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.

JobCodeUnlock Quest NameLocation & AreaXYRequirement Note
ViperVPREnter the ViperUldah99Disciple of War or Magic L80
PictomancerPCTThe Joy of PictomancyOld Gridania810Disciple of War or Magic L80
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
NinjaNINPeasants by Day, Ninjas by NightLimsa Lower Decks816Rogue (ROG) L30
PaladinPLDPaladin's PledgeUldah - Steps of Thal911Gladiator (GLD) L30
ReaperRPRThe Killer InstinctUl'dah - Steps of Nald139Disciple of War or Magic L70
Red MageRDMTaking the RedUldah - Steps of Thal1411Disciple of War or Magic L50
SageSGESage's PathLimsa Lominsa Lower Decks913Disciple of War or Magic L70
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 / 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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

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 Melee DPS Role Actions: Guide & FAQ (Dawntrail UPDATE)

All you need to know about the Melee Role Actions in Shadowbringers!

Here’s a quick guide for the Melee DPS Role Actions.  We no longer have to choose – and have access to all Role Actions! Used to be the “cross-class” system.

Dawntrail Update: Added Viper to the mix. Dawntrail changes are:

  • Second Wind more powerful, almost double potency to 800. (L94)
  • Feint increased duration to 15s.
What Jobs benefit from the Melee DPS Role Actions?

Job Class

Monk (MNK)
Dragoon (DRG)
Ninja (NIN)
Reaper (RPR)
Samurai (SAM)
Viper (VPR)

Base Class

Pugilist (PUG)
Lancer (LNC)
Rogue (ROG)

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

Melee DPS Role Actions List

LvlActionDescriptionCastRecast
8Second WindRestore own HP, scales with attack power.Instant120
10Leg SweepStuns target for 3s.Instant40
12BloodbathConverts part of your damage to HP for 20s.Instant90
22FeintLower target's strength and dexterity by 10% for 10s.Instant90
32Arm's LengthIgnore most position altering effects for 6s. Cause Slow +20% when struck.Instant120
50True NorthNullifies all action direction requirements. Duration: 10s. Max charges 2.Instant45

Second Wind improves via a Role Trait at L94.

Melee DPS Role Actions: Quick Strategy & Discussion

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

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! I’d rather you Second Wind “before” mechanics if you aren’t full, than heailng up after it.

Leg Sweep

Great for soloing and dungeons, rare for raids. a 3 second stun works wonders for mass dungeon pulls.

Bloodbath

A strange skill that has limited usefulness outside of soloing. As for raiding, this is about as useful anytime a regen would be…

Ask your healers when’s the best time to pop this per encounter as they would give you the best use-case.

Feint

Reduces enemy physical damage by a large amount for a short duration. Best used to help mitigate heavy physical tank busters (and the rare physical AoE) in raids. Coordinate with your tanks and healers about it!

Arm’s Length

Comes up in raids. Anytime there’s a knockback in an encounter try to imagine how this skill would be best utilized to mitigate its effect on your DPS, or to ease up the mechanics.

True North

Oh boy… a godlike cheese when your raid needs to take sub-optimal melee positioning. You’ll be using this often.

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

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

Like us on Facebook for more updates!

FFXIV Monk (MNK) Basics Guide & FAQ – Shadowbringers Updated!

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


 

Motivated to be a Monk? Before you mull over the massive mixture of moves, learn the absolute basics of the MNK job! Basic information and FAQs in our Monk Basics Guide. Read on if you’re expecting to learn about unlocking MNK, Monk Job Identity, trait and skill list, crafters and gatherers related to MNK, and link to other important Monk info!

Monk is a Melee DPS job, and one of nine jobs that came out at release, 2.0 A Realm Reborn. MNKs came out with Dragoons are the other melee DPS at the time.

