Mace vs Hammer: The Tank Comparison
Tank evaluation: Maces vs Hammers. Which provides the best crowd control and engage for your group?
mace
Key Advantages
- ✦ Reliable engage
- ✦ Great silences
- ✦ High utility
Top meta setup
Mace
Graveguard Armor
Royal Helmet
hammer
Key Advantages
- ✦ Longest stuns
- ✦ Great for picks
- ✦ Displacement power
Battle Comparison
CC Type
Maces have more silences and snares. Hammers have longer stuns.
Engage
Maces have a more reliable jump engage. Hammers have displacements (pulls/tackles).
Defense
Maces generally feel slightly tankier in sustained brawls.
Ease of Use
Maces are easier to play effectively in a group.
Content Fit
Mace is the default tank in 5v5 Crystal Arena and Hellgates, where reliable single-target engage wins fights. Hammer earns its slot in ZvZ and castle defenses, where one well-placed AoE stun on a clump matters more than chasing an individual target.
Solo Viability
Neither line is a solo weapon, but Mace at least survives roaming thanks to the Incubus Mace's sustain. Hammer has essentially zero solo presence in the current meta, so treat it strictly as a group-content specialist.
"Which one should you pick?"
Maces are the most versatile tanks for general PvP. Hammers are specialists for long-duration lockdown and "pick" potential. Most group leaders will ask for a Mace first. If you are learning to tank, start with the 1H Mace: its jump engage teaches the fundamental rhythm of initiate-peel-reset that defines the role, and every group has a slot for it. Pick up a Hammer later as a situational second weapon for chokepoint defenses and ZvZ formations where its wide stuns shine.