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 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.

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.

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.

Like us on Facebook for more updates!

FFXIV Summoner (SMN) 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


 

Striving to set out as a Summoner? Simmer on how to stir up a storm with the SMN job! Basic information and FAQs in our Summoner Basics Guide. Read on if you’re expecting to learn about unlocking SMN, Summoner Job Identity, trait and skill list, crafters and gatherers related to SMN, and link to other important Summoner info!

Summoner is a Ranged Magical DPS job (“caster”) introduced as one of the nine original jobs in 2.0 A Realm Reborn. SMNs came out at release with another caster job, Black Mage. It took years before another caster was added into the mix (During 4.0 Stormblood, Red Mage).

How to become a Summoner? Unlocking SMN:

First and foremost you need to have a Level 30 Arcanist, and have completed the L30 ACN class quest, “Sinking Doesmaga”. After doing this you can unlock the actual quest to become a Summoner, “Austerities of Flame” found at Limsa Lominsa – Lower Decks. 

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

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

Summoner Playstyle & SMN Job Identity

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

Pet class DPS? Sign me up! For sure you know at least ONE dude that said it. FFXIV’s Summoner has gone through quite a few transformations over the years… 

Historically, SMN’s are a reasonably mobile caster class. While their “multi phase” rotation is a little too much to swallow for some, it’s a welcome challenge for some. They have a DoT subtheme if you’re into that. Aligning and being smart about timings and cooldowns are a CORE mastery aspect for the job. Be warned, their “only human” phase is some of the most feelsbad parts of any jobs rotation heh.

Aesthetically and thematically, I mean, you can’t not love the classic Summoner horn, and your cast of pets include the classics Ifrit, Titan, Bahamut, Garuda, Phoenix. The flashiness is off the charts as well. FFXIV’s Summoner might not be for everyone, but they (literally they) get the job done.

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 Summoner level?

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

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 Summoner 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 Summoner.


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FFXIV 3.2 Summoner (SMN) Best in Slot (BiS) Gear

3.2 UPDATED! SMN Best in slot guide! “Pet battle isn’t new content”. SMN Lore buy order, Melding, Pages & Normals, more!

Taking “pet battles” to the next level again with SMN in 3.2? Well if you’re looking for Summoner BiS you’ve found it! Welcome to our 3.2 SMN BiS Guide!

Quicknotes: I’m a believer of CRIT > SS >= DET. Read notes.

Navigation: Summoner BiS
SMN BiS | Discussion | Lore Buy Order | Crafted TBA

3.2 Summoner Best-in-Slot

SMNBiSMeld 1Meld 2AccCritSSDet
WeaponMidan Metal GrimoireCRIT VCRIT V-110-118
Offhand-------
HelmMidan Horn of CastingCRIT VCRIT IV-6969-
BodyMidan Coat of CastingSS VSS V-112102-
HandAugmented Hailstorm Gloves of CastingCRIT VCRIT IV6969--
BeltAugmented Hailstorm Belt of CastingSS V-365112-
LegsAugmented Hailstorm Bottoms of CastingCRIT VCRIT IV-2411275
BootsAugmented Hailstorm Boots of CastingSS VSS IV-6969-
NeckMidan Neckband of CastingSS V-355112-
EarringAugmented Primal Earrings of CastingCRIT V-123649
WristAugmented Primal Bracelet of CastingCRIT V-5148--
RingAugmented Primal Ring of CastingCRIT V--4851-
RingMidan Ring of CastingCRIT V-5112-34
FoodBaked Pipira Pira--1837--
StatsTotals from gear260712463276
Grand total6141066817494
 

SMN BiS Discussion

Spell Speed vs. DET with summoner in 3.+

Ok there’s a few reasons why there’s a lot more Spell Speed than Determination in the list above.

Reason 1) Gear restriction: The spread of stats forces us to take quite a bit of spell speed by default. Of course, CRIT is still king.

Reason 2) SS softcap: “new summoner” has a supposed SS requirement of 750(+). Please remember that SS now affects DoT’s…

Reason 3) Scaling: Now that you have an SS req, and you’re forced to get quite a bit of it via gear… why not go all in? DET doesn’t scale at all, and SS gets better the more of it you have- so why not? Then “On-crit SS+” is massive… so this is another scaling property of SS on summoner.

B-b-b-ut STAT WEIGHTS?! I honestly feel DET is overrated and SS underrated with SMN. I don’t 100% buy into numerical stat weights when it comes to classes with speed-stat requirements. SS it at the very least EQUAL to DET –  And even this guy seems to think so.

So if SS is “equal” to det or close to it… why not go for the SCALING stat? It’s pure madness to pile on det when you have a choice to pile on SS.

And as always SS have the upper hand in terms of being the only stat that allows you to fight raid mechanics and latency easier, and helps out with movement and botched rotations – DET cannot do this.

Want to reach Acc cap without food? Just simply put 1 Accuracy V in your melds.

SMN Lore Tomestone Buy Order

This lore spending strat is to get BiS fastest:

  • Weapon: technically “filler” but c’mon man. Any serious SMN will pick this up.
  • Legs: By order of Midan appearance.
  • Hands: Since it has ACC.
  • Boots: has pure DPS stats…
  • Belt: This ends left-side Lore.
  • Ring > Wrist > Earring by order of value.

ANYTHING ELSE IS OPTIONAL: left-side fillers first Body > Helm, then accessories Neck > Unupgraded Ring.

