FFXIV Ranged DPS Role Actions: Guide & FAQ (Dawntrail UPDATE)

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

Here’s quick guide about Physical Ranged DPS Role Actions! (previously the cross-class skills system). This time around, we no longer have to choose – and have access to all Role Actions! (As a note, people informally refer to these classes as “Ranged”)

Dawntrail Update: Buff to Second Wind.

Second Wind becomes straonger at L94, up to 800 Potency.

What Jobs get the Physical Ranged Role Actions?

Job Classes

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

Base Classes

Archer (ARC)

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

Ranged DPS Role Actions list

Level	Action	Description	Cast	Recast	Duration
6	Leg Graze	Afflicts target with Heavy +40% for 10s.	Instant	30	10
8	Second Wind	Restore own HP, scales with attack power. Cure Potency: 800	Instant	120	-
10	Foot Graze	Binds target for 10s.	Instant	30	10
20	Peloton	Increases out of combat movespeed for nearby party members.	Instant	5	30
24	Head Graze	Interrupts the use of a target's action.	Instant	30	-
32	Arm's Length	Ignore most position altering effects for 5s. Cause Slow +20% for 15s when struck.	Instant	120	6(15)

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Second Wind improves via a Role Trait at L94.

Ranged DPS Role Actions: Quick Strategy & Discussion

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

Leg Graze & Foot Graze

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

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

Second Wind

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

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

Peloton

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

Head Graze

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

Arm’s Length

A very niche skill to cheese some raid mehcanics. It also prevents your cast bar from being interrupted, so keep that in mind!

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

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

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FFXIV All Jobs Unlocking & Requirements (Pictomancer & Viper Added)

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

DAWNTRAIL Guides! Dawntrail L90-100 Miner Leveling, Botanist Leveling
Dawntrail Normal Raid Guide (Quick, Spoiler Free)
See: Viper STARTER Guide / Rotation | Pictomancer Starter Guide / Rotation

Hello there and welcome to our completely overhauled FFXIV Job Unlocking & Requirements Guide! This guide is updated up to Dawntrail! Let’s get right to it, straight to a summary table! Althrough I have a feeling you’re here for (SCROLL TO:) Viper or Pictomancer lol. Beastmaster? Kinda like Blue Mage, Dawntrails limited job. Not much info yet will update asap.

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!

Prefer to discuss / give feedback on reddit? See /r/MahikoSan FFXIV Job Unlocking Guide

Job Requirements & Unlock Quest: SUMMARY

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

Job	Code	Unlock Quest Name	Location & Area	X	Y	Requirement Note
Viper	VPR	Enter the Viper	Uldah	9	9	Disciple of War or Magic L80
Pictomancer	PCT	The Joy of Pictomancy	Old Gridania	8	10	Disciple of War or Magic L80
Astrologian	AST	Stairway to the Heavens	The Pillars	15	10	Disciple of War or Magic L50
Bard	BRD	A Song of Bards and Bowmen	New Gridania	15	11	Archer (ARC) L30
Black Mage	BLM	Taking the Black	Uldah - Steps of Nald	7	12	Thaumaturge (LNC) L30
Blue Mage	BLU	Out of the Blue	Limsa Lower Decks	10	11	Disciple of War or Magic L50
Dancer	DNC	Shall We Dance	Limsa Lower Decks	9	12	DoW or DoM L60
Dark Knight	DRK	Our End	The Pillars	13	8	Disciple of War or Magic L50
Dragoon	DRG	Eye of the Dragon	Old Gridania	14	5	Lancer (LNC) L30
Gunbreaker	GNB	The Makings of a Gunbreaker	New Gridania	11	11	DoW or DoM L60
Machinist	MCH	Savior of Skysteel	Foundation	8	10	DoW or DoM L50
Monk	MNK	Brother from Another Mother	Uldah - Steps of Nald	9	10	Pugilist (PGL) L30
Ninja	NIN	Peasants by Day, Ninjas by Night	Limsa Lower Decks	8	16	Rogue (ROG) L30
Paladin	PLD	Paladin's Pledge	Uldah - Steps of Thal	9	11	Gladiator (GLD) L30
Reaper	RPR	The Killer Instinct	Ul'dah - Steps of Nald	13	9	Disciple of War or Magic L70
Red Mage	RDM	Taking the Red	Uldah - Steps of Thal	14	11	Disciple of War or Magic L50
Sage	SGE	Sage's Path	Limsa Lominsa Lower Decks	9	13	Disciple of War or Magic L70
Samurai	SAM	The Way of the Samurai	Uldah - Steps of Nald	9	9	Disciple of War or Magic L50
Scholar	SCH	Forgotten but Not Gone	Limsa Lower Decks	4	11	Arcanist (ACN) L30
Summoner	SMN	Austerities of Flame	Limsa Lower Decks	4	11	Arcanist (ACN) L30
Warrior	WAR	Pride and Duty (Will Take You...	Limsa Upper Decks	11	6	Marauder (MRD) L30
White Mage	WHM	Seer Folly	Old Gridania	6	10	Conjurer (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

