So, You Wanna Be a Damage Dealer in Eorzea? Let’s Talk DPS in Final Fantasy XIV
So, you want to be a hero, do you? Do you think you can fight through monsters and look good doing it? Consider choosing a Damage Per Second (DPS) class in Final Fantasy XIV. Who wouldn’t want to deal damage, right?
But choosing the “best” DPS class in FFXIV is tricky. It varies based on what you like. Do you want flashy explosions? Sneaky attacks? Or maybe you prefer to dance through battles? Let’s explore FFXIV DPS and find out which class will make you a standout Warrior of Light (or Darkness).
Decoding the DPS Roster: A Class-by-Class Breakdown
First, let’s look at the DPS classes offered in FFXIV. There are melee fighters, ranged attackers, and magic s. Each class has its unique strengths. Forget about the “best” choice; it’s about finding what fits YOU.
The Sneaky Shadows: Ninja
Do you want to be a phantom, darting through shadows while dealing damage? Then Ninja might be for you. Originating from the Rogue class, Ninjas are experts in burst damage. They can unleash many attacks quickly, making them superb for eliminating key targets fast. They possess the “Hide” ability. This helps solo players sneak past foes or ambush them. If you love complex rotations and being stealthy, Ninja might be your calling. Find out more in the Ninja Job Guide for FFXIV – Dawntrail 7.1 – Final Fantasy XIV – Icy Veins.
The Honorable Heavy Hitters: Samurai
If subtlety isn’t your thing and you crave flashy combat, try Samurai. These melee masters cause massive damage. Samurai can hit very high damage without relying on buffs. They are self-sufficient damage dealers. If you want big numbers and to feel like a one-man army, Samurai is a great choice. Just , high damage requires awareness to avoid hazards.
The Magical Swiss Army Knife: Red Mage
Red Mages offer versatility in combat. They can deal damage and allies efficiently. These spellcasters are mobile and have helpful skills like resurrection. Red Mage ranks among the strongest classes in FFXIV due to its blend of power, mobility, and utility. You can deal serious damage while moving around the field and reviving teammates. If you enjoy having choices and adapting to battles, Red Mage is very fulfilling. Plus, the aesthetic is appealing!
The Pet Powerhouses: Summoner
Do you want to summon powerful beings to fight for you? Summoner allows you to do just that. With its revamped skills, Summoner is engaging and fun. Focus on summoning and controlling various primals or their smaller forms. It feels great to master summoning magic and play with pets, especially with its dynamic playstyle.
The Dancing Dynamos: Dancer
Dancer combines grace and impressive damage. Don’t underappreciate their beauty; Dancers deal decent damage while ing their party. Dancer excels in mobility compared to classes like Bard or Machinist. This freedom helps in mechanics while contributing damage. If you want fun and visual appeal with high mobility, Dancer is a strong choice. Who wouldn’t want to dance to victory?
The Fist-Fighting Fury: Monk
For those who want close combat, Monk excels in melee aggression. Monks deliver swift strikes to build combos. They are known for high damage potential in fights where they maintain momentum. Monks engage players with fast-paced close combat. If you enjoy frenetic, hands-on battles, Monk will keep your excitement high.
The Master of Mayhem: Black Mage
Want to create digital destruction? Black Mage is your answer. Masters of destructive magic, Black Mages deal significant burst damage using spells like Fire IV and Despair. These spellcasters can obliterate foes with well-timed spell use. However, they require careful positioning as casting makes them immobile. If you love powerful spells and a stationary combat style, Black Mage offers unmatched magical attacks. But avoid standing in danger!
The Gadget Gurus: Machinist
If technology appeals more than magic, consider Machinist. This ranged DPS class uses guns and gadgets to inflict damage. Machinist deploys turrets and performs mechanical attacks. With its technical and fast-paced style, Machinist keeps players engaged. If resource management and rapid-fire play appeal to you, Machinist is an exciting choice. Plus, it’s all about robots!
The New Kid on the Block: Viper
Making its debut with Dawntrail is Viper. This melee DPS class focuses on dual-wielding and swift, venomous attacks. Viper emphasizes personal damage output without buffs or mitigation tools. It is all about raw damage. Though still new, Viper is evolving into a high-damage option for those preferring straight-up aggression. If you crave straightforward combat and high damage output, watch for Viper’s growth.
Difficulty and Accessibility: Finding Your Comfort Zone
Now that we have various DPS classes to explore, which is easiest to learn? And which one requires serious effort to master?
The Easiest Entry Point: Dancer (Again!)
Dancer appears once more! It’s stylish and mobile but also one of the simplest DPS classes in FFXIV. Its rotation is easy to grasp, and its movement makes it forgiving for newcomers dodging mechanics while dealing damage. For those new to DPS or wanting an easy class, Dancer is ideal. It’s intuitive, fun, and effective.
The Brain-Bending Challenge: Summoner (Maybe?)
