FFXIV All Jobs Unlocking & Requirements (Sage & Reaper added)

SHADOWBRINGERS UPDATED: Dancer and Gunbreaker added. Learn the requirements and how to unlock all jobs and classes in FFXIV!

Hello there and welcome to our completely overhauled FFXIV Job Unlocking & Requirements Guide! This guide is updated up to Endwalker! Let’s get right to it, straight to a summary table! Althrough I have a feeling you’re here for Reaper, or Sage lol. I’ll add a small blurb at the very end for Unlocking DoH and DoL jobs.

If you’re confused, or maybe looking for a base class – look at the notes below the table.

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Job Requirements & Unlock Quest: SUMMARY

Click on the class name to scroll to its more detailed section.

JobCodeUnlock Quest NameLocation & AreaXYRequirement Note
ReaperRPRThe Killer InstinctUl'dah - Steps of Nald139Disciple of War or Magic L70
SageSGESage's PathLimsa Lominsa Lower Decks913Disciple of War or Magic L70
AstrologianASTStairway to the HeavensThe Pillars1510Disciple of War or Magic L50
BardBRDA Song of Bards and BowmenNew Gridania1511Archer (ARC) L30
Black MageBLMTaking the BlackUldah - Steps of Nald712Thaumaturge (LNC) L30
Blue MageBLUOut of the BlueLimsa Lower Decks1011Disciple of War or Magic L50
DancerDNCShall We DanceLimsa Lower Decks912DoW or DoM L60
Dark KnightDRKOur EndThe Pillars138Disciple of War or Magic L50
DragoonDRGEye of the DragonOld Gridania145Lancer (LNC) L30
GunbreakerGNBThe Makings of a GunbreakerNew Gridania1111DoW or DoM L60
MachinistMCHSavior of SkysteelFoundation810DoW or DoM L50
MonkMNKBrother from Another MotherUldah - Steps of Nald910Pugilist (PGL) L30
PaladinPLDPaladin's PledgeUldah - Steps of Thal911Gladiator (GLD) L30
Red MageRDMTaking the RedUldah - Steps of Thal1411Disciple of War or Magic L50
NinjaNINPeasants by Day, Ninjas by NightLimsa Lower Decks816Rogue (ROG) L30
SamuraiSAMThe Way of the SamuraiUldah - Steps of Nald99Disciple of War or Magic L50
ScholarSCHForgotten but Not GoneLimsa Lower Decks411Arcanist (ACN) L30
SummonerSMNAusterities of FlameLimsa Lower Decks411Arcanist (ACN) L30
WarriorWARPride and Duty (Will Take You...Limsa Upper Decks116Marauder (MRD) L30
White MageWHMSeer FollyOld Gridania610Conjurer (CNJ) L30

From here, let’s have a little note about each and every job (or class) you want to unlock, its requirements, and a little protip for each!

Base Classes Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

ALMOST ALL base classes (WITH THE NOTABLE EXCEPTION OF ROGUE), can be accessed as you create your character, as you spawn into this world! Here’s a quick table of base classes (click on the box below), and where to unlock them.

Base Class unlocking table
JobCodeUnlock Quest NameLocation & AreaXY
ArcanistACNWay of the ArcanistLimsa Lower Decks411
ArcherARCWay of the ArcherNew Gridania1512
ConjurerCNJWay of the ConjurerOld Gridania611
GladiatorGLDWay of the GladiatorUldah - Steps of Thal911
LancerLNCWay of the LancerOld Gridania145
MarauderMRDWay of the MarauderLimsa Upper Decks116
PugilistPGLWay of the PugilistUldah - Steps of Nald910
RogueROGMy First DaggersLimsa Lower Decks816
ThaumaturgeTHMWay of the ThaumaturgeUldah - Steps of Nald712

ALL OF THE BASE CLASSES
seem to have ditched the old requirements to unlock..?
You only need Level 10 in your original base class?

Rogue is a little different. It’s the only base class you cannot START THE GAME WITH. So any new player aspiring to be a Rogue (and eventually Ninja) would be best served by choosing a starter base class that spawns in Limsa, either Arcanist or Marauder. But honestly, it doesn’t make much of a difference.

Astrologian Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Astrologian.

