Category: Viper

FFXIV Viper STARTER GUIDE: Rotation, Setup, etc

You’re cut out for Viper hmm? Learn about the Viper Rotation, Setup, and other basic info + tips here! Viable? Perhaps!

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

 

Welcome to Mahiko San’s very basic FFXIV Viper (VPR) Starter Guide! Here I aim to teach you the basics of the Viper Rotation, and Job, what’s the Unlocking Viper, Starting Gear, Basic Setup and other tips! 

July 5 2024 Update: Fixed for some clarity, will refine a little but BUT – Viper will be “adjusted” to change to rotation in some way in the next weeks, so… hehe.

The most important part of this guide is:
The basic Viper L80 rotation – with notes up until 100.

This guide is written with those in mind that are about to, or just unlocked the Viper Job, and need some help figuring out how to make sense of it all!

“Man… I didn’t think I would ‘Slice and Dies’.”
Mahiko “Edgelold” San

Viper Starter Guide – Scroll to: Top (Basics, Unlock, Gear)
Rotation summary | 2 Button | Dreadwinder | Reawaken | Utility Skills

Starting out with Viper: Basic Info

Viper Basic Info

What exactly is a Viper?

Genus Vipera is a family of snakes most commonly…  Oh… Viper is a Melee DPS class released in Dawntrail. Pretty much inspired by Zidane from FF9. Has two swords that can become one sword-staff thing.

Aesthetically, and by play, kind of similar to Reaper – if I was forced to make a comparison to a similar job. Also kind of like a Dragoon! Has lots and lots of OGCD weaving so high latency players beware…

Unlocking Viper

How to Unlock Viper

Teleport to Ul’dah – Steps of Nald (It’s near the main Aetheryte), check for quest Enter the Viper.
See: How to Unlock Viper and Pictomancer, or FFXIV All Jobs Unlocking & Requirements

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

VPR Leveling Gear

Viper 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 scouting leveling 80+ too).

at 90+, again, if you have tomestones go for the Augmented Credendun (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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Viper Rotation L80 (w/ notes to L100)

First, some assumptions, this is about L80 Viper (the level you unlock at), and I have notes leading up to L100 as well. Let’s cut the whole thing into more manageable pieces – a summary of the Viper rotation you can refer to:

Two button combo – Dreadwinder combo – Reawaken combo
LOTS OF OGCD WEAVING! Many buttons “evolve” into other skills.

2 Button ComboDreadwinder Combo(L90) ReawakenUtility

Button A1 (Steel Fangs) changes to A2,A3.
Button B1 (Dread Fangs) changes to B2,B3.
(Hotbars and gauge light up which is the “right” side to press)

    • A1) Steel Fangs – Higher potency default attack. OR
    • B1) Dread Fangs – Debuff enemy, you deal more damage to the it. Maintain this debuff!
      • then…
    • A2) Hunter’s Sting – Gives you a damage buff. Maintain this buff! OR
    • B2) Swiftskin’s Sting – Gives you a “speed” buff. Maintain this buff!
      • then…
    • A3) Flanksting Strike – Deals bonus damage on targets flank.
    • B3) Hindsting Strike – Deals bonus damage from behind.

Using Flanksting buffs your next Hindsting, and vice versa.

All of this happens in two buttons.

Combo finishers give Serpent’s Offering Gauge, and activates Serpent Sting (an OGCD weave) into Dreadwinder (see next tab)

Dreadwinder is a mini-combo that you do “on cooldown”.

Pre note: Twinfang and Twinblood are your main weaving skills. They evolve into various skills, but are all OGCD weaves. TLDR: Use the one that lights up, only double on “long skills”(?).

    • Dreadwinder whenever you can or want to (it’s cooldown based) to start your next mini combo.
    • Use BOTH Hunter’s Coil, and Swiftskin’s Coil in “any order”. (positionals)

Each Dreadwinder also gives 1 use of Rattling Coil, a ranged nuke. Tracked by the Red Diamonds on your bar. (L82)

This whole chunk is at L90+, ignore for now if you like.

    • Reawaken through Gauge or Serpents Ire.
    • Use First, Second, Third, Fourth Generation in order.
    • L100, interweave First, Second, Third, Fourth Legacy in between.
    • Use the final stack on Ouroboros (same button as Reawaken)

Reawaken itself does point blank AoE damage!

It’s fast, and quite busy, but thankfully you don’t need THAT many buttons thanks to “evolutions”, as well as many buttons “lighting up” for assistance.

For a more detailed explanation, read below. 