How to become a Monk? Unlocking MNK:

First and foremost you need to have a Level 30 Pugilist, and have completed the L30 PGL class quest, “Return of the Holyfist”. After doing this you can unlock the actual quest to become a Monk, “Brother from Another Mother” – the quest is issued by Gagaruna in the Pugilists guild at Ul’dah – Steps of Thal.

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

Note that, upon completing Brother from Another Mother you MUST EQUIP the “Soul of the Monk” to actually formally BECOME a MNK. Interestingly, in the old days, unlocking Monk required L15 Lancer – 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.

Monk Playstyle & MNK Job Identity

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

Monk is our resident “combo class”. Super fast attacks, lots of tracking timers, loads of  positionals… they’re probably the most hectic melee DPS class.

Monks have a decent balance of Raid utility and personal DPS. Historically, they have been known to put up great DPS, but… Monks have the shortest GCD in the game thanks to their stacking Greased Lightning buff, and the heaviest positional requirements of any job. The combination of those two can sound interesting to some, but daunting to others.

Aesthetically and thematically, they’re the typical “lightning fast” fist fighter. While their OG artifact armor is a little meme-tier (it’s improved since!), one cannot argue how cool double fist weapons are, and just how “right” the class playstyle and expectations align.

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 Monk level?

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

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 Monk 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 Monk.


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 3.2 Monk (MNK) Best in Slot (BiS) Gear

3.2 UPDATED! MNK Best in slot guide! “GL3 is down but TK is up -_-“. MNK Lore buy order, Melding, Pages & Normals, more!

The best mechanics get their hands dirty y’know? If you’re back as Monk to take robots apart in 3.2, you’ve found the right place for 3.2 MNK BiS!

Quicknotes: There’s a bunch of sets that can come up with very similar stats (900~ CRIT, 500~ DET 600~ SS).

Navigation: Monk BiS
MNK BiS | Discussion | Lore Buy Order (&Pages)  | Crafted TBA

3.2 Monk Best-in-Slot

MNKBiSMeld 1Meld 2ACCCRITSSDET
WeaponMidan Metal KnucklesCRIT VCRIT V-2412383
Offhand--
HelmAugmented Hellfire Mask of StrikingACC VDET V6069-12
BodyMidan Jacket of StrikingCRIT VCRIT V7824-107
HandMidan Gloves of StrikingCRIT VCRIT IV6969--
BeltMidan Belt of StrikingCRIT V--4851-
LegsMidan Breeches of StrikingDET VDET V-1127824
BootsAugmented Hellfire Sabatons of StrikingDET VDET V-694824
NeckMidan Neckband of SlayingDET V-3651-12
EarringAugmented Primal Earrings of SlayingDET V-3651-12
WristAugmented Primal Bracelet of SlayingCRIT V--4851-
RingAugmented Primal Ring of SlayingCRIT V--123649
RingMidan Ring of SlayingCRIT V-5148--
FoodBaked Pipira Pira--1837--
StatsTotals from Gear348662387323
Grand Totals7021016741541
 

MNK BiS Discussion

Like many of the 3.2 sets, the advent of melding has made it possible that a bunch of setups can reach very similar stats. But first of all – let’s talk about Skill Speed.

Skill Speed or DET? Okay so we all know Crit is best for us, and as such the set has over 1000 of it. So where do we want our stats into next?

I don’t believe the hard and fast numbers of stat weights. The popular belief is that DET beats SS. This however does not take SCALING into account. But does it even matter? When we are almost FORCED to have 600++ SS to get anywhere NEAR BiS stats!

So as a concession to many many configurations and discussions with others, I have arrived at the set above to be a “balanced” set regardless of your thoughts. It has a really high Crit rating and SS rating which BOTH SCALE well, and still has a little det since we can’t go TOO crazy with SS. Why?

I could have melded more SS in place of DET melds (something you can do if you like) but TP will start to become a real issue at those levels of SS. Unless you have a NIN or your comp uses Paeon – do it at your own risk.