  • Quest: Stairway to the Heavens
  • Location: The Pillars (15,10)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 50 DoW or DoM
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

New players wanting to play AST asap will have to take a bit of a detour. The requirements are having a disciple or magic or war at level 50. So you might as well level up a healer. Start the game as Conjurer (into White Mage), or Arcanist (into Scholar).

The sad part is Astrologian starts at L30. Ouch.

Bard Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Bard.

  • Quest: A Song of Bards and Bowmen
  • Location: New Gridania (15,11)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 30 Archer (ARC), and all class quests.
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet: New Gridania -> Archers Guild

Being part of the original roster of Jobs, new players aspiring to play BRD have it easy. Simply start the game as an Archer, and you’ll be well on your way to being a Bard!

Black Mage Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Black Mage.

  • Quest: Taking the Black
  • Location: Uldah – Steps of Nald (7,12)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 30 Thaumaturge (THM), and all class quests.
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

As one of the original Jobs, new players wanting to blow up the world with BLM simply have to start the game as Thaumaturge, and you’ll be burning your path to Black Mage in no time.

Blue Mage Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

WARNING: MEME TIER JOB. PLEASE READ

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Blue Mage.

  • Quest: Out of the Blue
  • Location: Limsa Lower Decks (10,11)
  • NPC: Zealous Leatherjacket
  • Requirements: Level 50 DoW or DoM
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

HOLD IT! BEFORE YOU HAVE DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR ABOUT YOUR CARREER AS A BLUE MAGE – BLU is the first “Limited Job” which means quite a bit IT DOES NOT REACH MAX LEVEL! So hold your horses. Sadly you have to choose something else for a serious path.

It’s meant to be a fun sidejob which has a completely different progression path and goals from your typical combat jobs. Currently, Blue Mage is a purely “for fun” kinda job… I suppose…

Dancer Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Dancer.

  • Quest: Shall We Dance
  • Location: Limsa Lower Decks (9,12)
  • NPC: Eager Lominsan
  • Requirements: Level 60 DoW or DoM
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet: Lower Decks Aetheryte straight up… it’s near.

As one of the Shadowbringer Jobs, Dancer requires you have a level 60 disciple or war or magic to unlock. So new players have a bit of a journey ahead before they get to shake dat booty.

Technically the quickest way to level up to 60 is by taking advantage of tank or healer queues, but I would highly advise newer players to play a similar role – so starting from Archer into Bard should get you in rhythm.

Dark Knight Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Dark Knight.

  • Quest: Our End
  • Location: The Pillars (13,8)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 50 DoW or DoM
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

New players wanting to play DRK asap will have to wait a bit. You need a Level 50 disciple of magic or war to unlock Dark Knight. My advice is to get used to tanking, and start the game as Gladiator (into Paladin), or Marauder (into Warrior).

Sadly, Dark Knight is one of three jobs that “backtrack” in level, starting out their journey at Level 30. Oof.

Dragoon Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Dragoon.

  • Quest: Eye of the Dragon
  • Location: Old Gridania (14,5)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 30 Lancer (LNC), and all class quests.
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

New players attracted by the flashiness of DRG are in luck – it’s one of the original jobs so starting the game out as Lancer (LNC) will “point” you in the right direction.

Gunbreaker Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Gunbreaker.

  • Quest: The Makings of a Gunbreaker
  • Location: New Gridania (11,11)
  • NPC: Gods’ Quiver bow
  • Requirements: Level 60 DoW or DoM
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet: New Gridania straight up. Near aetheryte.

New players who wanna squall it up as GNB will have to put in some work first. You need an L60 combat class of any other kind. I highly recommend picking something of the same role though. So Gladiator into Paladin, or Marauder into Warrior are your best bets.

Gunbreaker starts at L60 so there’s no real time lost there.

Machinist Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Machinist.

  • Quest: Savior of Skysteel
  • Location: Foundation (8,10)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 50 DoW or DoM
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

New players who want to pile it in with the bots as MCH are in for a bit of work… You need an L50 combat class, which technically is easiest reached by a tank or healer.

HOWEVER, I will always recommend another class of the same role so Archer (ARC) into Bard (BRD) would be my shot at a recommendation.

Sadly, Machinist is one of three classes that backtrack their level – starting out as a Level 30 character. Hnnng.

Monk Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Monk.