The 2 Button Combo

The basic portion of your rotation involves a “2 button, multi-path flexible combo”. These two buttons transform into the next step together. Let me try to explain.

Button A is  Combo A1 > Combo A2 > Combo A3
Button B is Combo B1 > Combo B2 > Combo B3
You can press A,B,A to complete your combo. (AAA,BBB,BAB, etc)

Viper Combo First Stage

A1) Steel Fangs – higher potency default attack.
B1) Dread Fangs – Debuff enemy, you deal more damage to the it. Maintain this debuff!

Viper Combo Second Stage

A2) Hunter’s Sting – Gives you a damage buff. Maintain this buff!
B2) Swiftskin’s Sting – Gives you a “speed” buff.

Viper Combo Third Stage

A3) Flanksting Strike – Deals bonus damage on targets flank.
B3) Hindsting Strike – Deals bonus damage from behind.

These also have additional effects: on both, they give Serpents Offering Gauge. Secondly, they “evolve” their opposite for the next round in your rotation. For example…

Flanksting Strike used! on your next cycle, Hindsting Strike is “buffed”. The reverse also applies. Hindsting will buff your next Flanksting.

These buffs also change the names of the skill to Flanksbane and Hindsbane – but have no implications on your hotbars. This all happens in two buttons.

The AoE version is essentially a mirror of this, except there’s no positionals. You just alternate between A and B finishers.

THE SKILL AND SWORD GAUGE “LIGHT UP” to tell you WHERE TO PRESS.
It “smartly” detects your ideal next combo (supposedly).
It’s actually pretty cool, depending where you slot the skills left or right.

next step – Serpent’s Tail / Dreadwinder

Serpent’s Tail (L55) evolves after you do any combo finisher. “Always use it”. This is the second part of your rather long combo chain…

Dreadwinder (L65). Activates your next “mini combo”

the skill names give much clues on their buff / debuff / purpose.
Notice Dreadwinder gives the same debuff as Dread Fangs.

After Dreadwinder you gain access to a pair of attacks Hunter’s Coil (L65), and Swiftskin’s Coil (L65). A flank and back attack.  Use them both in any order you like. They also give the damage and speed buff. The next time you use this, the “opposite”

FURTHERMORE There’s Twinfang (L75) and Twinblood (L75). These evolve into your OGCF weaved follow-ups to certain attacks. There is a correct order to press them, but I’m pretty sure they light up anyway. Only double weave on “long” attacks.

At L82 Dreadwinder also gives Rattling Coil (L82), which allows you to use Uncoiled Fury. It’s a long range powerful nuke, so you can save this for movement. These are the red diamonds on your gauge.

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Serpent’s Offering Gauge / Reawaken

(This is L90+ stuff, but worth talking about)

After gaining enough gauge, or using Serpent’s Ire (L86) you can Reawaken (L90). Giving you 5 Stacks of Anguine Tribute. Reawaken itself does damage to nearby enemies, notably.

Basically, you need to use the first four of these stacks on these skills – First Generation, Second Generation, Third Generation, Fourth Generation. These aren’t new buttons – your old skills evolve into them. There’s an order to this, so to simplify it – follow the lights, haha.

At L100, Serpent’s Sting (the button for Dreadwinder) becomes yet another weaved OGCD to be used after every generation. Namely First Legacy, Second Legacy, Third Legacy, Fourth Legacy.

The final attack, the 5th stack, should always be used on Ouroboros (it’s the same button as Reawaken).

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Viper Utility Skills

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

Writing Snap (L10) – essentially useless desperation ranged attack,

Slither (L40) – Rush to an enemy, or allies location. Multiple charges, good range.

Serpent’s Ire (L86) – Gives one use of Uncoiled Fury (L82 ranged nuke).Tt L90 grants Ready to Reawaken , which… readies you to Reawaken…

Viper uses Melee DPS Role Actions.

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Summary, Closing, Other Info

“Typing late night dried out my wit. It’s a double edged sword.”
– Mahiko “Couerl Hand” San

OUTRO. Well, I hope my Viper Starter Guide helped you out somehow. If you cut through the BS, The rotation’s pretty sharp right!

After studying the skills and rotation, I’m actually super impressed with the “design” of it. It’s really snake-like, haha. Long, with left or right cycles, quick strikes in between, ending in “two fangs”. The Dawntrail classes knock it out of the park.

If you’re here you might wanna check out the Pictomancer Starter Guide. Seriously I’m proud of the puns there. I’m NOT proud of how long the Starry Sky explanation is…

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 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.

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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