Classes

This page of the IGN wiki guide for FFXIV explains each of the major classes and jobs you can come across during your time in Eorzea. Here, you'll get a solid foundational understanding of which jobs and classes are right for you by reading our descriptions of each. Note that you can switch your job or class at any time, and you can even level each job up to maximum level (90, for DoW and DoM jobs) on the same character.

There are 4 different Disciplines in Final Fantasy XIV. Each discipline covers a certain aspect of combat or crafting. Disciples of War are your physical damage dealers and Disciples of Magic are your magic casters, naturally. Classes within Disciples of the Hand deal with crafting while Disciples of the Land deal with harvesting and collecting materials. For info on all these various classes and disciplines, check out the links below!

Disciples of War

Disciples of War refers to the physical damage type classes. Archers, Gladiators, Lancers, Pugilists, and Marauders fall into this category.

Tanks

Paladin

Official description: "For centuries, the elite of the Sultansworn have served as personal bodyguards to the royal family of Ul'dah. Known as paladins, these men and women marry exquisite swordplay with stalwart shieldwork to create a style of combat uncompromising in its defense. Clad in brilliant silver armor, they charge fearlessly into battle, ever ready to lay down their lives for their liege. To be a paladin is to protect, and those who choose to walk this path will become the iron foundation upon which the party's defense is built."

What it does: Wields a sword and shield into battle with an added helping of healing and damage-dealing spells.

Who it's for: Whoever wants to play as a classic knight in shining armor, who can withstand most attacks and defend their party mates without backing down. Paladins are the most formidable defensive class, bar none, and often serve as the lead tank in a full party containing two tanks, if the other tank is a Warrior, Dark Knight, or Gunbreaker.

How to obtain: Level a Gladiator to 30, then initiate the quest Paladin's Pledge from Lulutsu (Ul'dah - Steps of Thal X: 9.2 Y: 11.)

Warrior

Official description: "On the northernmost edge of Abalathia's Spine exists a mountain tribe renowned for producing fearsome mercenaries. Wielding greataxes and known as warriors, these men and women learn to harness their inner-beasts and translate that power to unbridled savagery on the battlefield. In former times which saw war waged ceaselessly in Eorzea, the warriors featured prominently on the front lines of battle. With the arrival of peacetime, however, their art has descended into the shadows of obscurity, where it remains to this day."

What it does: Swings around a double-headed greataxe and harasses foes with damage-dealing melee attacks while drawing their ire away from teammates. The Warrior has a heavier focus on area-of-effect damage earlier on than the Paladin, at the cost of slightly lower defensive aptitude.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants to roleplay as a berserker-like maniac with a giant axe! The Warrior is an exceptional defensive class, but its wieldy attacks also pack quite a punch. As it levels up, the Warrior's Beast Gauge function makes it capable of delivering a series of heavy attacks without slowing down.

How to obtain: Level a Marauder to 30, then initiate the quest Pride and Duty (Will Take You from the Mountain) from the NPC Wyrnzoen (Limsa Lominsa Upper Decks X: 11.2 Y: 6.1)

Dark Knight

Official description: "The pious Ishgardian clergy guide the flock, and the devout knights protect the weak. Yet even the holiest of men succumb to the darkest of temptations. None dare to administer justice to these sacrosanct elite residing outside the reach of the law. Who, then, defends the feeble from the transgressions of those meant to guide and protect them? A valiant few take up arms to defend the downtrodden, and not even the holy priests and knights can escape their judgment. Pariahs in their own land, they are known by many as “dark knights.” These sentinels bear no shields declaring their allegiance. Instead, their greatswords act as beacons to guide the meek through darkness."

What it does: Wields a greatsword into battle along with the unholy dark arts to defend their teammates and ward off their foes. Additional feats include, but are not limited to: outrunning death (as a zombie, no less), leeching HP from enemies, and summoning a shadowy simulacrum to fight alongside them at higher levels.

Who it's for: Antiheroes who often find themselves skirting the very edges of morality in pursuit of absolute truth and absolute justice, even at the cost of choosing the "lesser" of two evils and giving themselves over to darkness as a result. You're also a highly effective tank that has a mixture of defensive and offensive abilities with cool-sounding names like "Flood of Shadow" and "The Blackest Night".