  • Quest: Brother from Another Mother
  • Location: Uldah – Steps of Nald (9,10)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level30 Pugilist (PGL), and all class quests.
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

New players who have the unexplained desire to punch stuff ASAP with MNK are in luck – it’s one of the original jobs so starting the game off as Pugilist (PGL) will allows you to hit it off in no time.

Ninja Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Ninja.

  • Quest: Peasants by Day, Ninjas by Night
  • Location:  Limsa Lower Decks (8,16)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 30 Rogue (ROG), and all class quests.
  • Aetheryte / Aethernet:

New players wanting to live the NIN dream will want to get to Rogue (ROG) ASAP. However, you cannot start the game as rogue!

That being said Rogues need a relatively low unlock requirement (L10, and a low level MSQ). The most efficient choice for me personally is picking any other class that starts in Limsa, Marauder or Arcanist, then switch to Rogue when able.

Paladin Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Paladin.

  • Quest: Paladin’s Pledge
  • Location: Uldah – Steps of Thal (9,11)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 30 Gladiator (GLD), and all class quests.
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

New players wanting to star the game as PLD are lucky – it’s one of the original jobs! Simply starting the game as Gladiator will reinforce your path straight into the shield.

Reaper Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Reaper.

  • Quest: The Killer Instinct
  • Location: Ul’dah – Steps of Nald (12.8, 8.6)
  • NPC: Flustered Attendant
  • Requirements: Level 70 DoW or DoM
  • Aetheryte / Aethernet: Ul’dah – Steps of Nald, Adventurer’s Guild

Since RPR unlocks at a high level with many skills, check out our Reaper initial skills, setup and rotation guide.

New players wanting to be up and coming edgelords rushing into Reaping might want to start as any melee DPS. Pick any starting melee DPS (Monk, Dragoon, or Ninja) as your goal, and unlock its base class (Pugilist, Lancer, or Rogue respectively).

Alternatively, if you want to reach L70 ASAP you can abuse tank or healer queues, but, I heavily suggest going for a similar role and job as the one you’re aspiring to me.

Red Mage Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Red Mage.

  • Quest: Taking the Red
  • Location: Uldah – Steps of Thal (14,11)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 50 DoW or DoM
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

New players itching to swashbuckle as RDM will have to level up another combat class to L50 first. While technically leveling a tank or healer would improve your speed I always recommend picking a similar class to kickstart your journey!

That being said, the closest thing would be Thaumaturge (THM) into Black Mage (BLM). From there, get to Red Mage!

Luckily RDM starts as L50 so you’ll pick up right where you left off.

Sage Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Sage.

  • Quest: Sage’s Path
  • Location: Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (9, 13)
  • NPC: Sharlayan Maiden
  • Requirements: Level 70 DoW or DoM
  • Aetheryte / Aethernet: Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks

Since SGE unlocks at a high level with many skills, check out our Sage initial skills, setup and rotation guide.

Rushing for Sage? Then you might wanna train up any other healer first until L70 then switching up to Sage. If you’re absolutely new then you’re going to want to start the game as one of the healer classes, Conjurer or Arcanist, which becomes White Mage and Schiolar Respectively.

Samurai Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Samurai.

  • Quest: The Way of the Samurai
  • Location: Uldah – Steps of Nald (9,9)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 50 DoW or DoM
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

New players wanting to train in the blade of SAM have to level up another combat class to Level 50 first… Technically, the fastest way is to level up a tank or healer to take advantage of faster queues –

BUT! I always advise going for a similar role on your journey. Pick any starting melee DPS (Monk, Dragoon, or Ninja) as your goal, and unlock its base class (Pugilist, Lancer, or Rogue respectively).

Luckily Samurai starts at L50 – right where you left off!

Scholar Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Scholar.

  • Quest: Forgotten but Not Gone
  • Location: Limsa Lower Decks (4,11)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 30 Arcanist (ACN), and all class quests.
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

New players strategizing their way to SCH should rest easy since it’s one of the original jobs! Starting out as an Arcanist (ACN) should put you right in the books to become a Scholar!

As an added bonus, SCHOLAR EXP IS SHARED WITH SUMMONER – so you can choose to pew pew when it suits you! (Soloing, for example).

Summoner Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Summoner.