Now let’s discuss Summoner, a class that might overwhelm you. Summoner can be tricky to master fully despite its straightforward basics. Skilled players can optimize their damage output. Every decision impacts your overall DPS, creating a high skill ceiling. If you love challenges and a class that rewards mastery and precision, Summoner can be incredibly fulfilling to learn.
Get ready to practice!
The All-Rounder for Newbies: Arcanist (and its Evolutions)
If you’re new to FFXIV and feel overwhelmed, try the Arcanist. This class is a great starter because it’s versatile. Arcanist branches into Summoner (DPS) and Scholar (Healer). It is easy to play, with simple mechanics and good damage. It’s excellent for beginners to learn and choose between DPS or healing later. Starting with Arcanist gives you choices, and choices are essential!
Usefulness in the Grand Scheme: Roles and Raids
Beyond raw damage, each DPS class contributes uniquely to the party. Let’s discuss roles in a group setting.
Melee Mayhem: Top Melee DPS Contenders
In melee DPS dominance, Monk tops the charts with sustained damage and powerful attacks. Samurai also shines with high burst damage. Ninja adds utility to the mix. The “top” melee DPS shifts with patches and skill, but these three remain great choices.
Ranged Rhapsody: Top Ranged DPS Choices
For ranged DPS, Machinist often rules. Its damage output and mobility make it top-tier. Dancer adds while handling ranged damage well. Bard offers excellent utility and steady damage. The “best” can change, but these three are solid ranged DPS classes.
Magical Mastery: Top Magic DPS Supremacy
If you seek magical damage, Black Mage is the choice. Its unmatched burst damage and strong spells dominate magic DPS. Red Mage adds versatility with mobility. Summoner round out the top magic DPS. Black Mage is favored for power, while Red Mage and Summoner offer flexibility and movement.
Unlocking Your Inner DPS: Questing for New Jobs
Ready to start your DPS journey? Here’s how you unlock some cool classes.
Becoming a Ninja: The Rogue Path
Start as a Rogue to unlock Ninja. Reach level 10 on any class. After that, visit Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:8.1, Y:16.1) to begin “My First Daggers.” Complete it to unlock Rogue and eventually become a Ninja.
Wielding Gunblades: Unlocking Gunbreaker
To mix tanking with DPS flair, choose Gunbreaker. You need the Shadowbringers expansion and a level 60 Disciple of War job. Find NPC “God’s Quiver Bow” in New Gridania (X 11.5, Y 11.9) and complete “The Makings of a Gunbreaker.”
Embracing the Venom: Unlocking Viper
Unlock the Viper job in Ul’dah – Steps of Nald. You need one combat job at level 80 or higher and the Dawntrail expansion. Locate the “Worried Weaver” NPC in Ul’dah – Steps of Nald to start the unlock quest.
Leaping into the Fray: Becoming a Dragoon
Start as a Lancer to become a Dragoon. Level your Lancer to level 30, then finish the Lancer guild quest. This unlocks the “Eye of the Dragon” quest, allowing you to job-change into a Dragoon.
Reaping Souls: Unlocking Reaper
To unlock Reaper, go to Ul’dah – Steps of Nald (X:12.8 Y:8.6) and talk to “Flustered Attendant.” Complete “The Killer Instinct.” Be a level 70 Disciple of War or Magic and own the Endwalker expansion to accept.
Summoning Power: Becoming a Summoner
Summoner evolves from Arcanist. Level your Arcanist to level 30 to take the quest for Summoner. It’s simple!
Healing and DPS (Sort Of): White Mage from Conjurer
While primarily a healer, White Mage is mentioned for its solo viability from the Conjurer class. Level Conjurer to 30 to unlock White Mage’s questline. It isn’t a DPS job, but White Mage can deal damage while soloing content, as Screen Rant’s guide to the best jobs in FFXIV suggests.
General FFXIV Wisdom: Things to Keep in Mind
Before diving into your DPS adventure, here are some FFXIV tips for your toolkit.
Race to the Top? Not Really
Don’t stress about race choice. Every FFXIV race has slightly different base stats, but they don’t matter much overall. Choose the race that looks coolest to you – glamour is the true endgame!
Starting Strong: Recommended Starting Jobs
If unsure where to begin, consider Marauder (becomes Warrior) or Arcanist (Summoner/Scholar). Marauder/Warrior is a robust tank with solid damage, while Arcanist’s versatility offers DPS and healing. Both are great for learning.
Story Time: Every Job Can Do It
Every job in FFXIV can complete the main story. Don’t feel pressured to choose a specific class for narrative progression. Play what you enjoy!
Leveling Up: The Road to 100
Get ready to level up even higher! The Dawntrail expansion confirms a level cap of 100. There’s plenty of room to grow your DPS skills.
Endgame Enlightenment: Skill Over Spending
Compared to other MMOs, FFXIV’s endgame gearing process is straightforward. The gatekeeper to clearing endgame raids is skill and understanding your job mechanics. No amount of Gil can buy skill, which is refreshing.
Solo Savior: Eventually, Everything Yields
The appeal of FFXIV is that almost anything can be soloed with enough time, skill, and some patience. If you prefer solo play, Eorzea offers plenty to explore.