Job	Code	Unlock Quest Name	Location & Area	X	Y
Arcanist	ACN	Way of the Arcanist	Limsa Lower Decks	4	11
Archer	ARC	Way of the Archer	New Gridania	15	12
Conjurer	CNJ	Way of the Conjurer	Old Gridania	6	11
Gladiator	GLD	Way of the Gladiator	Uldah - Steps of Thal	9	11
Lancer	LNC	Way of the Lancer	Old Gridania	14	5
Marauder	MRD	Way of the Marauder	Limsa Upper Decks	11	6
Pugilist	PGL	Way of the Pugilist	Uldah - Steps of Nald	9	10
Rogue	ROG	My First Daggers	Limsa Lower Decks	8	16
Thaumaturge	THM	Way of the Thaumaturge	Uldah - Steps of Nald	7	12

ALL OF THE BASE / ARR JOBS
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.

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Astrologian Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Astrologian.

Astrologian Unlock Quest: Stairway to the Heavens
Location: The Pillars (15,10)
NPC:
Requirements: Level 50 DoW or DoM
Aetheryte -> Aethernet: Ishgard / Foundation
Expansion: Heavensward

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.

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Bard Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Bard.

Bard Unlock 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
Expansion: Base / A Realm Reborn

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!

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Black Mage Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Black Mage.

Black Mage Unlock Quest: Taking the Black
Location: Uldah – Steps of Nald (7,12)
NPC:
Requirements: Level 30 Thaumaturge (THM), and all class quests.
Aetheryte -> Aethernet:
Expansion: Base / A Realm Reborn

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.

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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
Complete the main scenario quest “The Ultimate Weapon.”
Aetheryte -> Aethernet: Limsa Upper Decks -> Limsa Lower Decks
Expansion: Base / A Realm Reborn

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…

Fun is loosely defined, btw. Don’t @ me if it doesn’t pan out.

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Dancer Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Dancer.

Dancer Unlock 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.
Expansion: Stormblood

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.

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Dark Knight Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Dark Knight.

Dark Knight Unlock Quest: Our End
Location: The Pillars (13,8)
NPC:
Requirements: Level 50 DoW or DoM
Aetheryte -> Aethernet: Ishgard / Foundation –
Expansion: Heavensward

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.

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Dragoon Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Dragoon.

Dragoon Unlock Quest: Eye of the Dragon
Location: Old Gridania (14,5)
NPC:
Requirements: Level 30 Lancer (LNC), and all class quests.
Aetheryte -> Aethernet: New Gridania –
Expansion: Base / A Realm Reborn

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.

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Gunbreaker Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Gunbreaker.

Gunbreaker Unlock 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.
Expansion: Shadowbringers

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.

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Machinist Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Machinist.