  • Quest: Austerities of Flame
  • Location: Limsa Lower Decks (4,11)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 30 Arcanist (ACN), and all class quests.
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet:

New players wanting to control deez SMN pets are in luck. It’s one of the original jobs so starting the game as Arcanist (ACN) will put you right in control up to Summoner!

As an added bonus SUMMONER EXP IS SHARED WITH SCHOLAR, so you get a healer to boot!

Warrior Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Warrior.

  • Quest: Pride and Duty (Will Take You…)
  • Location: Limsa Lominsa Upper Decks (11,6)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: L30 Marauder (MRD), and all class quests.
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet: Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks -> Marauders Guild.

New players itching to be an Axe-wielding WAR, fret not! It’s one of the original jobs so starting off as a Marauder (MRD) will put you in the right direction straight to Warrior!

White Mage Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking White Mage.

  • Quest: Seer Folly
  • Location: Old Gridania (6,10)
  • NPC:
  • Requirements: Level 30 Conjurer (CNJ), and all class quests.
  • Aetheryte -> Aethernet: New Gridania

New players who want to go straight to WHM are in luck. It’s one of the original jobs so simply starting your journey as a Conjurer (CNJ) will set you on the straight and narrow to White Mage!

DoH and DoL Jobs – Might as well put it here!

Just a quick addition here, if you’re trying to unlock all of ’em I’ll list ’em by location first.

Crafters (DoH) Disciple of the Hand
Limsa: Armorsmith, Blacksmith, Culinarian.
Ul’dah: Alchemist, Goldsmith, Weaver.
Gridania: Carpenter, Leatherworker.

Gatherers (DoL) Disciple of the Land)
Limsa: Fisher
Ul’dah: Miner
Gridania: Botanist

THAT’S IT FOR ALL JOB UNLOCKS!

I’ll be updating this guide with further supplemental info in the very near future, so stay tuned! GOOD LUCK UNLOCKING THOSE JOBS AND GETTING THOSE REQUIREMENTS!

FFXIV Bard (BRD) Basics Guide & FAQ – Shadowbringers Updated!

MIN & BTN Leveling Guides updated. Other notes...

Botanist Leveling to 90, as well as Miner Leveling to 90 are updated for the Endwalker tier. Older tiers needs some fixing, although I modernized what I could quickly – I placed the important notes on the top of the aforementioned guides reflecting the major things that you need to take note of.

I will post a personal update soon, for those that are curious…

Becoming a Bard? I believe you’ve bumped into the right place for BRD job info! We talk about basic information and FAQs in our Bard Basics Guide. Read on if you’re expecting to learn about unlocking BRD, Bard Job Identity, trait and skill list, crafters and gatherers related to BRD, and link to other important Bard info!

Bard is a Ranged Physical DPS job, and one of the starting nine jobs introduced in 2.0 A Realm Reborn. BRDs were the only Ranged Physical DPS at the time, until 3.0 came out with Machinists.

How to become a Bard? Unlocking BRD:

First and foremost you need to have a Level 30 Archer, and have completed the L30 ARC class quest, “The One That Got Away”. After doing this you can unlock the actual quest to become a Bard, “A Song of Bards and Bowmen” which is issued by the Archer guildmaster Luciane in Gridania – New Gridania.

Also, you need to complete a level 20 MSQ, “Sylph Management”, which realistically should be done by the time you’re looking to unlock Bard. 

Note that, upon completing A Song of Bards and Bowmen you MUST EQUIP the “Soul of the Bard” to actually formally BECOME a BRD. Interestingly, in the old days, unlocking Bard required L15 Pugilist – thankfully that’s no longer the case.

Rushing to or want to know how to unlock a certain class? Learn more:
FFXIV Job Unlock & Requirements Guide.

Bard Playstyle & BRD Job Identity

If you’ve asked yourself, “Why play, try, or choose Bard?” – here’s my attempt at selling you the BRD class.

As a ranged character, Bards feel really “safe” to play. Managing your DoT’s is another major aspect of FFXIV’s BRD so if you’re into that. HOWEVER, don’t go into bard thinking you’ll have that “sniper” “assassin” longbow character – Bards are undoubtedly in the supportive spectrum of DPS classes and their average DPS shows it. They’re also above average in the “hectic” rotation scale.