How to obtain: Complete the level 50 quest Our End, found from the Ishgardian Citizen in The Pillars (X: 13.2 Y: 8.8).

Gunbreaker

Official description: "The Hrothgar of northern Ilsabard have passed the art of the gunblade from one generation to the next. The weapon itself combines a sword with a firing mechanism, emitting a range of magical effects by utilizing aetherially imbued cartridges. Originally employed by Queen Gunnhildr's personal guard, they were once known as "Gunnhildr's Blades" and differ greatly from the similarly named weapons used in the Garlean Empire."

What it does: Wields a gunblade into battle and uses explosive combos to keep the pressure on foes while keeping its friends safe.

Who it's for: The mercenary with a heart of gold. Preferably one who wants to play a tank class without the usual learning curve associated with a tank class. The Gunbreaker is deliberately stylish and edgy, much like Final Fantasy VIII's Squall Leonhart (which it's based on), but underneath all that flair is a true-blue tank class that is both approachable and can deliver impressive damage-dealing capabilities while keeping itself safe from the toughest foes.

How to obtain: Complete the level 60 quest The Makings of a Gunbreaker from Gods' Quiver Bow in New Gridania (X: 11.5 Y: 11.9).

Melee DPS

Monk

Official description: "Though now under Garlean rule, the city-state of Ala Mhigo once boasted the greatest military might of all Eorzea. Among its standing armies were the monks—ascetic warriors as dreaded by foes on the field of battle as the city-state's great pikemen. The monks comprised an order known as the Fist of Rhalgr, and it was to this god—the Destroyer—that they devoted their lives of worship. By mastering seats of power within the body known as chakra, they are capable of performing extraordinary physical feats."

What it does: Uses its fists and chakra-powered moves to deal tons of positional damage to its foes.

Who it's for: The martial artist at heart who wants to roleplay their very own Final Fantasy equivalent to Bruce Lee or Donnie Yen. The Monk class is one part fists and two parts fury, and many of its abilities are spectacular (and equally terrifying) to behold. If you want to pummel your foes several times over before they touch the ground, play a Monk.

How to obtain: Level the Pugilist class to 30, then complete the quest Brother from Another Mother from Gagaruna in Ul'dah - Steps of Nald (X: 11.5 Y: 11.9)

Dragoon

Official description: "Of all the things that are symbolic of the nation of Ishgard, few are more recognized than the dragoon. Born amidst the timeless conflict between men and dragons, these lance-wielding knights have developed an aerial style of combat, that they might better pierce the scaled hides of their mortal foes. Taking to the firmament as though it were an extension of the land, they descend upon the enemy with every onze of their bodies behind the blow. It is this penetrative power that characterizes the dragoon."

What it does: Flies into the air with its giant spear, strikes the earth with a soul-shattering blow.

Who it's for: Someone who prefers to control the battlefield by lunging, diving, and jumping around their opponents, and look cool doing it. The FFXIV Dragoon is great for fans of FFVII's Cid, FFX's Kimahri, and other notable Dragoons from past Final Fantasy games. This choice is also perfect for those who want to explore one of the most unique class options offered in Final Fantasy 14 by comparison to other MMORPGs.

How to obtain: Level the Lancer class to 30, then complete the quest Eye of the Dragon from Ywain in Old Gridania (X: 11.5 Y: 11.9)

Ninja

Official description: "Hailing from the war-torn lands of the Far East, the secret arts of the ninja were born of necessity, and have since given rise to a unique breed of highly-trained combatants. Able to manipulate the vital energies of the land, the air, and living beings, they manifest their power through the weaving of signs, unleashing a wide array of attacks against their foes. Master the arts of the ninja and learn to bend the tide of battle to your will."

What it does: Wields two daggers into battle while using ninjutsu abilities to deal massive damage.

Who it's for: Players looking to live out their Naruto fantasy, or simply those who are used to playing the Rogue (or similar analogue) in other MMORPGs. This is also for players who prefer to use stealth tactics to their advantage, since the Ninja is the one class that can use invisibility.