I have made multiple sets wherein I get a higher DET rating and lower SS rating, but I truly feel that since we are already forced to have a rather high SS – I’d rather embrace that than lose CRIT just to reduce SS and gain DET. Again, stat weights cannot take scaling into account.

Regardless though, the difference between these two “more Det less SS” setups is seriously marginal. Any set within the “BiS range” of stats will perform within the 95+ percentile of each other.

MNK Lore Tomestone Buy Order

  • Weapon: An excellent “filler” weapon – any serious Monk who wants to clear A8 should invest in this. The stats are GREAT.
  • Helm: has slightly better stats than boots (ACC / CRIT)
  • Boots: It’s the last left-side lore BiS…
  • BODY is a NOTABLE FILLER: You can pick it up now…
  • Ring > Earring > Wrist by order of “value”.

Everything ELSE IS OPTIONAL! left-side fillers priority Body > Legs > Hand > Belt – then accessories Neck > Ring (Unupgraded)

USING UP PAGES AND MIDAS NORMAL PARTS

The boxes below are expandable on click!!!

Midan Savage Pages

MIDAN SAVAGE PAGES

This strategy purely outlines the “speediest BiS” getting:

A5S: Belt > Ring > Neck > Any
A6S: Gloves > Illuminati Dark Gobcoat x 3 > Any
A7S: Legs > Gobdip > Illuminati Taut Gobtwine x 3 > Any
A8S: Weapon or Body > Any (or just wait for the drop, and use Gobdip)

Midan Normal Parts

MIDAN NORMAL PARTS

“what should MNK’s pick up in Midas normal”! Is something I get asked often 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:

MNKM1NM2NM3NM4N
Week 1chainpedalspringshaft
Week 2boltpedalspringshaft
Week 3boltboltspringshaft
Week 4boltanyspringshaft

Aim to get body and legs ASAP as we want Midan BiS. The only lost value here is we cannot get CRANK (Gloves) anytime soon, so you might wanna pick up a crafted. Floor 2 becomes really useless since we pick up Lore Boots and Helm asap. What do?

W5+: Pick up Crank in 3/4!
Bolts? Ring > Bracelet > Neck > Earring

Click the boxes above to expand!!

MNK Crafted Gear Viability

I’ll get back to this as I upgrade all the BiS lists – 90% of what you need is already up there, though.

For MNK, I gotta say you should buy the Gloves if you feel like A6 won’t go down anytime soon. Since you’ll only be getting Cranks Week 5+.

Navigation: Monk BiS
MNK BiS | Discussion | Lore Buy Order (&Pages)  | Crafted TBA

Well, I wish you all the luck in getting your Giers! GL with your Dragoon 3.2 BiS! For more FFXIV updates, Like our Facebook. Message us on Twitter! Check out our YouTube and Twitch!

I wish you get your loot lightning fast! GL with your Monk 3.2 BiS!

Follow us on Facebook for more FFXIV updates!

FFXIV Monk (MNK) Cross Class skills guide

Go to our Stormblood updated
Melee DPS Role Actions Guide
instead!

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

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

From what other classes does Monk get skills from? Marauder and Lancer.

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

Full list of Monk (MNK) Cross-class skills

Monk
NameIconLevelDescriptionFrom Class
Feint2Damages and slows enemiesLancer (LNC)
Foresight2Increases defenseMarauder (MRD)
Skull Sunder4Attack that generates enmityMarauder (MRD)
Keen Flurry6Increases parry rateLancer (LNC)
Fracture6Damage over time (DOT)Marauder (MRD)
Impulse Drive8Attack. Damage is stronger if dealt at the back of targetLancer (LNC)
Bloodbath8Converts damage dealt to HPMarauder (MRD)
Invigorate22Instantly restores 300 TPLancer (LNC)
Mercy Stroke26Attack that can only be executed when enemy is below 20% HP. Up to 20% life steal.Marauder (MRD)
Blood for Blood34Damage dealt +20%, Damage taken +25%Lancer (LNC)

 

Monk (MNK) Cross-class skills discussion

Feint – If there are key adds that can be slowed, and you don’t have a LNC / DRG, take it.