Aesthetically and thematically, the FFXIV Bard isn’t something you always see in modern MMORPG’s. It’s a hybrid of a “Magical Songstress”, and “Mystic Archer” if I’m to use my own scrubby descriptions – but it does such a good job of MASHING those two together both in form and function. Speaking of mashing things together, your keyboard will soon know that too.

DISCLAIMER

DISCLAIMER: This is not meant to be a blurb that aligns with the current meta. That changes from patch to patch. Our goal here is to provide you with an idea of what the job is trying to be, getting cues from both the Developers’ concrete decisions on job design, as well as our own feedback.

What Crafters & Gatherers should Bard level?

While it’s common in MMORPG’s to think you want to craft your own gear as you level up your BRD… I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT.

Leveling up your DoH and DoL jobs should be thought of as a different activity completely. To be honest, if you’re a newer player, simply ensure that you DO NOT OVERCAP Levequests (always have less than 100).

The only relation a combat job has to a crafter or gatherer class is “which classes do you need to repair your gear”? My advice, ultimately, is pretty much all or nothing – level up all DoH classes in tandem. As a separate project, level up all DoL classes in tandem (with the optional Fisher).

What’s the best race for Bard?

Racial stats are (was?) a thing. However, I highly recommend not caring about it. The difference in performance between the “best” and “worst” race for you is not even 0.1%.

My advice? Pick for aesthetics. Will you stay the same job forever? If you change mains, will you race change? Ultimately, the difference is so microscopic that I cannot in good faith tell you that racial stats are an integral part of your character.

I won’t even link the Racial Stats Guide, as I haven’t checked up on this in a while – and I don’t want to cement the idea that the “best race” really matters.

Related Bard Guides – Read More!

Here are a few useful links for you:

Upcoming Odds and Ends

Here’s a few things we’ll be adding on here in the near future:

  • Adding a “links to further resources”, we’re doing a site restructure so once those links are set, they’ll go in here.
  • Human-readable, newbie-friendly skill and trait list.
    > I used to have the in-game skill list here, but I found it useless as the in-game one is better… I’d rather have a new player friendly rundown.
  • More descriptive job identity? Pics?
    > I dunno… pictures of the job gauges? A gif of some flashy skills?
  • Feel free to suggest anything else via comment or socials!

Summary & Outro

Well that’s about it for a really, really basic guide that hopefully points some lost souls in the right direction, or answers some of your questions regarding Bard.


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FFXIV Ranged DPS Role Actions: Guide & FAQ (Shadowbringers UPDATED)

All you need to know about Healer Role Actions in FFXIV, the replacement for cross-class skills!

Here’s quick  guide about Physical Ranged DPS Role Actions! Shadowbringers has brought yet another update to the Role Actions system (previously the cross-class skills system). This time around, we no longer have to choose – and have access to all Role Actions!

(As a note, people informally refer to these classes as “Ranged”)

What Jobs get the Physical Ranged Role Actions?

Job Classes

Bard (BRD)
Machinist (MCH)
Dancer (DNC)

Base Classes 

Archer (ARC)

Ranged DPS Role Actions – Navigation:
Ranged Role Actions List | Role Actions Uses & Discussion

Ranged DPS Role Actions list

LevelActionDescriptionCastRecastDuration
6Leg GrazeAfflicts target with Heavy +40% for 10s.Instant3010
8Second WindRestore own HP, scales with attack power.
Cure Potency: 500
Instant120-
10Foot GrazeBinds target for 10s.Instant3010
20PelotonIncreases out of combat movespeed for nearby party members.Instant530
24Head GrazeInterrupts the use of a target's action.Instant30-
32Arm's LengthIgnore most position altering effects for 5s. Cause Slow +20% for 15s when struck.Instant1206(15)

Ranged DPS Role Actions: Quick Strategy & Discussion

Here we talk a little bit about each of the role actions, and their applications.

Leg Graze & Foot Graze

Mostly useful while soloing. This very very VERY becomes useful in raids. If it does, don’t fret not binding these skills as they aren’t commonly used anyway. Heavy and Bind really don’t come up very often in hardcore content.

The usefulness of Bind (and to a lesser extent Heavy) while questing is amazing!

Second Wind

Can save your life in raids when expertly used. Learn how to use it well! Never bad to have a self-heal while soloing too, of course.