How to obtain: Level the Rogue class to 30, then complete the quest Peasants by Day, Ninjas by Night from Jacke in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X: 11.5 Y: 11.9)

Samurai

Official description: "Far across the rolling waves, towards the rising sun, there lies the island nation of Hingashi. In the distant past, the realm's great lords vied for supremacy over its seagirt confines in a long and bloody conflict. And taking to battle in their lieges' names were noble swordsmen whose art was forged in the crucible of war: the samurai. Eventually, the nation was unified under one banner, and these warriors came to wield their katana not upon fields as part of an army, but upon streets as protectors of the peace. But as a neglected blade grows dull with rust, so too do men forget their purpose. Amidst waning memories of the old ways, a determined few hold fast to their convictions, hands by katana grips, awaiting the moment for steel to sing."

What it does: Wields a katana and strong moral conviction into battle in order to do massive damage.

Who it's for: Players who don't mind a slower-paced DPS class that gives a massive payoff per attack. Whereas the Dragoon and Ninja have their own ways of giving you mobility around the battlefield, the Samura's effectiveness is far more reliant on how you position your attacks from the start.

How to obtain: Complete the level 50 quest The Way of the Samurai from the Ul'dahn Citizen in Ul'dah - Steps of Nald (X: 9.2 Y: 9.1)

Reaper

Official description: "The Garleans' forebears were once humble farmers who made their home among the sun-drenched fields of southern Ilsabard. That was, until they were driven from this paradise by invaders wielding arcane magicks. Forced north into the frigid mountains, the survivors sought a means to tap into the reservoir of aether otherwise closed to them. A daring few found their answer within the void, binding themselves to its creatures to gain verboten power─power fed by the souls of the slain. Once more they took up their scythes, this time to reap a crimson harvest."

What it does: Reaps the blood harvest with a huge two-handed scythe.

Who it's for: Players who want to capture the souls of their fallen foes and use those to power increasingly powerful attacks. Those who want a flashier or more "evil" look to their character, but don't want to play as a tank class such as the Dark Knight, may also find Reaper to their liking.

How to obtain: Complete the level 70 quest The Killer Instinct from the Flustered Attendant in Ul'dah - Steps of Nald (X:12.8 Y:8.6)

Physical Ranged DPS

Bard

Official description: "The word 'bard' ordinarily puts folk in mind of those itinerant minstrels, fair of voice and nimble of finger, who earn their coin performing in taverns and the halls of great lords. Few know, however, that bards in fact trace their origins back to the bowmen of eld, who sang in the heat of battle to fortify the spirits of their companions. In time, their impassioned songs came to hold sway over the hearts of men, inspiring their comrades to great feats and granting peace unto those who lay upon the precipice of death."

What it does: Fires arrows at enemies with its bow and plays music with various instruments.

Who it's for: Those who want to become FFXIV's rockstars will love playing as Bard. Not only is it a great damage-dealing class, but it also unlocks the ability to perform live with in-game instruments. Bards tend to flock to Limsa Lominsa, where they host and perform at impromptu concerts in public areas.

How to obtain: Level Archer up to 30, then complete the quest A Song of Bards and Bowmen from the NPC Luciane in New Gridania (X: 15.4 Y: 11.9)

Machinist

Official description: "The war with Dravania rages on, brutal and unrelenting. With no end in sight, the Holy See grows desperate. As her dragoons lay down their lives in defense of their home, Ishgard turns to technology to protect her sons and daughters. Great cannons and ballistas now line the city walls, plucking dragons from the sky. Following the example of Cid Garlond, who has demonstrated the potency of magitek, the Skysteel Manufactory works tirelessly on the development of advanced armaments. As new and devastating weapons are brought to the fray, a new class of champion arises to wield them―the machinist."

What it does: Wields heavy artillery and machine-gun fire.

Who it's for: Players who want to wield guns and other technology-based abilities into combat while doing as much damage as they possibly can.

