Category: Pictomancer

FFXIV Pictomancer STARTER GUIDE: Rotation, Setup, etc

Your first strokes starting as Pictomancer ey? Learn about the Pictomancer Rotation, and other basic info and tips here! Go from meme-tier to Masterpiece!

DAWNTRAIL HYPE! Initial guide updates...
See: Viper STARTER Guide / Rotation | Pictomancer Starter Guide / Rotation
How to Unlock Pictomancer & Viper

 

Welcome to my very basic FFXIV Pictomancer (PCT) Starter Guide! Here I aim to teach you the basics of the Pictomancer Rotation, what’s the best gear for Pictomancers starting out, plus other basic setup and tips!

The most important part of this guide is:
The basic Pictomancer rotation at 80 – with notes up until 100.

This guide is meant for those just about to, or just unlocked the Pictomancer Job, and needs some help making sense of it all! Let’s go!

“The part on Starry Muse is exactly 269 words. It’s one skill.”
Mahiko “-dak” San

Pictomancer Starter Guide – Scroll to: Top (Basics, Unlock, Gear)
Rotation summary | Palette + Paint | Motif + Muse | Utility Skills

Starting out with Pictomancer: Basic Info

Picto Basic Info

What exactly is a Pictomancer?

I’m glad you asked. It mances enemies via Pictures. No, seriously, they paint pictures. Pictomancer is a “ranged” magical DPS class released in Dawntrail. Their job aesthetic is, pretty much, a painter. Inspired by Relm from FF6 I’m guessing. Has very cool animations IMO – “Colorful and Splashy”, even.

Their rotation and playstyle somewhat reminds be of black mage if I really had to stretch to answer that question. I find their rotation unique in that it has “two halves”.

Unlocking Pictomancer

How to Unlock Pictomancer 

Teleport to New Gridania -> Conjurer’s Guild, check for quest The Joy of Pictomancy.
See: How to Unlock Pictomancer and Viper, or FFXIV All Jobs Unlocking & Requirements

You need another combat class at L80 as a prereq for Picto!

PCT Leveling Gear

Pictomancer leveling gear?

While the free one will serve you “fine”, the Augmented Cryptlurker Set you can buy in Crystarium (or main cities) will last you until L90 easily. If you got old tomestones to spare, go for it (can be used for other casters leveling 80+ too.

at 90+, again, if you have tomestones go for the Augmented Credendum (Endwalker tier) from Radz-at-han (or Old Sharlayan? Old Main Cities likely have it). This will last till 100.

Anything further won’t be covered here in a “starter” guide haha.

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Pictomancer Rotation L80 (w/ notes to L100)

First, some assumptions, this part speaks about an L80 Pictomancer (the level you unlock at), and I have notes leading up to L100 as well. Let’s start the party with a summary (outline, draft?) of the Picto rotation you can refer to.

“Do Paint / Palette if you don’t have any Motif / Muse goin’ on”

Paint / PaletteCreature / LivingHammer / SteelStarryUtility
    •  “One Button Basic Combo” Fire – Aero – Water. +Palette Gauge, +White Paint.
    • Subtractive Palette uses the gauge, allows use of “powerful combo”.
    • “One Button Powerful Combo” Blizzard – Stone – Thunder. +White Paint.
    • Holy in White to use White Paint Stacks

This is it for L80. Future evolutions:

    • Subtractive also converts 1 White Paint into 1 Black Paint.
    • Comet in Black to use Black Paint Stacks.

Picto AoE Rotation? Use Fire II in Red, and Blizzard II in Cyan instead, but is pretty much identical to single target either way.

Creature cycles between Pom, Wing (L80), Fang, and Claw (96)

    • Creature Motif 1 – Pom – use Pom Muse.
    • Creature Motif 2 – Wing – use Winged Muse.
    • After Pom and Wing, you can use nuke Mog of the Ages.

This is it for L80. Future evolutions:

    • Creature Motif 3 – Claw – use Clawed Muse.
    • Creature Motif 4 – Maw – use Fanged Muse.
    • After all four, slam Retribution of the Madeen (L96).
    • The cycle repeats again at “Creature Motif 1 – Pom”.
    • Hammer Motif activates Striking Muse which in turn sets up…
    • Hammer Stamp. Instant cast nukes.

This is it for L80. Future evolutions:

    • combo extends into Hammer Brush > Polishing Hammer.
    • ALL HAMMER ACTIONS ARE IN ONE BUTTON!

These hammer skills are auto CRITICAL DIRECT HITS.

