Are you looking for the best classes and jobs to play in Final Fantasy XIV? This FFXIV Jobs Guide class Tier List will help you decide which job is right for you. We’ve ranked each job in Patch 7.55 based on its PvE performance in dungeons, trials, raids, and solo content. The placements consider damage, raid utility, mitigation, progression value, and ease of use within each role.
FF14 Jobs Tier List Key Takeaways:
- The best options at the moment belong to S-tier: Reaper, Pictomancer, Ninja, Dark Knight, Paladin, Sage, Scholar.
- A-tier includes such jobs as Viper, Dragoon, Monk, Samurai, Black Mage, Red Mage, Summoner, Gunbreaker, Warrior, Astrologian, White Mage, Bard, and Dancer.
- There is just one option at the B tier: Machinist, as it provides fewer raid buffs than Bard and Dancer.
- PvP balance has been updated in Patch 7.55 but there have been no changes in PvE actions for jobs.
- Warrior, White Mage, Summoner, and Dancer are still good choices for newcomers learning jobs in FF14.
- All jobs in FFXIV can cope with current PvE content, so this list is just about how one job copes in its role.
FFXIV Class Tier List
Our FFXIV Class Tier List features the best jobs in Final Fantasy 14, ranked from S to C tier:
| Tier | Jobs |
|---|---|
| S | Reaper, Pictomancer, Ninja, Dark Knight, Paladin, Sage, Scholar |
| A | Viper, Dragoon, Monk, Samurai, Black Mage, Red Mage, Summoner, Gunbreaker, Warrior, Astrologian, White Mage, Bard, Dancer |
| B | Machinist |
| C | — |
✏️ FFXIV Class Tier List updated for Patch 7.55 and focused on PvE performance.
Now it’s time to take a look at an overview of each FF14 job, with all the pros and cons of each listed below.
4.9S-Tier Class Tier List
S-Tier classes are ranked first on our FFXIV PvE job rankings list. The S-Tier classes include damage dealing, survivability, raid utility, or progression aspects of their class in a single package. Every job is viable, but those selected here feel more comfortable in a coordinated high-end group.
With Patch 7.55 being unaltered from the PvP job balance, this list retains its relevance to the patch changes in combat mechanics. The Beastmaster class is due in Patch 7.56 and will be analyzed separately as a limited job. And don’t forget, Overgear is ready to Power Level any job for you!
Reaper
The Reaper job in FFXIV efficiently takes down large groups of enemies using dark elemental magic and melee strikes with a scythe. It also has access to utility spells to assist allies in challenging battles.
The Reaper job in FFXIV efficiently takes down large groups of enemies. Its spells have serious damage output, and it also offers useful utility spells for support.
Reaper is also a great choice for solo play, as its spells and scythe allow it to quickly take down enemies. However, Reapers are even better when used in groups, as their spells can provide powerful buffs and debuffs that can benefit everyone in the party. This makes them great for raid content and large-scale fights.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Strong burst damage after the Patch 7.5 buffs | ⛔️Needs clean uptime to get full value from Enshroud windows |
| ✅Arcane Circle gives useful party damage support | ⛔️Has less raid utility than Ninja or Dragoon |
| ✅Smooth rotation that is easier to read than many melee jobs | ⛔️Gauge drift can hurt its two-minute burst |
| ✅Good mobility with Hell’s Ingress and Hell’s Egress | ⛔️Limited range of options during forced downtime |
Pictomancer
The FFXIV Pictomancer (PCT), introduced in the expansion Dawntrail and Patch 7.0, is famous for its high burst damage and unique Motif ability where painting on the canvas allows you to use creature attacks and hit enemies with a hammer freely.
Pictomancer gameplay involves gathering resources such as Muses and paint stacks in order to perform well in an extremely quick buffing phase with short recast timers, and all the fights take place in the starry space. Pictomancer is considered as one of the Magical Ranged DPS classes, together with Black Mage, Summoner, and Red Mage, who use the same equipment.
When it comes to rotation, FF14 PCT is very freeform:
- Start each 2-minute burst with the opener.
- Keep track of hammer charges and monster motifs to prevent overcapping.
- Make sure to have either Fang ready for Madeen or have Madeen already with a Pom banked.
- Enter each burst with a hammer, a landscape, and a monster. Aim to use Madeen in almost every 2-minute window.
To start as a Pictomancer, go to Old Gridania and find the Cheerless Hearer NPC at coordinates X:8.0, Y:10.3. If you’re unsure, head towards the Conjurer’s Guild in the southwest area of Old Gridania. Make sure you’re on a Combat class level 80 or higher and have the Dawntrail expansion. Complete “The Joy of Pictomancy” quest to receive your initial Pictomancer gear. That’s how you can become a Pictomancer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅High burst AoE damage | ⛔️Long Motif casts can punish poor planning during movement |
| ✅Multiple unique motif mechanics | ⛔️Requires an understanding of mechanics to become good with free rotation |
| ✅Rotation is very freeform | ⛔️Freeform resource planning can be difficult in unfamiliar fights |
Ninja
In FFXIV, Ninja is a job that allows you to have a unique manner of play because it is a job of a melee fighter. The Ninja makes use of two daggers as its weapon and ninjutsu to perform rapid attacks on its enemy. Besides, it gives you a good amount of raid damage with some good utility spells to control your enemies.
If you like to have a more offensive way of playing the game, then Ninja will be a good choice for you, since you will get a high burst attack from Kunai’s Bane and Ten Chi Jin.
✏️ Ninja is an excellent class in FFXIV that has great potential for both offense and defense.
To unlock Ninja, you need to unlock Rogue first. Unlocking Rogue requires reaching at least level 10 and completing the quest “My First Daggers” in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:8.1 Y:16.1). Then, once you reach level 30, return to Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:8.1 Y:16.1) for the quest “Peasants by Day, Ninjas by Night”. Completing this quest will give you the Soul of the Ninja, enabling you to become a Ninja. Ninja remains one of the strongest melee choices for coordinated groups, especially when fully equipped with BiS Gear.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
✅One of the most mobile melee DPS jobs with  Shukuchi,  Fleeting Raiju, and  Forked Raiju | ⛔️Not beginner-friendly because mudra combinations and burst windows require practice |
✅A pseudo-hybrid class, as it has a lot of ranged damage abilities in its arsenal, such as  Phantom Kamaitachi | ⛔️AoE burst requires careful mudra and Ninki planning |
| ✅Rogue starts at level 1 and upgrades to Ninja at level 30 | ⛔️Burst loses considerable damage if Dokumori drifts outside party buffs |
Dark Knight
The Dark Knight is a job in FFXIV that specializes in melee-based tanking. It wields a greatsword and uses dark magic to deliver heavy attacks, as well as defensive abilities to protect allies. Dark Knight’s job gauge splits into the sword-shaped Blood Gauge and the Darkside Gauge. 
Bloodspiller and 
Quietus provide both single-target and AoE damage.
The Dark Knight job is highly adaptable and can suit various party needs. Its defense skills, such as 
Dark Mind and 
Oblation, make it an ideal choice for tanking, while its damage output is effective against bosses. Additionally, the Dark Knight possesses useful utility spells for crowd control and support.
You can unlock Dark Knight upon reaching level 50 on any Disciple of War or Magic job (we recommend Warrior) and entering the main city of the Heavensward expansion — Ishgard. To start the Dark Knight job unlocking questline, you should take the quest “Our End” from the Ishgardian Citizen in The Pillars (X:13.2, Y:8.8).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅With perfect adherence to the rotation of skills does the highest damage among the tanks | ⛔️Has a complex rotation of skills |
✅Very flexible personal and supportive mitigation with  The Blackest Night and Oblation | ⛔️Ping-dependent class, as it has short windows to do burst damage, any delay leads to a significant loss of DPS |
| ✅Huge damage, both single-target and AoE | ⛔️Low self-heal rate |
| ✅Flexible, resource management-based gameplay | ⛔️Unlocks after leveling any other job up to 50 lvl, but when switching to this class degrades to 30 lvl |
Paladin
Paladin is a job class in the video game FFXIV whose specialty is defense. Paladin has defensive spells, which can lower the amount of damage received, and melee spells, which can stun and slow down enemies. Paladin also has useful utility spells, including crowd control and buffs to aid the party.