Machinist Unlock Quest: Savior of Skysteel
Location: Foundation (8,10)
NPC:
Requirements: Level 50 DoW or DoM
Aetheryte -> Aethernet: Ishgard / Foundation
Expansion: Heavensward

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.

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Monk Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking the Monk job.

Monk Unlock Quest: Brother from Another Mother
Location: Uldah – Steps of Nald (9,10)
NPC:
Requirements: Level30 Pugilist (PGL), and all class quests.
Aetheryte -> Aethernet:
Expansion: Base / A Realm Reborn

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.

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Ninja Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking the Ninja job.

Ninja Unlock 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: Limsa Upper Decks
Expansion: Base / A Realm Reborn

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.

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Paladin Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Paladin.

Paladin Unlock Quest: Paladin’s Pledge
Location: Ul’dah – Steps of Thal (9,11)
NPC:
Requirements: Level 30 Gladiator (GLD), and all class quests.
Aetheryte -> Aethernet: Ul’dah
Expansion: Base / A Realm Reborn

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.

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Pictomancer Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

See: Pictomancer Starter Guide – Rotation, Setup, etc

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking the Pictomancer Job.

Pictomancer Unlock Quest Name: The Joy of Pictomancy
Location: New Gridania -> Conjurer’s Guild (8.0, 10.3)
NPC: Cheerless Hearer
Requirements: Level 80 Disciple of War or Magic.
~~Aetheryte -> Aethernet~~: TBA
Expansion: Dawntrail

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.

Aspiring artists apply! If you wanna be a Pictomancer, you’re gonna any other combat class at Level 80. If you want a “similar” job, then go with Black Mage on your journey upward. Once you make the switch, Pictomancer starts at Level 80!

Along your way you can try the Summoner (start game as arcanist), or Red Mage (once you reach L50).

Otherwise, pick tank or healer to improve your queue time haha.

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Reaper Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Reaper.

Reaper Unlock 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
Expansion: Endwalker

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.

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Red Mage Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Red Mage.

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

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.

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Sage Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Sage.

Sage Unlock 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
Expansion: Endwalker

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.

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Samurai Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Samurai.

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

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!

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Scholar Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Scholar.

Scholar Unlock Quest: Forgotten but Not Gone
Location: Limsa Lower Decks (4,11)
NPC:
Requirements: Level 30 Arcanist (ACN), and all class quests.
Aetheryte -> Aethernet: Limsa Upper Decks
Expansion: Base / A Realm Reborn

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). By shared I don’t mean halved – they gain it equally!

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Summoner Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Summoner.

Summoner Unlock Quest: Austerities of Flame
Location: Limsa Lower Decks (4,11)
NPC:
Requirements: Level 30 Arcanist (ACN), and all class quests.
Aetheryte -> Aethernet: Limsa Upper Decks
Expansion: Base / A Realm Reborn

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! Double value! By shared I don’t mean halved – they gain XP at the same time!

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Viper Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

See: Viper Starter Guide – Rotation, Setup, etc

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking the Viper job.

Viper Unlock Quest Name: Enter the Viper
Location: Ul’dah – Steps of Nald (9.3, 9.2), It’s near the main Aetheryte.
NPC: Worried Weaver
Prerequisites: Level 80 Disciple of War or Magic.
~~Aetheryte -> Aethernet~~:
Expansion: Dawntrail

If you’re itching to stab your way (multiple ways, actually) through with the Viper – you’ll have to wait. You need another Level 80 combat class of any other kind! But don’t sweat it, because Viper starts at Level 80 as well!

If I could recommend a class most similar to Viper from the base game (for new players wanting to rush in), it’s probably Monk, or Dragoon – both melee DPS. You can progress to other melees like Ninja, Samurai, or Reaper down the line.

I don’t advise this, but, you can also roll healer or tank to improve your queue time while leveling up. Heh.

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Warrior Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking Warrior.

Warrior Unlock 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.
Expansion: Base / A Realm Reborn

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!