There’s alot to unpack here… Basically, it’s youre ultra two minute cooldown. And I MEAN ULTRA.

    • Starry Sky Motif activates Starry Muse.
    • Leylines-like area buff to party damage.
    • Subtractive Spectrum, basically 1 free Subtractive Palette.

This is it for L80. Future evolutions:

    • 5 Hyperphantasia stacks (L82 trait), reduces cast time on many skills. Use these up to gain…
    •  Rainbow Bright (L92). Makes Rainbow Drip (L92) instant. +White Paint.
    • Note: Rainbow Drip should only be used here (Swiftcast in niche scenario).
    • On initial use, grants Starstruck, allows use of Star Prism (L100).

Tempera Coat – Self shield, refreshes if shield used up.

Smudge – Forward dash

Tempera Grassa – Spreads your self shield to all friends. Your personal shield must be up to use it.

Role Actions: Magical / Caster DPS.

In an attempt to summarize: Picto’s rotation has two halves. The paint / palette (infinite cycle), and the motif / muse (cooldown based). These two are for the most part independent of each other. Within the motif / muses, they three too are all “isolated” from each other.

For a more detailed explanation, read below. 

The Palette / Paint half of PCT Rotation

This is your basic bulk actions. Your broad strokes, so to speak. Do this if you don’t have any motifs going on (more on this later).

Basic Cycle

Fire in Red (L1) is your “basic combo” all in one button. This automatically  turns into Aero in Green (L5), and finally Water in Blue (L15). Finishing this combo with Water in Blue grants you PALETTE GAUGE, as well as WHITE PAINT. We’ll call this chain the “BASIC COMBO”.

Palette Gauge?

What to do with Palette Gauge?

Subtractive Palette (L60) uses Palette Gauge to (in simple terms) unlock the use of your other “POWERFUL COMBO” – Blizzard in Cyan (L60), into Stone in Yellow (L60), into Thunder in Magenta (L60). Again this is all in one button. This also generates White Paint.

For now, don’t think about it so much. Once you have the Palette Gauge for Subtractive, use it, then do your powerful combo.

How about Paint Stacks?

What to do with Paint Stacks? (White Paint)

White Paint stacks can be used with OGCD Holy in White (L80). At L80, this is all you need to know.

At L90 in the near future, Subtractive Palette also converts 1 stack of White Paint into Black Paint, which basically upgrades Holy in White to Comet in Black (L90). While not relevant right now, get used to the idea of holding at least 1 White Paint.

Use White Paint “freely” on Holy in White whenever you can, but it’s better practice to use them up before you overflow, rather than always running on 0/1 stacks.

Palette + Paint Summary

Summary of Palette / Paint basics

    • Basic Combo (Fire – Aero – Water), gain White Paint and Palette Gauge. All in one button.
    • Use Palette Gauge w/ Subtractive Palette, allowing use of your “Powerful Combo”.
    • Powerful Combo (1 combo usage per Subtractive) Blizzard – Stone – Thunder. All in one button.
    • Use Holy in White to get rid of excess White Paint.
    • Rinse Repeat

At L80, this is it. In the future…

    • Subtractive Palette converts 1 White Paint into Black Paint.
    • Use Black Paint for Comet in Black.

=== Picto AoE Rotation? ===

Fire II in Red (L25) Is the AoE version of the “basic combo”. Leading into Aero II in Green, then finally Water II in Blue. Again, all in one button. The same goes for your AoE version of the “powerful combo”, Blizzard II -> Stone II, Thunder II.

It’s pretty much the same exact thing except
pressing the AoE version of Fire and Blizzard.

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The Muse / Motif half of PCT Rotation

Oh boy. This one is hard to get a grasp on when reading / writing / explaining, but I’ll try my best. This does not really interact with the whole Pallete / Paint system above.

You have three canvases – Animal, Weapon, and Landscape. These are essentially separate from each other, just knowing they don’t interact with each other kind of gives you peace right?

In an attempt so summarize and simplify it:
using a MOTIF “paints” on the “canvas”, allowing you to use the corresponding MUSE spell.

  • Painting Creature Motif (paintings cycle) allows the use of Living Muse. (more on this later…)
  • Painting Weapon Motif (always hammer)  allows the use of Steel Muse. (Hammers)
  • Painting Landscape Motif (always Starry Sky) allows the use of Starry Muse (huge cooldown)

Annoyingly, these Motif Skills in the skill book change name once placed onto the hotbar. And in the case of Creature Motif, changes further.