The Paladin job in FFXIV is capable of absorbing enemy attacks and giving useful utility spells. The utility spells are especially helpful when protecting the party members from danger, while the utility spells help the party when facing tough battles. Moreover, crowd control and buff spells of the Paladin have many uses that could help the party.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Very safe tank for progression and learning new fights | ⛔️Lower self-healing than Warrior |
| ✅Has strong party protection with Divine Veil and Passage of Arms | ⛔️Hallowed Ground has a very long cooldown |
| ✅Flexible rotation with both melee and ranged magic phases | ⛔️Some support tools need good timing to matter |
| ✅Great defensive kit for raids, trials, and dungeons | ⛔️Rotation can feel strict during burst windows |
Sage
Sage is a barrier healer in FFXIV that uses nouliths to protect allies and deal magical damage. Kardia restores HP while Sage attacks, while Eukrasia changes several spells into barriers or damage-over-time effects.
Sage ranks highly because it combines mobile healing with strong mitigation through Kerachole, Holos, Haima, and Panhaima. Addersgall actions also restore MP, so good resource planning keeps both healing and damage running smoothly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Strong barrier healing with shields and mitigation tools | ⛔️Harder for beginners because you need to plan damage in advance |
| ✅Good personal damage for a healer | ⛔️Panic recovery can feel weaker than White Mage in messy runs |
| ✅Kardia gives steady healing while you keep attacking | ⛔️Eukrasia and Addersgall management take time to learn |
| ✅Great mobility with many instant-cast tools | ⛔️No raid damage buff, so its value comes from healing and mitigation |
Scholar
Scholar is an ability-healer class in FFXIV that blends shields, fairy healing, and raid healing. Scholar uses Adloquium, Concitation, Sacred Soil, and other planned mitigation abilities to protect the allies.
Chain Stratagem boosts party DPS, whereas Expedient increases mobility and damage reduction. In addition, Seraphism gives Scholar another means to recover when the damage starts pouring in.
To become a Scholar, you need to reach level 30 as an Arcanist and complete the level 30 class quest “Sinking Doesmaga.” Afterward, talk to Murie in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:4.5, Y:11.2) to complete “Forgotten but Not Gone.”
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Strong barriers and planned mitigation | ⛔️Requires fight knowledge to prevent damage early |
| ✅Chain Stratagem supports party burst windows | ⛔️Aetherflow mistakes reduce healing and damage options |
| ✅Faerie actions provide steady passive healing | ⛔️Faerie positioning can delay some healing effects |
| ✅Expedient adds party mitigation and movement speed | ⛔️Unexpected damage is harder to fix than on White Mage |
A-Tier Class Tier List
A-Tier classes are solid PvE options that work well for raiding, trial, dungeon, and solo gameplay. They might deal slightly lower damage or have slightly less utility than S-Tier jobs in their roles, but every one of these picks will be dependable.
Viper
The FFXIV Viper (VPR) is a fast-paced melee DPS specializing in dual wield and twinblade attacks. Its gameplay centers around a builder-spender playstyle, accumulating gauge through attacks and unleashing it during the Reawaken burst window. VPR is part of the Melee DPS roster as a Scouting class, which means it uses the same gear as Ninja.
The core gameplay of FF14 Viper revolves around utilizing a variety of combos that deal damage and provide buffs and debuffs. These combos come in two main types: dual wield and twinblade, each with single target and AoE options. Additionally, every combo builds up the Serpents Offerings gauge. You can obtain Serpent Offerings through dual wield combo finishers (earning +10 per finisher) or from the second and third strikes of twinblade combos (gaining +5 from each hit, +10 in total for each twinblade combo).
You can unlock Viper in Ul’dah by speaking to Worried Weaver at (X:9.3, Y:9.2). To start the “Enter the Viper” quest, you must have a minimum of one level 80 Disciple of War or Magic and own the Dawntrail expansion.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Fast melee DPS with strong sustained damage | ⛔️High APM can feel stressful for new players |
| ✅Patch 7.5 buffs made Viper much more competitive | ⛔️Offers little party utility compared to other melee jobs |
| ✅Shares Scouting gear with Ninja | ⛔️Mistakes during burst windows quickly lower damage |
| ✅Smooth mobility and quick combo flow | ⛔️Needs steady melee uptime to perform well |
Dragoon
Dragoon is a melee DPS job in FFXIV that specializes in dealing massive amounts of physical damage and using draconic powers. The Dragoon class uses a lance to deliver powerful melee attacks. It has strong offensive abilities, allowing it to deal high damage while supporting the group with raid buffs.
The Dragoon is an excellent choice for players who prefer a direct melee playstyle with strong burst damage. It also has some utility abilities, such as 
Battle Litany, which increases the potential damage output of your raid group, and 
Feint for additional defensive support.
