FFXIV classes explained: How to pick & best jobs

❘ Published: 2024-03-15T15:00:44

Square Enix

FFXIV features a comprehensive class and job system that allows you to choose a job that better suits you and your play style. Here’s a quick rundown of FFXIV classes and every job they have to offer.

Released in 2013, Final Fantasy XIV is an MMORPG known for some of the best storylines, gameplay, great combat system, and more across the Final Fantasy franchise.

Apart from this, it also features a job system, categorized into various classes belonging to a specific discipline. Each class has its own perk such as defense, healing, and attack, with every job also featuring unique abilities.

Here’s all you need to know about all the FFXIV classes.

Every class in Final Fantasy XIV
- Tank
- Healer
- DPS
How to pick or change classes in FFXIV
Final Fantasy XIV jobs tier list

In FFXIV every class belongs to a certain discipline.

Every class in Final Fantasy XIV

There are three main classes in FFXIV and here’s everything about them along with the jobs they offer.

Tank

As the name suggests, the Tank class in FFXIV acts as a shield of the party and is usually the main enemy target. But thanks to their high HP and beefed-up defenses via spells they can take a beating for a long period of time before they go down.

Paladin, Warrior, Dark Knight, and Gunbreaker are the jobs available in the Tank class.

Healer

Healer is one of the best FFXIV classes as its healing abilities can turn the tide of a battle. With some healers increasing HP and others providing shields to lessen the damage, you need to pick the right one that suits your playstyle.

FFXIV has White Mage, Scholar, Astrologian, and Sage jobs in the Healer class.

DPS

DPS is divided into three categories: Melee, Physical Ranged, and Magical Ranged. This makes it one of the only FFXIV classes to contain more jobs than the other ones.

As the name suggests, the Melee DPS category deals with melee attacks which can come in clutch due to their ability to do substantial damage, especially when attacked from behind. Monk, Dragoon, Ninja, Samurai, Repear, and Viper are the jobs available in Melee DPS.

Physical Ranged DPS can move freely in a battle which allows them to attack from various sides making for a great mobile category. In FFXIV, Physical Ranged DPS consists of Bard, Machinist, and Dancer jobs.

The final category in the DPS class is Magical Ranged. Characters in this class attack enemies using their magic while standing at a distance. Although they are restricted by casting times, they can deal high burst damage. Black Mage, Summoner, Red Mage, and Pictomancer are the jobs available in Magical Ranged DPS.

How to pick or change classes in FFXIV

To pick or change classes in Final Fantasy XIV, you need to complete the level ten Gladiator Class quest. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Finish the level 10 Gladiator Class quest to unlock the Armory System.
Next, you can either buy a weapon for the class you want to join or talk to the guild receptionist of the class you to switch to.
This will start the class-specific quest after which you will get a weapon of the class you picked.

The job system was added to FFXIV in Patch 1.21.

Final Fantasy XIV jobs tier list

Here are the best FFXIV jobs or classes ranked from best to worst:

Tier	Jobs
S	Warrior, White Mage, Sage, Gunbreaker, Machinist
A	Dark Knight, Paladin, Scholar, Monk, Reaper, Dancer
B	Samurai, Ninja, Black Mage, Summoner,
C	Dragoon, Astrologian, Bard, Red Mage

That was all about FFXIV classes. For more on the games in the FF franchise, have a look at: