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.

LOST IN YOUR JOB QUEST?
CHECK RIGHT BELOW YOUR MAIN SCENARIO QUEST BOX!

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 Black Mage (BLM) 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…

Bent on being a Black Mage? Bolster your knowledge on the BLM job, basic information and FAQs in our Black Mage Basics Guide. Read on if you’re expecting to learn about unlocking BLM, Black Mage Job Identity, trait and skill list, crafters and gatherers related to BLM, and link to other important Black Mage info!

Black Mage is a Ranged Magical DPS job (“caster”), and is one of the very first nine jobs released in 2.0 A Realm Reborn. BLM’s came out along with another caster, the Summoner.

How to become a Black Mage? Unlocking BLM:

First and foremost you need to have a Level 30 Thaumaturge, and have completed the L30 THM class quest, “Facing your Demons”. After doing this you can unlock the actual quest to become a Black Mage, “Taking the Black”. You can get the quest at the usual place, Ul’dah – Steps of Nald by Yayake.

You also have to complete a Level 20 MSQ, “Sylph Management”, which realistically should be completed by the time you’re looking to unlock Black Mage. 

Note that, upon completing the quest you MUST EQUIP the “Soul of the Black Mage” to actually formally BECOME a BLM. Interestingly, in the old days, unlocking Black Mage required L15 Archer – 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.

Black Mage Playstyle & BLM Job Identity

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

Have you ever wanted to be a turret? Dream of just staying in one place and pew pew? Black Mage is just for you! The BLM rotation is wholly determined by your cast bar, and few bursts of instacasts. Heck your signature cooldown, Leylines, requires you to STAND on a ground rune you generate!

Historically Black Mage DPS has been VERY good. There is a catch though. It’s easy to be a terrible Black Mage (their rotation actually punishes you HEAVILY for the myriad mistakes you can make at every step). Oh, and it’s difficult to be a GOOD one. Optimizing your BLM rotation requires serious study of the encounter, your job, execution… This high mastery aspect of Black Mage can be a draw or turn-off depending on the person.

Aesthetically and thematically, the FFXIV BLM feels real good. It pays great homage to the general Final Fantasy Black Mage. It also captures the feel of a “pure spellcaster” with devastating success. The ice / fire phase rotation is quite unique.

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 Black Mage level?

While it’s common in MMORPG’s to think you want to craft your own gear as you level up your BLM… 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 Black Mage?

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 Black Mage 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 Black Mage.


Join our IRL Cross-World Linkshells (socials lol): 

Contact us about anything and everything. Don't be shy! Love our guides and want to let us know? Got questions or corrections? Suggestions for improvement? TALK TO US! How, you say?

Comment below if it's about this guide. Message us on any of our socials above about anything.  We're organizing our email situation if you're into that.

FFXIV Caster DPS Role Actions: Guide & FAQ

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

Here’s quick  guide about Magical Ranged 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 “Caster”)

What Jobs get the Magical Ranged Role Actions?

Job Classes

Black Mage (BLM)
Summoner (SMN)
Red Mage (RDM)

Base Classes

Arcanist (ACN)
Thaumaturge (THM)

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

Magical Ranged Role Actions List

LvlActionDescriptionDurationCastRecast
8AddleLowers target's intelligence and mind by 10% for 10s.10Instant90
18SwiftcastNext spell is cast without cast time.10Instant60
24Lucid DreamingRegain MP over time.21Instant60
44SurecastSpells can be cast without interruption. Ignore most position altering effects.6Instant120

Caster DPS Role Actions: Quick Strategy & Discussion

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

Addle

Very useful for raids and other boss fights. Severely reduces the targets magic damage for a short period of time. Usually used to help mitigate heavy tank busters or raid AoE. Remember it only works on magic damage!

Swiftcast

Usefulness depends from class to class, but generally speaking any caster can benefit from this. Will mostly be used to “move while doing a cast”, and can be saved for a fast Resurrection for Summoners. Black Mages love this, while Red Mages, well… It comes up every now and then.

Lucid Dreaming

Slowly restores mana. Should be used as often as possible for Red Mages and Summoners to regain mana over longer fights. Is it even useful for Black Mages!?

Surecast

Very niche skill in some raid encounters. It’s super rare that a strategy would require the use of Surecast, but please be aware of this skill in your repertoire in case it does!

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

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

Like us on Facebook for more updates!

FFXIV 3.2 Black Mage (BLM) Best in Slot (BiS) Gear

3.2 UPDATED! BLM Best in slot guide! “Lose Eno delete acct”. BLM Lore buy order, Melding, Pages & Normals, more!

Come back to prove that magic beats machinery in 3.2? Thanks for checking out out 3.2 BLM BiS! If it was a little unclear to anyone last time – it’s damn certain NOW: Spell Speed is king. Shoutout to our BLM Bazu Zhilei.

Quicknotes: SS is the undoubted emperor of stats for Black Mages – if you disagree, this is not the BiS for you.

Navigation: Black Mage BiS
BLM BiS | Discussion | Lore Buy Order | Crafted TBA

3.2 Black Mage Best-in-Slot

BLMBLM BiSMeld 1Meld 2AccSSCritDet
WeaponMidan Metal RodCRIT VCRIT V-1232483
Offhand-------
HelmMidan Horn of CastingACC VACC V246948-
BodyMidan Coat of CastingSS VSS V-102112-
HandAugmented Hailstorm Gloves of CastingSS VSS V692448-
BeltMidan Belt of CastingSS V--48-49
LegsAugmented Hailstorm Bottoms of CastingACC VACC V24112-75
BootsAugmented Hailstorm Boots of CastingSS VSS IV-6969-
NeckAugmented Primal Choker of CastingSS V-5112-34
EarringAugmented Primal Earrings of CastingSS V--48-49
WristMidan Bracelets of CastingACC V-1251-34
RingMidan Ring of CastingSS V-5112-34
RingAugmented Primal Ring of CastingACC V-125136-
FoodMarron Glace--1137--
StatsTotals from gear254758337358
Grand total6081112691576

 

BLM BiS Discussion

1100+ Spell Speed – I can end the discussion with that.

So why not crit? So here’s how it works SS works better the more of it you have – hands down. In an extreme example, you only need a few points of SS to decrease cast time from 0.2 to 0.1 – that’s a 100% DPS increase (in this unrealistic but easy to understand scenario).

But crit works better when stacked, too? Yes it does, but not as good as SS with for BLM – since they have an infinite resource it’s all about getting as many fire cycles as you can in a fight or phase, NOT about getting the most damage per skill you do.

SS also increases your safety by a large margin – a stat that CRIT simply cannot emulate in any way shape or form. KEEPING your ENO, squeezing MORE from LEYLINES, moving out of danger AoE faster – there’s countless immeasurable bonuses SS grants to any BLM.

As for the gear there’s very little to discuss in this patch. Does it have SS? Wear it. None? Accuracy. It was a brainless process to reach this point.

Accuracy Cap? You need 6x ACC V’s to cap – 7 without food.

Creme Brulee vs Marron Glace? Is honestly a non-issue. You have to meld an extra ACCV to cover for the loss of Marron Glace. It’s maybe… MAYBE better by around 0.0004%. maybe. But the cost? Secretly, many of us care about how expensive Creme Brulee can be :)

At this point I’m just reaching into the void for more discussion points. Unupgraded Ring, while tempting – is likely a DPS loss. but again, if you’re an SS freak go for it… it’s another “Decimal” change, man.

BLM Lore Tomestone Buy Order

The lore tomestone spending order is to get BiS fastest:

  • Weapon: is priority but you may not have the hypercharged tome. Just go down the list for a bit while you wait.
  • Legs: By order of Midan depth
  • Gloves (Need accuracy?) Boots (Has better DPS).
  • Ring > Choker (Accuracy) > Earring (DPS).

ANYTHING ELSE IS OPTIONAL: left-side fillers should be prioritized (Chest, Head, Belt) then Bracelet, Ring (230).

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

The goal with this listed strat is to gain BiS fastest

A5S: Belt > Ring > Bracelet > Any
A6S: Head > Illuminati Dark Gobcoat  x 3 > Any
A7S: Illuminati Taut Gobtwine x 3 > Any
A8S: Weapon > Body > Any (Gobdip and wait for Staff is OK)

Midan Normal Parts

MIDAN NORMAL PARTS

“what should BLM’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:

BLMM1NM2NM3NM4N
Week 1chainlenslensshaft
Week 2boltpedalcrankshaft
Week 3boltpedalcrankshaft
Week 4boltboltANYshaft

Getting pants is our priority with lore so we avoid it here. Shaft, while stats aren’t bad – it’s more of a concession to Midan Chest BiS and us having to use a filler for quite some time. This takes care of most left-side pieces to assist in survivability. Bolts? Ring > Earring > Any. Week5+ ANY.

Click the above!!!

BLM Crafted Gear Viability

To be updated later on to make all other BiS pages. 90% of info you’re here for is here already anyways.

Navigation: Black Mage BiS
BLM BiS | Discussion | Lore Buy Order | Crafted TBA

With 1000+ SS I hope it also increases the speed in which you acquire your Black Mage BiS in 3.2! GL with it!

Follow us on Facebook for more FFXIV updates!

FFXIV Black Mage (BLM) Cross Class skills guide

Click on our
Caster DPS Role Actions Guide
for the updated version!

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

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

From what other classes does Black Mage get skills from? Arcanist and Archer.

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

Full list of Black Mage (BLM) Cross-class skills

NameIconLevelDescriptionFrom Class
Ruin1Unaspected damage nuke.Arcanist (ACN)
Physick4Restores target's HPArcanist (ACN)
Raging Strikes4Increases damage dealtArcher (ARC)
Virus12Reduces target's STR, DEXArcanist (ACN)
Hawk's Eye26Increases DEX and physical accuracyArcher (ARC)
Eye for an Eye34Erects a barrier on a party member that when struck the striker will deal less damageArcanist (ACN)
Quelling Strikes34Reduces enmity generated by each attackArcher (ARC)

Black Mage (BLM) Cross-class skills discussion

Well, you got some slim pickings here.