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White Mage Unlocking, Requirements & Tips

Here’s a quick summary on unlocking White Mage.

White Mage Unlock Quest: Seer Folly
Location: Old Gridania (6,10)
NPC:
Requirements: Level 30 Conjurer (CNJ), and all class quests.
Aetheryte -> Aethernet: New Gridania
Expansion: Base / A Realm Reborn

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!

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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

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Summary, Closing , Related Info

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!

I suppose I can add some links here in the future as well.

Prefer to discuss / give feedback on reddit? See /r/MahikoSan FFXIV Job Unlocking Guide

FFXIV Machinist (MCH) Basics Guide & FAQ – Shadowbringers Updated!

Shadowbringers Updated! A guide on the basics of Machinist! MCH unlocking & requirements, why play a Machinist, and other FAQ’s

Motivated to try Machinist? You can muse on material on the MCH job here! Basic information and FAQs in our Machinist Basics Guide. Read on if you’re expecting to learn about unlocking MCH, Machinist Job Identity, trait and skill list, crafters and gatherers related to MCH, and link to other important Machinist info!

Machinist is a Ranged Physical DPS job, and was one of the three jobs released in 3.0 Heavensward (with Dark Knight and Astrologian). Until MCH came out, there was only one other job who shared its role – Bard.

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How to become a Machinist? Unlocking MCH:

The quest to unlock and become an Machinist is called “Savior of Skysteel”, located at The Pillars 15:10 given by the NPC Jannequinard. The only OFFICIAL requirement is having ANY level 50 Disciple of War or Disciple of Magic class leveled.

The UNOFFICIAL “unspoken” requirement is actually being able to walk into Ishgard. Do not attempt to unlock AST if you don’t even have Ishgard in your map (Heavensward content).

Note that, upon completing the quest you MUST EQUIP the “Soul of the Machinist” to actually formally BECOME a MCH.

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

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Machinist Playstyle & MCH Job Identity

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

It’s kinda hard to explain what exactly the MCH does… But if you wanna use a Flamethrower here it is. Tracking a heat gauge and battery gauge? Cramming as many skills into a Wildfire? Lag messing up your Heat Blasts? Machinists are uhhh… a lot of things – which I guess represents the class well…

Historically and meta wise, Machinists have gone through quite a bit of changes (Remember Gauss Barrel?). Currently, they’re a “greedy” DPS with almost zero raid utility. The rotation is a little “wild”, as there’s quite a bit to track. Thankfully, being ranged really helps tone down the stress.

Aesthetically and thematically, the FFXIV Machinist is a mashup of “steampunk”, “gunner”, and pays serious homage to FFVI’s Edgars tools (He’s a bit of a Machinist now that I think about it). Overall, there’s quite a lot going on with the MCH job, while a little “out there”, it certainly is exciting.

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.

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What Crafters & Gatherers should Machinist level?

While it’s common in MMORPG’s to think you want to craft your own gear as you level up your MCH… 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).

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What’s the best race for Machinist?

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.

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Related Machinist Guides – Read More!

Here are a few useful links for you:

General Leveling Guide for ALL combat classes / jobs
Adding new links as we update them!

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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!

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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 Machinist.

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FFXIV Machinist Leveling

Level up your Machinist (MCH)! Setting up – Early Rotations – Gear Checks and more!

If you’ve found yourself here, you’re likely leveling up a Machinist. You’ve found the right place. Hopefully, our Machinist Leveling Guide helps you out – especially with setting up and the early L30+ rotation!

Machinist Leveling Guide Navigation:
Page 1: Unlocking, L30 Skills & Rotation, L30 Gear, Class Quest List
Page 2: Leveling MCH 30 to 50 (Basic info for now)
Page 3: Leveling MCH 50 to 60 (Basic info for now)
Page 4: Leveling MCH 60 to 70 (Basic info for now)

For those who jumped right into this page, we will add a little blurb about unlocking Machinist, if you haven’t already.