Here, I explain each pair:

Creature / LivingHammer / SteelStarry

Creature Motif (Pom, Wing, Claw, Maw) and Living Muse

Each time you do Creature Motif (L30), you will get a corresponding painting that cycles through Pom, Wing, Fang, and Claw. Then, your Living Muse (L30) transforms its corresponding skill depending on which painting you have (and some special cases). At L80, this cycle stops at Wing.

Placing Creature Motif into your Hotbar turns it into Pom Motif (initially).

    • Creature Motif 1 – Pom – Living Muse becomes Pom Muse.
    • Creature Motif 2 – Wing – Living Muse becomes Winged Muse.
    • After Pom and Wing, you gain a special buff “Moogle Portrait”.
    • Moogle Portrait allows you to use Mog of the Ages (can save a few charges)

It stops here at L80, but just to illustrate the higher levels…

    • Creature Motif 3 – Claw – Living Muse becomes Clawed Muse (L96).
    • Creature Motif 4 – Maw – Living Muse becomes Fanged Muse (L96).
    • After all 4 cycle, they all get wiped off and you get “Retribution of the Madeen”.
    • this allows you to cast Retribution of the Madeen (L96).
    • The cycle begins anew at “Creature Motif 1 – Pom”.

Makes more sense when you lay it out like this ey…

Weapon / Hammer Motif and Steel Muse

Thankfully much simpler than the Creature one. Placing Weapon Motif (L50) into your Hotbar turns it into Hammer Motif.

    • Hammer Motif (L50) turns Steel Muse into Striking Muse (L50). Grants “Hammer Time”
    • Hammer Stamp (L50) can now be used, always a critical direct hit.

This is it al L80, but to give you a preview of higher levels…

    • Hammer Brush (L86) is the next combo step from Hammer Stamp.
    • Polishing Hemmer (L86) is the combo finisher.
    • All of these are Critical Direct Hits! and are ALL IN ONE BUTTON!

Basically, press Hammer Motif and “Go Ham”, more.

THIS IS JUST A VERY ROUNDABOUT WAY OF SAYING:
“This is my 2 minute ultra giga cooldown!”
(It’s impractical, but admittedly pretty cool)

Landscape / Starry Sky Motif and Scenic Muse

Placing Landscape Motif (L70) into your hotbar turns it into Starry Sky Motif (L70).

    • Using Starry Sky Motif turns Scenic Muse (L70) into Starry Muse (L70).
    • Starry Muse has many effects… I’m not joking either. *inhales*
    • In a large area, the party deals increased damage for a moderate duration.
    • Gives Subtractive Spectrum, which is basically 1 free Subtractive Palette.

This is it until L80. But wait, theres more…

    • Grants Inspiration, and 5 Stacks Hyperphantasia… (L82 addition effect)
    • Inspiration reduces cast time of “various” spells as long as you’re in the Starry Muse area. Each time you use this reduction, it’s -1 stack. Using all 5 stacks removes Inspiration. (WHY HAVE 2 STACK TYPES? Why not 5x Inspiration!?)
    • Once you lose Inspiration, gain Rainbow Bright (L92 additional effect)
    • Rainbow Bright – allows the use of Rainbow Drip (L92) with much shorter cast time. This also gives white paint. Rainbow Drip shouldn’t be cast without this or Swiftcast…

Thought we were done? Just like Ardbert said,
“If you had the strength to take another step… could you do it?”

    • Grants Starstruck upon use (L100 additional effect)
    • Starstruck allows the use of Star Prism (L100). A giga nuke with AoE healing.

Let me remind you. This is ONE skill. My friend and FC mate Tiffany Faye sent me an example of another skill from the same game, FFXIV:
Bloodspiller (DRK L62): Delivers an attack with potency of 580.

It might seem like a lot, but trust me it makes a lot of sense in-game, haha.

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Pictomancer Utility Skills

Finally, the odds and ends – Pictomancer Utility, Defensive, and Mobility skills.

Tempera Coat (L10) is a self-shield which you can use again if the shield gets completely used up. (I thought it was Tempura Coat. Like the breading on a Tempura – you can’t unthink it now, ey?).

Smudge (L20) is a short forward dash.

Temperra Grassa (L88) – Spreads your Tempera Coat (the above shielding skill) to all your friends. You MUST have Tempera Coat on yourself active to use it. (Wait a second… Tempura Oil? Hmm)

Mahiko San Note: Tempera is actually a method of painting in the old days.

As for the other utility skills, Pictomancer uses Magical / Caster DPS Role Actions.