Ruin and Hawks Eye are useless to you. There’s no debating this.

Physick is arguably your best cross class skill. Infinite cures with Umbral Ice is never bad in a bind.

Virus is a welcome debuff. Reducing damage, parry and block strength (and chance). Admittedly, this one isn’t used very often even by ACN’s SCH’s and SMN’s… I wonder why.

Eye for an Eye – Deceptively useful. The availability of this skill amongst many classes rewards an organized group by taking turns putting this buff on the tank.

Quelling Strikes – Ah, the best one you can get. If you like opening with Thunder -> Fire, you’re going to need this to offset the threat.

Raging Strikes – An obvious choice. Only use it when you’re in your Fire phase.

Well, since you can get seven, and 2 are garbage, I guess the choice is obvious…

Ideal Black Mage (BLM) Cross-class progression

  1. Thaumaturge to 15 for: Unlocking other classes.
  2. Arcanist to for: Physick.
  3. Archer to 4 for: Raging Strikes.
  4. Thaumaturge to 30 for: BLM Requirement.
  5. Archer to 15 for: BLM Requirement (Raging Strikes).
  6. Black Mage to 50 for: Maximum level.
  7. Archer to to 34 for: Quelling Strikes.
  8. Arcanist to 34 for: Eye for an Eye (All Cross-class skills obtained)

Getting Physick (Arcanist 4) is really really really (really) worth it, and is probably your most important cross-class skill aside from Quelling Strikes.

Summary

  • Black Mages use skills from: Archer and Arcanist.
  • Physick. Get this. Use it. Profit. Combine it with Swiftcast if you like!?
  • Eye for an Eye is a decent raid helping skill. Also, get used to timing Quelling Strikes.
  • Best Black Mage Cross-Class skills:
    Physick, Raging Strikes, Quelling Strikes, Virus, Eye for an Eye.

More Info: Thaumaturge | Black Mage | THM BLM Stats

Remember to like us on Facebook and follow us on YouTube for more updates and content!

FFXIV Thaumaturge / Black Mage Stats & Materia Guide

What’s a good thaumaturge stats build? What are useful black mage stats? Thaumaturge / Black Mage 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 Thaumaturge or Black Mage need should never be far from mind!

Thaumaturge (THM) & Black Mage (BLM) Stats

What are the thaumaturge or black mage stat weights?

INT > Critical Chance > Determination  > PIE  > Spell Speed > VIT

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

Thaumaturge (THM) & Black Mage (BLM) Primary Stats Allocation

What stats should I add as a thaumaturge or black mage?

INT > 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 INT (Intelligence) as you can. If you cannot put any more points into INT, place points into PIE (Piety). If you cannot put any more points into INT and/or PIE, invest in VIT (Vitality).

Intelligence – INT = Magic damage increase. An obvious choice to stack.

PIE – A very interesting stat for these guys. Useless when in Umbral Ice phase, but extending Astral Fire phases by even 1 spell can be huge.

VIT – HP Pool. No other stat is even close to being useful. THM’s and BLM’s have the smallest HP pools in the game, every point in this is welcome.

Mahiko’s Note – Honestly, I think PIE is more important than determination, depending if certain mana pool thresholds are met. Again this is more advanced stuff, probably meant for the eventual page 2 of these articles…

 

Thaumaturge (THM) & Black Mage (BLM) Secondary Stats

What are good secondary stats for thaumaturge or black mage, 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 – Hands down, THM’s and BLM’s want crit. Every spell done while on Astral Fire is too valuable. Maximizing each spell is the name of the game here.

Determination – Less desirable for THM’s, but still very good. You can even use the +healing! (Arcanist cross-class [Physick])

Spell Speed – While this stat isn’t really too good on THM’s, any DPS increase is welcome.

Thaumaturge (THM) & Black Mage (BLM) 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:

INT > Critical Chance > Determination  > PIE  > Spell Speed > VIT

Materia Name
INT: Intelligence
PIE: Piety
VIT: Vitality
Critical Chance: Savage Aim
Determination: Savage Might
Spell Speed: Quicktongue

See Also: Materia Guide | Melding Guide

Summary:

  • Overall THM  BLM stat importance: INT > Critical Chance > Determination  > PIE  > Spell Speed > VIT
  • THM BLM Stat allocation: INT > PIE > VIT
  • Secondary stats for THM  BLM: Critical Chance > Determination  > Spell Speed
  • Reference links: Thaumaturge FAQ, Black Mage FAQ.
Follow us on Facebook for more FFXIV updates!

Have a question about THM /BLM? Chime in on the comments or in our Thaumatuge / Black Mage Forums.