Unlocking Machinist (MCH) Job

Quest Name: Savior of Skysteel
Quest Location: Foundation (X:8, Y:10)
NPC Name: Stephanivien

You will be rewarded with the Soul of the Machinist, your main hand weapon (Steel-barreled Carbine), and a free coffer of 30 left side gear (Toadskin Jacket and Toadskin Brais)! Equip them as soon you have them!

Continue doing any and all quests in the chain. You should get the Hotshot skill before proceeding.

Since Machinist starts at level 30 (provided you have a level 50 character), there are a few things you have to “catch up to”… Namely, your Skills, Rotation, and to a lesser extent, Gear.

Fresh Level 30 Machinist Rotation & Skills

Thankfully, there aren’t too many skills unlocked by L30 so you won’t be overwhelmed.

MCH Rotation Summary

The MCH “rotation” or if we can even call it that, is all about bullets, procs, RNG, and frustration.

Reload and Quick Reload add bullets into your gun that “surely” proc your next combo in the chain. If you’re doing it “raw”, your combo is reduced to a chance.

You must be very keen of procs, and maximizing the use of every bullet!

It’s useless to go into detail this early at L30. In the next tabs, we will mention ALL AVAILABLE SKILLS and the context wherein they’re used.

L30 MCH Single Target Rotation

Use Reload (L4) and Quick Reload (L26) as often as possible. Be mindful never to go above 5 bullets.

Is Hotshot (L30) buff up? If no, use Hotshot, if yes, proceed.

Split Shot (L1) Proc or bullet? Proceed. If not, spam Split Shot (L1)
Slug Shot (L2).

If you have Reassemble (L10), use it only on your strongest skill (in this case, Slug Shot with Ammo.

Heartbreak (L6) when the enemy is at low life.

L30 MCH Basic AoE Rotation

L30 MCH AoE Rotation

DO NOT USE YOUR AOE ON 2 TARGETS. A case can be made for using spread shot on 2 guys IF YOU HAVE AMMO – but I don’t think it’s ultimately worth it.

Spread Shot (L18) spam on 3+ targets. Obviously with 4 or more targets, Spread Shot becomes beastly – but be wary of the TP costs.

Remember to still keep Hotshot (L30) up.

L30 MCH Misc (Cooldowns, Utility)

L30 MCH Utility Skills

Reload (L4) and Quick Reload (L26), just a reminder, gives bullets which increase potency on most skills, and ensures proccing the combo chain.

Reassemble (L10) ensures your next weapon skill is a critical strike – always save it for your strongest shot.

Blank (L15) is a decent pushback, you can interrupt skills with it. Careful using it in dungeons – you don’t wanna loosen up piled enemies.

Rapid Fire (L30) speeds up your GCD considerably for 3 skills. Useful in the near future with Wildfire (L30). For now, it’s a generic DPS cooldown.

L30 MCH Role Actions

Long story short a basic solo setup is:
Invigorate > Second Wind > Peloton > Any

For a detailed guide check out our Ranged DPS Role Actions guide.

Fresh level 30 Machinist: Gear Check

The free gear you get from completing the Machinist quest is, ultimately, lacking. You only get a chest and leg armor, while lacking Helm, Belt, Gloves, Boots – and the entire 5 right-side accessories. If you plan to maximize your options in leveling – you wanna shore this up ASAP.

Ignore this section if you’re one of those pure PotD types.

FOR THE ACCESSORIES: Fluorite Tier, OPTIONALLY melded with Heaven’s Eye > Savage Aim > Savage Might. You can meld your other gear, too, if you like.

L30 MCH Basic of the Basic gear
Slot	Item	Note
Weapon	Steel-barreled Carbine	Free from coffer
Head	HQ Steel Sallet	Market board / ARM
Body	Toadskin Jacket	Free from coffer
Hands	HQ Toadskin Armguards	Market board / LTW
Belt	HQ Toadskin Belt	Market board / LTW
Legs	Toadskin Brais	Free from coffer
Boots	HQ Toadskin Leg Guards	Market board / LTW
Earring	HQ Fluorite Earring	Market board / GSM
Neck	HQ Fluorite Choker	Market board / GSM
Wrist	HQ Fluorite Bracelet	Market board / GSM
Ring	HQ Fluorite Ring	Market board / GSM
Ring	HQ Fluorite Ring	Market board / GSM

Machinist Class Quests: Where!?

It happens to everyone, don’t worry. We will be listing the relevant chunks per tier on the respective page of this leveling guide as well, for easy reference.

Machinist Job Quests 30 to 50

LVL	QUEST	LOCATION	COORDS		ISSUER	REWARDS
			X	Y
30	Master of Marksmanship	Outer La Noscea	20	18	Rostnsthal
35	Always the Last Place You Look	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
40	Rook Before You Reap	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
40	Securing the Locks	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
45	A Suppressive Strategy	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
45	Blood on the Sands	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
50	Rage against the Machinists	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
50	The Power of a Tourney	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien	Junior Machinist’s Armor Coffer

Machinist Job Quests 50 to 60

LVL	QUEST	LOCATION	COORDS		ISSUER	REWARDS
			X	Y
50	A Joye-less Celebration	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
52	Pushing the Brume	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
54	A Joye-ful Reunion	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
56	Wheels of Justice	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
58	Taking the Fall	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
58	Rusted Steel	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
60	Rise of the Machinists	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien	Machinist’s Armor Coffer

Machinist Job Quests 60 to 70

LVL	QUEST	LOCATION	COORDS		ISSUER	REWARDS
			X	Y
60	The Machinist’s Choice	Foundation	8	10	Stephanivien
63	The Hrunting Heist	Foundation	12	12	Hilda
65	Release the Hounds	Foundation	12	12	Hilda
68	Snouts Down, Tails Up	Foundation	12	12	Hilda
70	The Mongrel and the Knight	Foundation	12	12	Hilda	Gunner’s Armor Coffer

I’m sure you’re itching to level up – and I hope you took the above preparations to heart! Just continue onwards with the links just above!

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FFXIV 3.2 Machinist (MCH) Best in Slot (BiS) Gear

3.2 UPDATED! MCH Best in slot guide! “BRB buying bullets in town”. MCH Lore buy order, Melding, Pages & Normals, more!

So your 1 key hasn’t worn out yet and you’re back to being a “Robot Sympathizer” which isn’t too popular with the Eorzeans! Thankfully, MCH got some pretty beefy buffs – so GL getting your 3.2 MCH BiS! Thanks to Tiffany Faye for the help!

Quicknotes: Of course, is very similar to BRD BiS. The most glaring difference I can tell you is that SS is absolutely garbage for MCH.

Navigation: Machinist BiS
MCH BiS | Discussion | Lore Buy Order | Crafted TBA

3.2 Machinist Best-in-Slot

MCN	Item	Meld 1	Meld 2	ACC	CRIT	DET	SS
Weapon	Midan Metal Musketoon	CRIT V	CRIT V	-	110	-	123
Offhand	-	-	-
Helm	Midan Goggles of Aiming	DET V	DET V	48	69	24	-
Body	Augmented Torrent Tabard of Aiming	CRIT V	CRIT V	112	24	75	-
Hand	Augmented Torrent Armguards of Aiming	DET V	DET V	48	69	24	-
Belt	Midan Belt of Aiming	DET V	-	-	51	46	-
Legs	Augmented Torrent Tights of Aiming	CRIT V	CRIT V	-	102	-	112
Boots	Augmented Torrent Boots of Aiming	CRIT V	CRIT IV	-	69	66	-
Neck	Midan Neckband of Aiming	DET V	-	36	51	12	-
Earring	Augmented Primal Earrings of Aiming	DET V	-	-	51	46
Wrist	Augmented Primal Bracelet of Aiming	CRIT V	-	51	48	-	-
Ring	Augmented Primal Ring of Aiming	CRIT V	-	-	48	49	-
Ring	Midan Ring of Aiming	CRIT V	-	36	12	-	51
Food	Baked Pipira Pira	-	-	18	37	-	-
Stats	Total stats from gear			349	741	342	286
	End value			703	1095	560	640