Foresight, Keen Flurry – Take one or the other if surviving physical damage is a concern.

Fracture – A decent DoT as always.

Impulse Drive – My impulses tell me it’s not worth getting this as a monk.

Bloodbath – A pretty decent self-healing mechanism, for the lack of other things to take.

Invigorate, Blood for Blood – well, this is the main event in terms of monk cross class. Take these two and dont look back.

Mercy Stroke – This is kind of underrated. Pretty strong for when it’s needed.

Ideal Monk (MNK) Cross-class progression

  1. Pugilist to 15 for: Unlocking other classes.
  2. Marauder to 6 for: Fracture.
  3. Pugilist to 30 for: MNK Requirement.
  4. Lancer to 15 for: MNK Requirement.
  5. MNK to 50 for: Maximum level.
  6. Lancer to 34 for: Blood for Blood.
  7.  Marauder to 26 for: Mercy Stroke(All Cross Class Skills Obtained)

Like always, getting an extra DoT from Marauder 6 is very helpful early on.

Summary

  • Monks use skills from: Gladiator and Pugilist.
  • Invigorate and Blood for Blood are your key offensives here.
  • For defensives, Foresight and Bloodbath.
  • Best Monk Cross-Class Skills:
    Blood for Blood, Mercy Stroke, Invigorate, Fracture, Bloodbath.

More Info: Pugilist | Monk | PGL MNK Stats

Follow us on Facebook for more FFXIV updates!

FFXIV Pugilist / Monk Stats & Materia Guide

What’s a good pugilist stats build? What are useful monk stats? Pugilist / Monk 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 Pugilist or Monk need should never be far from mind!

Pugilist (PGL) & Monk (MNK) Stats

What are the pugilist or monk stat weights?

STR > Critical Chance > Determination  > VIT  > Skill Speed > DEX

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

Pugilist (PGL) & Monk (MNK) Primary Stats Allocation

What stats should I add as a pugilist or monk?

STR > VIT > DEX

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 STR (Strength) as you can. If you cannot put any more points into STR, place points into VIT (Vitality). If you cannot put any more points into VIT and/or STR, invest in DEX (Dexterity).

Strength – Stat which increases your damage output the most.

Vitality – Increases total HP. Never a bad thing to have, considering everything else has almost no use to you.

Dexterity – Again, if you ever need to take another stat aside from STR or VIT.

 

Pugilist (PGL) & Monk (MNK) Secondary Stats

What are good secondary stats for pugilist or monk, 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 – The most basic choice for increasing DPS.

Determination – More Damage, and could possibly benefit second wind.

Skill Speed – Reduces GCD, resulting in more damage.

Monk stat choices are very simple right now. You want as much damage as you can get. *Mahiko’s Note: I’m thinking skill speed may be more important than Determination, and may even benefit more than Crit for monks. However, I won’t personally make that recommendation until more numbers are crunched.

Pugilist (PGL) & Monk (MNK) 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:

STR > Critical Chance > Determination  > VIT  > Skill Speed > DEX

Materia Name
STR: Strength
VIT: Vitality
DEX: Dexterity
Critical Chance: Savage Aim
Determination: Savage Might
Skill Speed: Quickarm

See Also: Materia Guide | Melding Guide

Summary:

  • Overall PGL MNK stat importance: STR > Critical Chance > Determination  > VIT  > Skill Speed > DEX
  • PGL MNK Stat allocation: STR > VIT > DEX
  • Secondary stats for PUG MNK: Critical Chance > Determination  > Skill Speed
  • Reference links: Pugilist FAQ, Monk FAQ
Follow us on Facebook for more FFXIV updates!

Have a question about PGL /MNK? Chime in on the comments or in our Pugilist / Monk Forums.