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Pictomancer Starter Guide – Scroll to: Top (Basics, Unlock, Gear)
Rotation summary | Palette + Paint | Motif + Muse | Utility Skills

Summary, Closing, Other Info

Is it Pallette? Pallete? Palette? Pal, it’s whatever…
Mahiko “nfused” San

Man are my fingers tired. I wanna put links here or other things, but Starry Must got me shook. In any case, I hope you found my Pictomancer Starter Guide helpful, hopefully the rotation won’t be so abstract to you anymore!

Im honestly super impressed with Picto as a whole – both Dawntrail classes are very cool. If you’re here, check out Viper Starter Guide / Rotation.

FFXIV How to Unlock Viper and Pictomancer

No BS. How to unlock the new Dawntrail jobs: Pictomancer and Viper.

If you’re here, you’re probably excited about Dawntrails release and the two new jobs that come with it, and so am I. This is a short and sweet post to about unlocking Viper and Pictomancer – the new Jobs in Dawntrail! Beastmaster? Not much info yet will update asap. So, dawn’t wait any longer! Lesgo!

How to Unlock Viper (VPR)

Below are the quest details for 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.

The most important detail here is you need an L80 combat class. After that, you’re ready to rip!

Viper is a melee DPS (Damage Dealer) that seems to lean on the faster pace of things. Is it the class for you? No harm in trying right!? My friends say they’re very similar to Reapers playstyle… Who knows.

Aesthetically, you get what they’re going for. Who doesn’t love a good edgelord. In fact, this one’s double.

Mahiko San Note: Viper is compared to Zidane from Final Fantasy 9, who also uses dual-wielded shortswords OR the “combined” double bladed “thief sword”. I’m unsure if this was ever officially stated, but they’re pretty damn similar.

Supposedly the three letter code for Viper is VPR, let’s see.

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How to Unlock Pictomancer (PCT)

See: Pictomancer Starter Guide
Rotation, setup, gear, tips and more!

Here’s the quest info for 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
  • Prerequisites: Level 80 Disciple of War or Magic.

Remember you need an L80 combat class to unlock this, and you’re prepared to paint the town!

Pictomancer is a magical caster DPS (Damage Dealer) that is mostly comparable in-game to Black Mage, both having “limited mobility”, or so they say. I tend to agree with this assessment.

They have a very lively aesthetic, using “paint” and some “cute’ attacks – their main weapon is a Brush ffs. I personally can’t wait.

Mahiko San Note: Picto is most definitely “inspired” by Relm from Final Fantasy 6. A nice callback for an old ancient treebark such as myself.  In fact, according to that wiki her Job is indeed Pictomancer haha. Even some of her actual skills are very similar to Picto’s.

You can say it’s “Relm Reborn”
– Mahiko “My Picto” San

Supposedly the three letter code for Pictomancer is PCT, let’s see.

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Summary, Closing, Other Info

Welp, there it is How to Unlock Viper and Pictomancer, both new jobs in Dawntrail. Have fun out there guys, remember to eat well, drink well, and rest well – as if you’re reading this you’re likely chomping at the bit to enter Dawntrail’s pre-release!

Happy stabbing and sketching out there!

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 HYPE! Initial guide updates...
See: Viper STARTER Guide / Rotation | Pictomancer Starter Guide / Rotation
How to Unlock Pictomancer & Viper

 

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.

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

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! (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”)

Dawntrail Update: Added Pictomancer (PCT) into the mix. Dawntrail changes are:

  • Addle: Duration up to 15s from 10s. (L98)
  • Swiftcast: Cooldown reduced to 40s from 60s. (L94)
What Jobs get the Magical Ranged Role Actions?

Job Classes

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

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
10SleepPuts targets to Sleep in an AoE.302.52.5
14Lucid DreamingRegain MP over time.21Instant60
18SwiftcastNext spell is cast without cast time.10Instant40
44SurecastSpells can be cast without interruption. Ignore most position altering effects.6Instant120

Swiftcast improves it’s cooldown from 60 to 40 via Role Trait at L94.

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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!

Sleep

An AoE sleep spell with giga long duration. Amazing for story content. (Sleep -> interact). Very niche to borderline useless otherwise.

Lucid Dreaming

Slowly restores mana. Should be used often (I suppose) for Red Mages, Summoners, and Picto to regain mana over longer fights. Is it even useful for Black Mages!?

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.

Can improve DPS by converting longer (2.5+) cast speed spells into instant ones.

Surecast

Anti-knockback. Super useful for raiding. Negating a knockback is huge to “cheese” mechanics, but also prevents your cast bar from being interrupted.

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Swiftcast improves via Role Trait at L94.

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.

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