How to obtain: Complete the level 50 quest Savior of Skysteel from Stephanivien in Foundation (X: 8.1 Y: 10.1)

Dancer

Official description: "From the Near Eastern nation of Thavnair comes a troupe of bewitchingly graceful performers. Though certainly elegant and beautiful, their movements also speak of martial discipline─of a pulsing, persistent energy whose rhythm can inspire souls and soothe troubled hearts. Inured to the hardships of the road, these dancers have learned to land throwing weapons with the same exacting precision as their footfalls, removing any who would obstruct the endless beat of the dance."

What it does: Throws boomerang-esque blades while whirling around like a dervish.

Who it's for: Eccentrics who want to mix up their DPS abilities with buffs and bonuses that they can share with their party members.

How to obtain: Complete the level 60 quest Shall We Dance from Eager Lominsan in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X: 9.8 Y: 12.0)

Disciples of Magic

Disciples of Magic are often found in the back of the party, using their potent magic to either keep the group alive, or to lay waste to enemies. Arcanists, Conjurers, and Thaumaturges fall in to this category.

Healers

White Mage

Official description: "White magic, the arcane art of succor, was conceived eras past that the world might know comfort. Alas, man began perverting its powers for self-gain, and by his wickedness brought about the Sixth Umbral catastrophe. Although the art subsequently became forbidden, it is now in the midst of a revival at the hands of the Padjal, chosen of the elementals. Those who would walk the path of the white mage are healers without peer, possessed of the power to deliver comrades from the direst of afflictions—even the icy grip of death itself."

What it does: Fulfills the role of a traditional healer, priest, or cleric by casting powerful healing and protective spells.

Who it's for: The most effective healer on the team, but who won't be bored by a lack of variation beyond their healing rotation.

How to obtain: Level Conjurer up to 30, then complete the quest Seer Folly from E-Sumi-Yan in Old Gridania (X: 6.0 Y: 10.6)

Scholar

Official description: "In an age long past, when mankind flourished under the radiance of arcane mastery, the island of Vylbrand was home to a city-state called Nym. Though the history of that age tells of countless wars waged with earth-shattering incantations, it was the brilliant strategic maneuvering of Nym's scholars that allowed their mundane army of mariners to throw back would-be conquerors time and again. These learned men and women defended the freedom of their tiny nation with their unique command over spell-weaving faeries, utilizing the creatures' magicks to heal the wounded and bolster the strength of their allies."

What it does: Mixes healing, damage-dealing, and summoning abilities together to create a hybrid of talents across the board.

Who it's for: Those who want to play a healing class but don't want to sacrifice their versatility.

How to obtain: Level Arcanist up to 30, then complete the quest Forgotten but Not Gone from Murie in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X: 4.5 Y: 11.2)

Astrologian

Official description: "Ever has man coveted knowledge, and none more so than that of his fate. Thus did he labor to master the skill of foresight—but initial efforts bore little fruit. That is, until he looked to the stars above, which foretell the coming seasons, and learned to read the heavens. Though this gift is known today as astrology, the people of Sharlayan saw fit to not only read the stars, but to write their movements as well. By attuning their aetherial energies to that of constellations, they learned to wield magicks with heretofore unseen properties. Thus was astromancy born—a new form of magick which grants its users power over fate. Employing a star globe and divining deck in their miraculous deeds, fortune always smiles upon these masters of arcana."

What it does: Wields the cards of fate to heal its allies and buff itself and its party members.

Who it's for: Those who want to heal and support the party, but don't mind their ability's effects being altered by randomly drawn cards.

How to obtain: Complete the level 50 quest Stairway to the Heavens from Jannequinard in The Pillars (X: 15.2 Y: 10.0)

Sage

Official description: "The nation of Sharlayan is the cradle of knowledge, and the Studium its foremost institution of learning. Yet more so than its incomparable library and formidable assemblage of Archons, this prestigious academy is famed for blending traditionally distinct fields to produce revolutionary new disciplines. Among these, perhaps the most distinguished is an altruistic art which draws upon the wisdom of aetherology, sorcery, and medicine. Dubbed somanoutics, the art seeks to heal and protect by manipulating corporeal aether through the use of nouliths, a flying array of foci. Practitioners are dedicated to the betterment of mankind, and for their wisdom and compassion, eventually came to be known simply as sages."