✏️ Dragoon is an excellent class in FFXIV that offers a unique playstyle and serious damage output.
The Dragoon class is available from the 1st level and can be upgraded from the Lancer at level 30. If you did not start as a Lancer, you can unlock the job at the Lancer’s Guild in Old Gridania (X:14.0, Y:6.0) by speaking with Jillian at level 10.
After reaching level 30 as a Lancer and completing all seven class quests, you should complete the quest “Eye of the Dragon” received from Julilan. Upon finishing this quest, they will receive the Dragoon job stone, which unlocks the 
Jump ability. So now you can equip the stone from the last tab in your Armoury Chest to assume the role of a Dragoon. If you want to play Dragoon as your Main Job, but don’t have time to level it, we can help you with that.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Strong sustained damage and useful raid support | ⛔️Jump and movement skills can punish poor timing |
| ✅Battle Litany supports party burst windows | ⛔️Some skills require you to deal damage from a certain position (side, back) |
| ✅Medium difficulty rotation with a lot of buttons, but not hard to get used to | ⛔️Long combo chains can be disrupted by downtime |
Monk
The Monk job in FFXIV focuses on hand-to-hand combat and martial arts, utilizing fists and feet to inflict powerful damage on enemies. It is effective in boss battles and offers useful party support through 
Brotherhood and 
Mantra, which increases healing received.
The Monk is a versatile DPS job that can cater to an aggressive playstyle, with high burst damage potential, crowd control, and support abilities for allies.
✏️ Monk is a melee DPS job in FFXIV that provides quick combat and substantial damage output.
To receive the Monk job stone and unlock Monk, you should start as Pugilist at level 1. To unlock Pugilist, you need to take the quest “So You Want to Be a Pugilist” at the Pugilist Guild in Ul’Dah, X:9.5, Y:10.2. Once you complete the level 30 Pugilist class quest “Return of the Holyfist,” and if you have progressed further in the MSQ than the level 20 “Sylph Management” quest, you can then take the “Brother from Another Mother” quest in Ul’Dah, X:9.4, Y:10.2.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Very high DPS | ⛔️Several combo actions reward correct flank or rear positionals |
✅Great mobility thanks to  Thunderclap | ⛔️Difficult skill rotation, requiring perfect execution of button press timings |
| ✅Excellent party support with Mantra and Brotherhood | ⛔️Perfect Balance and Beast Chakra make burst windows busy |
Samurai
Samurai is a powerful melee DPS job in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) that offers a unique playstyle. The Samurai class uses a katana to deal swift and deadly blows to opponents. Samurai focuses on high personal damage rather than party-wide buffs.
Samurai is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more aggressive playstyle, as it has great potential for burst damage output. Its limited party utility means most of its value comes from personal DPS. It can still fit into any standard party composition as a reliable melee damage dealer.
Samurai has no base job required to unlock them. All you need is to reach level 50 on any Discipline of War or Magic job (we recommend Dragoon) and speak to the Ul’dahn Citizen to start the quest “The Way of the Samurai in Ul’dah, Steps of Nald” (X:9.2, Y:9.1).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Easy to learn, but quite difficult to achieve mastery | ⛔️Mistakes with Sen or Kenki can disrupt burst windows |
| ✅Has 2 min burst window | ⛔️Some of the skills require damage from a certain position (side, back) |
✅High mobility in  Hissatsu: Yaten and  Hissatsu: Gyoten and damage | ⛔️Variability of gameplay is achieved by a large number of buttons, taking several skill bars |
Black Mage
The Black Mage job in FFXIV deals significant magical damage to enemies. It accomplishes this by harnessing elemental forces and casting potent spells. Black Mage focuses on personal damage rather than party buffs or resurrection.
✏️ Black Mage rewards strong fight knowledge with very high personal damage, but movement and downtime can punish weak planning.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Very high personal damage when played well | ⛔️One of the hardest DPS jobs to master |
| ✅Strong AoE and single-target spell pressure | ⛔️Needs strong fight knowledge and positioning |
| ✅Triplecast and Aetherial Manipulation help during movement | ⛔️No resurrection or party damage buff |
| ✅Rewarding job for players who enjoy strict casting gameplay | ⛔️Heavy movement can punish mistakes hard |
Red Mage
Red Mage is a hybrid job in FFXIV that offers a unique blend of both melee and magical abilities. It utilizes the power of both white and black magic to cast powerful spells and swing its rapier with lightning speed.