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 for SMN

Page spending strat below is for quick BiS:

A5S: Belt > Ring > Neck > Any
A6S: Helm > Illuminati Dark Gobcoat x 3 > Any
A7S: Gobdip > Illuminati Taut Gobtwine x3 > Any
A8S: Weapon > Body > Any (Gobdip then waiting for Book is OK)

Midan Normal Parts

MIDAN NORMAL PARTS for SMN

“what should SMN’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:

SMNM1NM2NM3NM4N
Week 1ChainpedalLensShaft
Week 2BoltpedalLensShaft
Week 3BoltboltCrankShaft
Week 4BoltanyCrankShaft

This setup is pretty simple. It prioritizes pieces you won’t be getting with lore (Body, Head) then picks up fillers by reversing the lore order. Week 5+? Any.

Bolts? Ring > Neck > Earring > Any

Click the above!!!

SMN Crafted Gear Viability

Is this even needed with all the free gear? 90% of info you need regarding BiS is listed above – I’ll update all the crafteds when I can…

Navigation: Summoner BiS
SMN BiS | Discussion | Lore Buy Order | Crafted TBA

Be good to your egi’s and the loot will come! GL getting your Summoner 3.2 BiS! Thanks for checking out our guide!

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FFXIV Summoner (SMN) Cross Class skills guide

What are the best Summoner Cross Class Skills? Find out the best cross-class skills of SMN and the best way to get them!

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

What are the Arcanist -> Summoner Cross Class Skills? Here, we will be strictly discussing the cross-class skills Summoner can get from the other base classes.

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

From what other classes does Summoner get skills from? Archer and Thaumaturge.

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

Full list of Summoner (SMN) Cross-class skills

NameIconLevelDescriptionFrom Class
Raging Strikes4A large damage boostArcher (ARC)
Surecast8Your next spell cannot be interrupted by damage.Thaumaturge (THM)
Ice II12Weak AoE bind.Thaumaturge (THM)
Hawk's Eye26+DEX and +AccArcher (ARC)
Swiftcast27Causes your next spell to have no cast time.Thaumaturge (THM)
Quelling Strikes34Reduces Enmity GeneratedArcher (ARC)

 

Summoner (SMN) Cross-class skills discussion

Raging Strikes: A low level skill, but a damn good one. Learn to maximize this in raids!

Surecast: You’re only equipping this since you can’t really use anything else. While borderline useless – it has the rare application.

Ice II: A weak potency AoE attack, with a bind effect. Only useful for around 3+ enemies. Better than spamming RUIN!

Swiftcast: THE BEST CROSS-CLASS SKILL of all time. For summoner, using this with Resurrection is a great addition to any raidgroup.

Quelling Strikes: Make it a habit to use this on pull and on newly spawned adds in raids. Your tanks will thank you.

Hawk’s Eye: Absolutely useless to you. +DEX and +Accuracy (physical) have zero practical use for you.

Ideal Summoner (SMN) Cross-class progression

  1. Archer to 4 for: Raging Strikes.
  2. Thaumaturge to 15 for: Unlocking SMN. (Unlocks Blizzard II along the way)
  3. Arcanist to 30 for: SMN Requirement.
  4. Summoner to 50 for: Maximum level.
  5. Thaumaturge to 27 for: Swiftcast
  6. Archer to 34 for: Quelling Strikes (All Cross-class skills obtained)
    You got Hawk’s Eye along the way: USELESS FOR YOU.

Summary

  • Summoners use skills from: Archer and Thaumaturge.
  • Add Swiftcast to your repertoire! Using this for Shadowflare is probably your default.
  • Raging Strikes – learn to time this well in raids! Combine it with Contagion for PROFIT!
  • Quelling Strikes, while not super important for SMN… use it at the start of fights! Also on adds that spawn!
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FFXIV Arcanist / Summoner Stats & Materia Guide

NOTE: This page is for Arcanists planning to go Summoner. Not you? You were probably looking for the:
Arcanist->Scholar Stats Guide.

What’s a good arcanist stats build? What are useful summoner stats? Arcanist / Summoner 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 Arcanist or Summoner need should never be far from mind!

Arcanist (ACN) & Summoner (SMN) Stats

What are the arcanist or summoner stat weights?

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

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

Arcanist (ACN) Summoner (SMN) Primary Stats Allocation

What stats should I add as an arcanist going summoner?

INT > PIE > VIT

Since this is where people may mess up the most, I’ll explain it in word for word. When you allocate stats, put as much points into your respective main stat (INT) as you can. If you cannot put any more points into those, place points into PIE (Piety). If you cannot put any more points into your primary stat or PIE, invest in VIT (Vitality).

Intelligence – 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.

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

 

Arcanist (ACN) & Summoner (SMN) Secondary Stats

What are good secondary stats for arcanist ->summoner, and why?

Critical Chance > Determination  > Spell 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.

Spell Speed – Reduces GCD, resulting in more damage.

Arcanist (ACN) & Summoner (SMN) Materia

This is directly related to the first section. As you may know, all gear has a limit for each stat it can have, the higher its Item Level, the higher amount of stats it can hold. So the idea is to max out (or get close to maxing out) the left most, and work your way right. Again:

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

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

See Also: Materia Guide | Melding Guide

Summary:

  • Overall ACN SMN stat importance: INT > Critical Chance > Determination  > PIE  > Spell Speed > VIT
  • ACN SMN Stat allocation: INT > PIE > VIT
  • Secondary stats for ACN SMN: Critical Chance > Determination  > Spell Speed
  • Reference links: Arcanist FAQ, Summoner FAQ
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