main tank instead of being the primary space holder because they lack the tools to sustain in a space on their own for extended periods. Think of off tanks in an MMO that break off from the group and handle ads, swap with the main tank when cooldowns are up or if they died. (Venom, hulk, Thor, peni, cap) If there’s 2 tanks they should be enabling each other. If you solo tank with an off tank you have zero frontline presence for your team and you’re relying on pure luck especially if you’re diving. The entire game revolves around the frontline. If you’re a solo cap jumping the enemy backline going 26-9 like that one guy on twitter, good enemy tanks are going to ignore you and let the dps handle it as they push to hold space for their team and now you have no heals, no one in range to capitalize on your windows of opportunity. Don’t be selfish. Pick heroes that make sense, it’s insane how many of you have no idea what you’re talking about. All some of you do is repeat buzzwords from your fav content creators. You learn hero kits and have good mechanics and get by being carried by players making the right decisions and making up for your stupid mistakes, often resulting in toxic exchanges in game. A hero shooter is just an MMO game with PvP. The concepts of the roles are all exactly the fucking same. Use your brains.