Red Mage is a very strong job in FFXIV because it is versatile and deals high damage. Its melee strikes can quickly defeat enemies, while its magical spells can provide support or crowd control.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Great progression pick thanks to Verraise | ⛔️Lower damage ceiling than Black Mage or Pictomancer |
| ✅Magick Barrier adds useful party defense | ⛔️Melee combo requires proper positioning |
| ✅Dualcast makes movement much easier than on most casters | ⛔️Poor mana balance can break the rotation |
| ✅Strong emergency value in raids and trials | ⛔️Rescuing bad pulls can drain damage fast |
Summoner
Summoner is a magical ranged job in FFXIV that calls Carbuncle, primals, and demi-summons into battle. It’s mostly instant-cast rotation offers excellent mobility, while 
Radiant Aegis provides personal protection.
Summoner does not have the highest raw caster damage, but it remains reliable during movement-heavy fights. It supports party burst with 
Searing Light and can revive allies with 
Resurrection.
✏️ Summoner is a reliable A-Tier caster with excellent mobility, a combat raise, and an easy-to-read rotation.
To unlock Summoner, players must reach level 30 as the Arcanist class. To unlock Arcanist, you need to complete a quest called “Way of the Arcanist”. Speak with Murie at the Arcanist’s Guild in Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:4.5, Y:11.2) to start it.
After reaching level 30 and completing Arcanist quests, you can speak to Thubyrgeim at Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:4.7 Y:11.4). This will begin the quest “Austerities of Flame.” Finishing this quest will unlock the Summoner Job.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅The easiest DPS class to master | ⛔️The filler phase is weak outside of burst windows |
| ✅The most mobile class among casters, most of the skills can be cast on the move, easier to dodge mechanics in group content | ⛔️Unable to use Carbuncle actions while summoning your Primal or Demi-Primal pets |
| ✅One of two DPS classes that can resurrect allies | ⛔️Unintended spell speed can cause a misalignment with your Demi-Primal cooldowns |
| ✅Has an easy rotation with reliable burst damage | ⛔️Simple gameplay can feel repetitive over long encounters |
Gunbreaker
Gunbreaker is one of the most popular and powerful classes in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV). With its combination of high DPS output and tanking abilities, Gunbreaker has earned its place as a high-tier class in FFXIV. The Gunbreaker class deals high burst damage every minute with its core damaging buff 
No Mercy. It also provides powerful sustained damage with the 
Continuation combo.
When it comes to defense, class abilities like 
Nebula allow it to absorb damage and protect teammates with 
Heart of Light. Gunbreaker is perfect for players who want to deal heavy damage while also being able to take a hit or two.
✏️ This is a versatile job, so it can be adapted to fit the needs of any given party. It has a long chain of skills in rotation, but it’s easy enough to master this class.
It has some of the highest damage output among tanks, making it great for dealing with bosses, while its defensive abilities and high survivability make it an excellent choice for tanking. Gunbreaker also has a good selection of utility spells that can be used to provide crowd control and support.
Gunbreaker is an extremely strong class in FFXIV and is perfect for players who want to be effective in both offensive and defensive roles. You can unlock it with the Shadowbringers expansion purchased and after leveling any other class up to 60 lvl (we recommend starting with Warrior).
To summarize, Gunbreaker is a tank class with the strongest damage in its category and high survivability. If you like the high-tempo style of play with the use of offensive and defensive abilities, then this class will suit you perfectly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅High burst damage every minute with No Mercy | ⛔️Harder to move enemies when executing any Continuation ability |
| ✅Great sustained damage with the Continuation combo | ⛔️A badly-timed  Superbolide can cause trouble for healer allies |
| ✅Great defensive tools and survivability | ⛔️Has to proactively use mitigation abilities and think about weaving space when bursting |
| ✅Extremely fluid rotation, similar to a DPS toolkit | ⛔️Rotation becomes somewhat rigid at max level due to  Double Down requiring two cartridges |
Warrior
Warrior is a tank job in FFXIV that combines straightforward damage with powerful self-healing. The Warrior class uses a greataxe to deal heavy physical blows while protecting the party with defensive abilities.
Warrior is an extremely versatile tank and can fit the needs of almost any party composition. It has strong burst damage through 
Inner Release and 
Inner Chaos. It also brings excellent sustain with 
Bloodwhetting and party support through 
Nascent Flash.