Note: As a healer main there are very few instances where Second Wind ACTUALLY helps. It’s great for when you accidentally took a hit before a damaging mechanic. Ask your healers about it!

Head Graze

Interrupts are rarely used in raids, but very important when they are. Being a ranged character, it’s usually you or the tank who is responsible for it. Don’t sweat binding to a useful button, as it doesn’t come up very often.

Peloton

A great little luxury skill to speed up dungeon runs in between pull and all non-combat walking in general. Godlike for questing and moving around in town, haha.

Arm’s Length

A very niche skill to cheese some raid encounters. Don’t worry about binding this (I would click it), as it really is quite rare. Remember this skill each time a knockback happens in a raid, and imagine how it could be most useful.

Ranged DPS Role Actions – Navigation:
Ranged Role Actions List | Role Actions Uses & Discussion

Well, that’s about it for Ranged DPS Role Actions! FOR NOW! I’ll be adding to this soon.

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FFXIV 3.2 Bard (BRD) Best in Slot (BiS) Gear

3.2 UPDATED! BRD Best in slot guide! “Paeon again!?”. BRD Lore buy order, Melding, Pages & Normals, more!

A song of venom and wind to rust and ruin deez rampaging robots! Back as Bard in 3.2? Well, you’ve found the right place for 3.2 BRD BiS! Shoutout to Tiffany Faye!

Quicknotes: Of course, is very similar to MCH BiS. 3/29/16 I UPDATED THE BiS! I wrote this one quite early, and underestimated Skill Speed on BRD. I was stuck in the Gordias mindset and if given the choice choose DET over SS with a small stat weight difference. MORE ON THIS IN THE NOTES SECTION. The list below reflect the better stat weights of SS and actually being able to USE it. The change from the original list I posted is TWO items (chest) and 2-4 melds.

Navigation: Bard BiS
BRD BiS | Discussion | Lore Buy Order | Crafted TBA

3.2 Bard Best-in-Slot

BRDItemMeld 1Meld 2ACCCRITDETSS
WeaponMidan Metal BowCRIT VCRIT V-110118-
Offhand---
HelmMidan Goggles of AimingACC VACC IV6969--
BodyMidan Coat of AimingCRIT VCRIT V-102-112
HandAugmented Torrent Armguards of AimingACC VSS V6069-12
BeltMidan Belt of AimingACC V-125134-
LegsAugmented Torrent Tights of AimingCRIT VCRIT V-102-112
BootsMidan Boots of AimingCRIT VCRIT IV6924-48
NeckMidan Neckband of AimingACC V-4851--
EarringAugmented Primal Earrings of AimingACC V-125134-
WristAugmented Primal Bracelet of AimingCRIT V-5148--
RingAugmented Primal Ring of AimingCRIT V--4849-
RingMidan Ring of AimingCRIT V-3612-51
FoodSteamed Staff---40-16
StatsTotal stats from gear357777235351
End value7111131453705
 

BRD BiS Discussion

Bard best-in-slot ain’t so bad this time around. This set features the ‘PRACTICAL’ absolute maximum critical hit chance a Bard can attain without gimping themselves.

— UPDATED BiS NOTES —

My original BiS list favored DET over SS even if SS had a tiny tiny edge over DET in terms of stat weight, due to reasons no longer valid in 3.2.

Skill Speed is actually pretty good these days! Why the change of heart? Well, the main reasons are its TP, Stat weightCast time and Scaling.

Lesser TP costs and encounter uptimes in 3.2 – TP isn’t really an issue these days. so that’s a tiny nod for SS.

Stat Weight? Even on its own, SS beats out DET by a tiny tiny margin.

Cast Time is a “non-tangible” bonus that you can move out of AoE faster, and may be able to get your skill off safely as compared to DET in some niche cases, providing a practical DPS boost that isn’t seen on the sheet.

Scaling? Det scales poorly, while SS scales better the more you have of it (but not quite as good as CRIT still). So in effect, if you’re gonna dump your other stats that “aren’t crit” into one pile – it’s better off in SS.

Do we really have to buy lore weapon? Yes, it’s a bitter pill to swallow but yes you do. The Sephirot Bows stats aren’t exactly magical… delay the weapon no later than after left-side purchases.