Questing Quandaries: MSQ is King
A reminder: much in FFXIV is locked behind the Main Scenario Quests (MSQ). To unlock new areas, dungeons, trials, and features, follow the story!
Gil and Gear: Fueling Your DPS Dreams
Let’s discuss the essentials: gear and Gil. Even top DPS need attractive gear and potions.
Making Money Moves: Gil Grinding
Want to be Gil-rich? The best way to earn Gil is by selling gear, food, and potions. Crafting and gathering are key here. Make high-demand items and watch the Gil come in.
Free Trial Finances: The 300k Cap
If you’re on the Free Trial, know about the Gil cap. You can only hold 300,000 Gil max at any time. Spend wisely or upgrade for greater economic potential!
Housing Hustle: Dream Home Costs
Fancy your own slice of paradise? Housing costs are:
- Cottage (Small): 450,000 Gil
- House (Medium): 1,000,000 Gil
- Mansion (Large): 3,000,000 Gil
Start saving your Gil!
Mount Mania: Expensive Rides
Want to travel in style? Some mounts cost a fortune. The Wyer Horn mount recently sold for 95 million Gil! Mount collecting can become an expensive hobby.
Gemstone Grind: Valuable Treasures
Gemstones are precious too. You can hold up to 1,500 gemstones.
You can earn around 1,500 gemstones by playing 90 to 100 FATEs. FATE grinding helps you get gemstones to sell for Gil.
Beyond DPS: Other Fun FFXIV Diversions
FFXIV offers more than just combat. There is a vast world waiting for you to explore.
Mount Mania (Continued): Rare Rides
Some mounts are rarer than others. The Ullr mount from Dawntrail is one of the rarest in FFXIV. For dedicated collectors, the Victor mount requires defeating 2000 A-rank and 1000 S-rank marks in Endwalker zones. Happy hunting!
Title Triumphs: Bragging Rights
Titles show off your achievements. “Legend” titles like “The Legend,” “The Ultimate Legend,” and “The Heavens’ Legend” are prestigious. They come from completing Ultimate Raids, the hardest game content. Keep an eye out for rare titles like “The Accursed” and “The Luckiest Of Lords/Ladies.”
Content Conquering: Hardest of the Hard
If you want a challenge, try Ultimate Raids and high-end Trials. These represent the peak of difficulty in FFXIV. Skill, coordination, and dedication are essential here. Conquering these trials grants you “Legend” titles as a mark of a seasoned adventurer.
Name Game: Length Limits
Here’s a fun fact: FFXIV has name restrictions. You must provide a first and last name, each between 2 and 15 characters, with a combined total of 20 characters. Choose wisely!
Final Fantasy Lore Dive: Just for Fun
Let’s explore the wider Final Fantasy universe.
Power Rankings: FF Edition
Who is the strongest character in Final Fantasy? Many fans say Lightning from FFXIII. For the strongest move, “Ultima” from Final Fantasy VI is a classic. The weakest character? Poor Edward from Final Fantasy IV often gets that dubious title.
Venturing Beyond Eorzea: DPS in Other Worlds
Let’s look at DPS in different games.
Genshin Impact’s DPS Darling: Alhaitham
In Genshin Impact, Alhaitham stands out as one of the strongest DPS characters. He deals serious Dendro damage.
Elder Scrolls Online’s DPS Duel: Dark Elf vs. Khajiit
For Stamina DPS in The Elder Scrolls Online, consider Dark Elf or Khajiit. Race plays a more significant role in ESO than in FFXIV when it comes to min-maxing DPS.
WoW Classic Warrior Woes (or Wins?): Fury Spec
In WoW Classic, aiming for top-tier DPS as a Warrior often means choosing Fury spec. Get ready to rage!
Mouse Matters: DPI for Days
In gaming discussions, mouse DPI (dots per inch) comes up often. Most players prefer a DPI setting between 800 and 2400 for optimal performance. Find what feels right for you.
Mouse Might: More Than Just Clicking
The type of mouse you use can significantly influence your gaming experience. A quality gaming mouse provides higher precision, faster response, customizable buttons, and better ergonomics than a simple office mouse.
D&D Domination: Overpowered Classes
In tabletop RPGs, Wizards in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) 5e often rank as the most versatile and powerful class.
Fantasy Race Face-Off: Gods and More
In fantasy lore, strength often belongs to physiological gods like Olympians, Eternals, D&D creations, and Asgardian Gods. They rank high in power.
Perfect World Prowess: Archer’s Accuracy
In Perfect World MMORPG, the Archer class excels as a strong DPS class. Every game has its standout DPS!
This wraps up a quick look at DPS classes in Final Fantasy XIV and beyond. Hopefully, this helps you choose your character. , the best DPS class is the one you enjoy. Experiment, have fun, and may your damage numbers increase!
For more job suggestions, check out CBR’s list of 10 Most Fun Jobs to Play in Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail. Happy adventuring!