To unlock Warrior, you need to have leveled the Marauder starter job to level 30. After that, you can receive a job stone from the “Pride and Duty (Will Take You from the Mountain)” quest. To take the quest, go to Wyrnzoen in Limsa Lominsa Upper Decks (X:11, Y:6).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Best tank for a beginner, has the easiest skill rotation among tanks | ⛔️Lower damage ceiling than the strongest offensive tanks |
| ✅The strongest self-healing toolkit among tanks | ⛔️Simple rotation may feel repetitive over long fights |
| ✅Short defensive cooldowns and reliable burst damage | ⛔️Poor Infuriate management can disrupt burst timing |
| ✅Available from level 1 through Marauder | ⛔️Few ranged attacks during forced boss downtime |
Astrologian
Astrologian is a support job in FFXIV that specializes in healing and buffing allies. This magical class uses the power of the stars to provide restorative aid to its allies, as well as useful buffs that can increase their offensive and defensive abilities. Astrologians also have access to powerful single-target and area-of-effect heals, allowing them to quickly restore HP to multiple targets.
Astrologian is usually ranked high among the tier list for supporting classes in FFXIV and is regarded as one of the strongest classes for this role. This class has many options when it comes to healing, and in addition to that, it has strong single-target heals that will allow players to survive even in hard battles.
Also, the buffs from this class are very useful as they grant additional stat increases and resistance to damage. There are also a few spells that can be used for support and crowd control. In conclusion, Astrologian is a strong class in FFXIV, which provides excellent buffs and healing for the members of a group.
To unlock Astrologian, players must gain access to the city of Ishgard by completing the final Main Scenario Quest of A Realm Reborn, titled “Before the Dawn.” The Astrologians’ guild, known as the Athenaerium Astrologicum, is located in Ishgard in The Pillars (X:15.2, Y:10.0). Go to Jannequinard and accept the quest “Stairway to the Heavens”. Upon successfully completing the quest, you will unlock the Astrologian job, which begins at level 30.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Fast-paced, interactive playstyle | ⛔️The hardest healer, possibly the hardest class in general |
| ✅Very strong single-target healing | ⛔️Cards and raid buffs must be aligned carefully with party burst windows |
| ✅One of the most powerful healers in the game | ⛔️You have to manage to hit and keep track of resources, while dealing damage and dodging mechanics |
White Mage
White Mage is a healing job in FFXIV that specializes in restoring HP to allies and providing useful buffs. This magical class utilizes powerful healing spells to restore HP to single targets and large areas of effect, as well as defensive magic that can provide beneficial effects such as damage mitigation. White Mages also have access to powerful single-target heals that make them valuable for difficult fights.
White Mage is considered one of the most powerful jobs in FFXIV due to its ability to provide powerful healing and defensive spells that can help keep allies alive. Additionally, it has access to a wide range of support spells that can assist allies in tough fights. White Mages are reliable in difficult content, especially when a group needs fast recovery after mistakes.
White Mage is a powerful and straightforward job for content where strong direct healing matters. It is considered one of the most powerful healing jobs in FFXIV, and its skill set makes it invaluable to any party. As a result, it is highly rated on FFXIV job tier lists, often ranking amongst the top three roles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅One of the easiest healers to learn in FFXIV | ⛔️Has fewer mitigation tools than barrier healers |
| ✅Very strong raw healing and recovery tools | ⛔️No raid damage buff for party burst windows |
| ✅Great pick for casual dungeons and beginner raid healing | ⛔️Can overheal if lilies and big cooldowns are used too early |
| ✅Holy gives strong dungeon control through repeated stuns | ⛔️Movement can feel limited during heavy mechanics |
Bard
Bard is a ranged job in FFXIV that combines bow attacks with songs that support the party. It follows a priority-based rotation and heavily relies on off-global cooldowns as players navigate through songs and manage procs. Bard also brings party mitigation and can deal damage while moving freely.
Bard combines bow skills with a musical theme, cycling through three songs: 
The Wanderer’s Minuet, 
Mage’s Ballad, and 
Army’s Paeon. Bard also has frequent off-global cooldowns and random procs, making it one of the fastest-paced and reactive jobs in the field of play.
Also, Bard is an excellent choice for those who prefer a supportive playstyle, as it has great potential for crowd control and buffs. With their combo of party buffs — 
Battle Voice and 
Radiant Finale, they provide strong support during group burst windows. It also has some utility abilities that can assist with defense and support.