BRD Lore Tomestone Buy Order

The below spending strategy is purely to obtain BiS fastest:

  • Weapon: Horrific stats, luckily you’re forced to buy other items due to waiting on Hypercharged Tomestone… “what do”. You’ll have to buy this at some point, man.
  • Legs: Since Midan filler is A7.
  • Hands: Ahh some much needed accuracy…
  • Ring > Wrist > Earring in that order of value.

***THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE DELAY to buy WEAPON is after you’ve completed left-side items!***

ANYTHING ELSE IS OPTIONAL: left-side fillers first Body > Boots > Head > Belt, then accessories Neck > Ring(Unupgraded).

USING UP PAGES AND MIDAS NORMAL PARTS

Click on the expandables below to see how you should spend pages, and which Midas Normal parts to get first –

Midan Savage Pages

MIDAN SAVAGE PAGES

Page spending detailed below is to get BiS fastest:

A5S: Belt > Neck > Ring > Any
A6S: Head > Boots > Illuminati Dark Gobcoat  x 3  > Any
A7S: Illuminati Taut Gobtwine x 2 > Any
A8S: Body > Weapon > Any. (Gobdip and just wait for bow drop is OK too)

Midan Normal Parts

MIDAN NORMAL PARTS

“what should BRD’s pick up in Midas normal”! Is a common question, so here it is! This is a general thing, and people might have varying levels of gear or goals but as a catch-all good enough recommendation:

BRDM1NM2NM3NM4N
Week 1chainboltspringspring
Week 2pedalpedalspringspring
Week 3boltlenscrankcrank
Week 4boltboltlensANY

With this setup we’re trying not to get body as we’re buying lore chest ASAP. All the other body pieces have pretty amazing stats and will serve you or a long time! BOLTS = Ring > Neck > Any. Week 5+ ANY.

Click the above!!!

BRD Crafted Gear Viability

I’ll update this later on so I can finish all the other BiS lists. Pretty much 90% of what ‘yer lookin’ for is here already anyways.

Navigation: Bard BiS
BRD BiS | Discussion | Lore Buy Order | Crafted TBA

Blood let the robots fool you – your loot is definitely out there! GL gearing your Bard 3.2 BiS!

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FFXIV Bard (BRD) Cross Class skills guide

Go to our Stormblood updated
Ranged DPS Role Actions Guide
instead!

What are the Archer -> Bard Cross Class Skills? Here, we will be strictly discussing the cross-class skills Bard can get.

How many cross-class skills can I get as a Bard? Any job class may only equip five (5) cross-class skills.

From what other classes does Bard get skills from? Pugilist and Lancer.

What are the best Bard cross-class skills? This is discussed below.

Full list of Bard (BRD) Cross-class skills

NameIconLevelDescriptionFrom Class
Feint2Damages and slows enemiesLancer (LNC)
Featherfoot4Increases evasionPugilist (PGL)
Keen Flurry6Increases parry rateLancer (LNC)
Second Wind8Instantly restores own HPPugilist (PGL)
Haymaker10Delivers an blow after evading an attackPugilist (PGL)
Internal Release12Increases critical hit ratePugilist (PGL)
Invigorate22Instantly restores 300 TPLancer (LNC)
Blood for Blood34Damage dealt +20%, Damage taken +25%Lancer (LNC)
Mantra42Increases HP recovery via curing magic by 5% for self and nearby party membersPugilist (PGL)

 

Bard (BRD) Cross-class skills discussion

Feint – Useful for more difficult pulls for reducing enemy DPS and cast times. depends on the encounter/s, and the presence of a lancer or dragoon.

Featherfoot / Haymaker – Ideally taken together, but these two are pretty sub-par. Featherfoot can help, but it’s very unlikely these are going to be of any use in any serious encounter.

Second Wind – Self-heal on demand. As always, a must have.

Internal Release – This is absolutely nuts on Bard. More crits means more Bloodletter.

Invigorate – An obvious take for any TP class.

Blood for Blood – the best DPS increasing skill, but comes at steep cost. The 25% damage could mean death in some difficult encounters.

Mantra – Another great skill for raiding. Every little bit helps!