only making short discussions to update all BiS quickly

MCH BiS Discussion

640 SS? What gives, man!? Well, SS is locked in 3 key pieces of gear

100+ from 245 Weapon (Silly not to use this)
100+ from Legs (Other legs are ACC DET and no crit…)
50+ from Ring (Un-upgraded ring is OK, but lose too much ACC!)

So with that, we’re stuck. You may not like it, but we HAVE NO CHOICE.

Why not use Midan Body? It has CRIT! Well, there’s this other stat that’s slightly more important that Crit sometimes – it’s called ACCURACY. The 50~ Crit lost from body more than makes up for the tons of accuracy WE ACTUALLY NEED. It’s just a 50~ point loss, shh bby is ok.

Frontal Accuracy? This set is 20 points away from Frontal ACC cap. If you find yourself needing it, simply replace 1 (2 max) DET melds for ACC.

Technically, you can swap the body and legs, as both of those slots have mirrored stats. This BiS just assumes everyone will get the legs sooner than the body. Just tossin’ that out there… meaning:

Choosing Midan Body + Midan Legs (saves lore)
Choosing Lore Body + Lore Legs (Earlier BiS power spike to beat A7/8)

If your MCH is an alt you may consider the Midan option.

It is as of yet confirmed if Piety increases your worship levels and boosts proc chance. If that’s the case you can check WHM… (This is a joke, k).

MCH Lore Tomestone Buy Order

The below spending strategy is purely to obtain BiS fastest:

Weapon: Not bad so why not? You’ll have to buy this at some point, man.
Body: By order of Midan counterpart…
Legs: By order of Midan counterpart…
Hands: This before boots since the stats are way better.
Boots: Yep… “That’s a lot of Lore, MAN!!!!”
Ring > Wrist > Earring in that order of value.

ANYTHING ELSE IS OPTIONAL: left-side fillers should be prioritized (Head > Belt), then accessories Neck > Ring(Unupgraded).

USING UP PAGES AND MIDAS NORMAL PARTS

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

Midan Savage Pages

MIDAN SAVAGE PAGES

The below spending method is for getting BiS fastest:

A5S: Belt > Ring > Neck > Any
A6S: Head > Illuminati Dark Gobcoat x 3 > Any
A7S: Illuminati Taut Gobtwine x 4 > Any
A8S: Weapon > Any (Gobdip then just wait for Gun is fine…)

B-but Mahiko Senpai, the piece I bought dropped the next week! Don’t blame me. Blame yourself, or God. Not “God Mahiko”, just God. Or yourself.

Midan Normal Parts

MIDAN NORMAL PARTS

“what should MCH’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:

MCH	M1N	M2N	M3N	M4N
Week 1	chain	bolt	spring	spring
Week 2	pedal	pedal	spring	spring
Week 3	bolt	lens	crank	crank
Week 4	bolt	bolt	lens	ANY

So we’re avoiding body here since we’re picking up lore ASAP. Every other body piece is pure value and will serve you as far as A8S! The stats are surprisingly great. BOLTS = Ring > Neck > Any. Week 5+ ANY.

Click the above!!!

MCH Crafted Gear Viability

I’ll be updating this in the second pass just so I can finish more BiS pages asap. 90% of the info you’ll need is already here, though.

Navigation: Machinist BiS
MCH BiS | Discussion | Lore Buy Order | Crafted TBA

As the robots rise and fall – so does your proc chance!!! GL with yer’ Machinist for BiS in 3.2!

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