To unlock Bard, players must reach level 30 on the Archer class and complete the level 30 class quest called “The One That Got Away.” Additionally, they need to finish the level 20 main story quest titled “Sylph-Management.” Once both requirements are met, they can speak to Luciane at the Archer’s Guild in the city of Gridania (X:15.4, Y:11.8) to begin the quest “A Song of Bards and Bowmen,” which will unlock the Bard job. Bard is one of the jobs that is very difficult to play, especially for newcomers. Taking Savage Coaching can help you learn the class faster in endgame content.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅Maintains damage through Caustic Bite and Stormbite while moving | ⛔️Easy class at the beginning of leveling, but closer to the cap is the most difficult among the physical ranged DPS |
| ✅Has strong party-wide burst buffs | ⛔️In rotation, you have to constantly switch between three stances, which adds even more complexity to the game |
| ✅Has unique support and cleansing tools | ⛔️Proc-heavy gameplay can feel inconsistent during burst windows |
Dancer
Dancer is a ranged job in FFXIV that uses dance moves and throwing chakrams to deal physical damage. Its main strength comes from supporting a chosen Dance Partner and the wider party. Dancer also has high mobility with 
En Avant, allowing the player to quickly move around the battlefield. The Dancer has strong offensive capabilities, dealing reliable damage to multiple targets while providing defensive support for allies, such as 
Shield Samba and 
Curing Waltz.
The Dancer is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more mobile playstyle, as it has great potential for burst damage output. It also has some utility abilities that can assist with crowd control and support a selected party member with 
Closed Position in addition to AoE buffs.
✏️ Dancer is an excellent FFXIV job for beginners who want strong mobility and party support.
You can unlock the Dancer job in the game; you need to reach at least Level 60 in one Disciple of Magic or War job and have access to the Shadowbringers Expansion. Once you have a Disciple of Magic or War at level 60, go to Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks (X:9.8, Y:12.0) and speak to Eager Lominsa to begin the quest “Shall We Dance”. After completing this quest, you will receive the Dancer job stone from Nashmeira and start playing as a Level 60 Dancer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅The most mobile physical ranged DPS, has a lot of dashes | ⛔️The basic mechanic requires a “Partner”, as Dancer binds to one of the allies and applies special buffs only to him |
✅Powerful healing utility from  Improvisation and Curing Waltz | ⛔️Lowest personal damage of all DPS jobs |
| ✅Flexible resource gauge | ⛔️Proc-heavy burst can feel inconsistent between pulls |
B-Tier Class Tier List
B-Tier jobs remain fully capable of clearing current FFXIV PvE content. They fall behind higher placements in overall raid contribution, but they can still work well in Party Finder, casual runs, and solo activities.
Machinist
Machinist is a job in FFXIV that specializes in dealing ranged physical damage. It utilizes firearms and artillery to attack enemies from afar as a mobile physical ranged DPS. Additionally, Machinist has flexible burst timings and a consistent rotation.
Machinist deals high personal DPS and moves with good mobility. It uses its gun to quickly defeat enemies and deploys the Automaton Queen for additional damage. Additionally, Machinist provides party mitigation in a raid with the Tactician ability, but doesn’t have raid buffs.
The job can be difficult to optimize because Hypercharge windows require tight timing and become uncomfortable at high ping. Its damage also drops when major tools drift away from the planned burst window. However, Machinist still contributes a lot to any party as a fast-paced ranged DPS job.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅High personal damage for a physical ranged DPS | ⛔️No raid damage buff, so group value is lower |
| ✅Very mobile and comfortable during mechanic-heavy fights | ⛔️Hypercharge windows can feel rough with high ping |
| ✅Straightforward rotation with clear burst tools | ⛔️Bad drift on Drill, Air Anchor, or Automaton Queen costs damage |
| ✅Tactician gives useful party mitigation | ⛔️Offers less support than Bard or Dancer |
C-Tier Class Tier List
No job in Final Fantasy XIV Patch 7.55 is in the C-tier at the beginning of the patch. The current game balance is tight enough for all jobs to be able to do the endgame content with an efficient group.
4.9The FFXIV Class Tier List gives you a quick overview of every standard combat job in Patch 7.55. S-Tier jobs lead their roles in damage, utility, or progression value, while A- and B-Tier picks can still clear every current PvE duty. Choose what you like based on the FF14 tier list jobs distribution and enjoy the patch.