Ideal Bard (BRD) Cross-class progression

  1. Archer to 15 for: Unlocking other classes.
  2. Lancer to 2 for: Feint
  3. Archer to 30 for: BRD Requirement.
  4. Pugilist to 15 for: BRD Requirement, Internal Release.
  5. BRD to 50 for: Maximum level.
  6. Lancer to 34 for: Blood for Blood
  7. Pugilist to 42 for: Mantra (All Cross-class skills obtained)

Bards progression is pretty straight forward. The road to 50 is quite easy using just the Bards skillset. However, LNC to 2 for Feint can help make your PvE life easier.

Summary

  • Bards use skills from: Pugilist and Lancer.
  • Almost all Bard cross-class skills are great. Offensively, Internal Release and Blood for Blood are solid.
  • Keen Flurry, Second Wind and  Mantra are all useful defensive skills.
  • Recommendations: Second Wind, Internal Release, Invigorate, Blood for Blood, Mantra.

More Info: Archer | Bard | ARC BRD Stats

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FFXIV Archer / Bard Stats & Materia Guide

What’s a good archer stats build? What are useful bard stats? Archer/Bard materia? If any of these questions brought you here, you came to the right place. Whether its by stat allocation, gear or materia, knowing what stats your Archer or Bard need should never be far from mind!

Archer (ARC) & Bard (BRD) Stats

What are the archer or bard stat weights?

DEX > Critical Chance > Determination  > PIE > Skill Speed > VIT

*These may vary slightly from patch to patch, or by personal preference. Following the recommendation above will always give you a good ARC & BRD build.

Archer (ARC) & Bard (BRD) Primary Stats Allocation

What stats should I add as a archer or bard?

DEX > PIE > VIT

Since this is where people may mess up the most, I’ll explain it in word for word. When you allocate stats, put as much points into DEX (Dexterity) as you can. If you cannot put any more points into DEX, place points into PIE (Piety). If you cannot put any more points into DEX and/or PIE, invest in VIT (Vitality).

Dexterity – Ranged physical damage up. Move on.

Piety – More mana to keep bard songs up longer. The value of piety rises sharply depending on how organized your group is.

Vitality – Increases total HP. Again, a luxury stat to give more breathing room for yourself and healers. Welcome, but not integral.

 

Archer (ARC) & Bard (BRD) Secondary Stats

What are good secondary stats for archer and bard, and why?

Critical Chance > Determination > Skill Speed

While you can’t allocate this directly, these will be heavily considered when picking gear upgrades and slotting materia.

Critical Chance – Nuts on Bards. Doing critical DoT damage with [Wind Bite] and [Venomous Bite] reset [Bloodletter].

Determination – Generic damage increase. Nothing special here.

Skill Speed – Even if returns are low, this stat is theoretically amazing on archers and bards. Why? 2 reasons. First, Enhanced Barrage is disgustingly strong. Second, Landing auto-attacks are essential to archers, who do not have a (dedicated) resource management mechanism. This has a soft-cap of around 1,000 where you hit the GCD cap of 1.50s.

Mahiko’s Note – I hesitate whenever recommending Skill Speed, and personally I’d value it much higher. I guess the explanation is long, and belongs on the eventual Page 2 “Theorycrafting” of these stat pages…

Archer (ARC) & Bard (BRD) Materia

This is directly related to the first section. As you may know, all gear has a limit for each stat it can have, the higher its Item Level, the higher amount of stats it can hold. So the idea is to max out (or get close to maxing out) the left most, and work your way right. Again:

DEX > Critical Chance > Determination  > PIE > Skill Speed > VIT

Mahiko’s Note: PIE is always good to have (We’re discussing PvE here). The importance really depends on how organized your playgroup is…

Materia Name
DEX: Dexterity
Critical Chance: Savage Aim
Determination: Savage Might
PIE: Piety
Skill Speed: Quickarm
VIT: Vitality

See Also: Materia Guide | Melding Guide

Summary:

  • Overall ARC BRD stat importance: DEX > Critical Chance > Determination  > PIE > Skill Speed > VIT
  • ARC BRD Stat allocation: DEX > PIE > VIT
  • Secondary stats for ARC BRD: Critical Chance > Determination > Skill Speed
  • Reference links: Archer FAQ, Bard FAQ
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Have a question about ARC /BRD? Chime in on the comments or in our Archer / Bard Forums.