What it does: Uses its four floating nouliths to deal damage and heal allies.

Who it's for: Someone who wants to roleplay as an alchemist or doctor-type character, and wants to heal or deal damage while looking extra stylish.

How to obtain: Complete the level 70 quest Sage's Path from the Sharlayan Maiden in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:9.4 Y:12.9)

Magical Ranged DPS

Black Mage

Official description: "In days long past, there existed an occult and arcane art known as black magic—a potent magic of pure destructive force born forth by a sorceress of unparalleled power. Those who learned to wield this instrument of ruin came to be called black mages, out of both fear and respect for their gift. Yet great power served to corrupt the judgment of mortal man, and so he unknowingly set out upon the path of ruin. Adventurers who take the black will become agents of devastation, capable of annihilating those who oppose them through little more than the force of their will."

What it does: Casts black magic (aka destructive magic), dealing tons of magical damage to opponents on the field.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants to play as a traditional wizard or mage, and doesn't mind being a "glass cannon" who can effortlessly deal tons of damage.

How to obtain: Level Thaumaturge to 30, then complete the quest Taking the Black from Yayake in Ul'dah - Steps of Nald (X: 7.3 Y: 12.4)

Summoner

Official description: "The beast tribes of Eorzea worship and summon forth beings known as primals, among which are Ifrit, Garuda, and Titan. Yet what is a god to one man is a demon to another, for the city-states of Eorzea see these beings as a grave threat to their collective survival. In times immemorial, there lived mages who had not only the power to summon the primals, but also the means to transmute the primals' essences, thus binding them to their will. Known simply as summoners, the existence of these men and women and their arcane art have been all but lost to the ages."

What it does: Summons pets onto the battlefield in order to do major damage on the Summoner's behalf.

Who it's for: Those who enjoy summoning pets into battle.

How to obtain: Level Arcanist to 30, then complete the quest Austerities of Flame from Thubyrgeim in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X: 4.7 Y: 11.4)

Red Mage

Official description: "On the eastern edge of Abalathia's Spine lies the mountainous region of Gyr Abania. It is in these elevated lands that people took shelter, when a burning star guided them away from the Sixth Umbral Calamity's treacherous floodwaters. The survivors gathered from near and far, and amongst them were refugees of the sorcerous cities of Mhach and Amdapor. These sworn enemies buried their history for the sake of the future, and cast aside their vestments of black and white. Upon the remnants of their arts a new discipline was built, and the first red mages stepped forward with rapiers in hand to fight back against the rising tides of destruction."

What it does: Mixes swordplay with destructive magic to deal a ton of damage.

Who it's for: Someone who wants to play a battlemage of sorts which tows the line between melee physical DPS and magical ranged DPS.

How to obtain: Complete the level 50 quest Taking the Red from the Distraught Lass in Ul'dah - Steps of Thal (X: 14.1 Y: 11.7)

Blue Mage (Limited)

Official description: A so-called mage of rather questionable character claims to have mastered an outlandish form of spellcasting that resembles neither black nor white magic during his voyage to the New World. Allegedly, anyone who purchases one of his soul crystals can learn to mimic the aetherial magicks of wild creatures. But can he be trusted, or is he merely a con artist looking to make a quick gil?

What it does: Steals the abilities and spells that monsters use, returning those same moves back to them to inflict major damage.

Who it's for: Since the Blue Mage is currently a limited job that only goes up to level 50 and is barred from completing some group content beneath that level, it's mainly for players who want to experiment with an unconventional class that works much differently than all of the other classes.

How to obtain: Complete the main scenario quest The Ultimate Weapon, then complete the level 50 quest Out of the Blue from the Zealous Yellowjacket in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:9.9 Y:11.0)

Disciples of the Hand

Disciples of the Hand have the ability to use materials to craft new objects. Carpenters, Blacksmiths, Armorers, Goldsmiths, Leatherworkers, Weavers, Alchemists, and Culinarians fall into this category

Disciples of the Land

Disciples of the Land procure materials from the lands of Eorzea and bring them back to be used by the Disciples of the Hand. Miners, Botanists, and Fishers fall into this category.