FFXIV Job Tier List: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Roles
Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) has long been a favorite among MMORPG enthusiasts, offering a rich and diverse array of jobs (classes) that cater to various playstyles. With the ever-changing landscape of the game, especially with new expansions and patches, the meta shifts, and some jobs rise to the top while others fall behind. This FFXIV job tier list aims to provide a clear and concise breakdown of the current state of each job, helping players make informed decisions about which roles to main or try out.
Understanding the Tier List System
Before diving into the rankings, it’s essential to understand that a tier list is subjective and influenced by factors such as patch notes, player preference, and raid/content requirements. Jobs are typically categorized into tiers based on their damage output, utility, and overall viability in high-end content like Savage raids or Extreme trials. While this list reflects the current meta, remember that FFXIV is a game designed for fun, and there’s no wrong choice as long as you enjoy playing it.
S-Tier Jobs: The Cream of the Crop
These jobs are currently dominating the meta, offering exceptional damage, versatility, or utility that makes them highly sought after in progression groups.
Reaper: With its high burst damage and consistent output, Reaper remains one of the strongest melee DPS jobs in the game. Its Soul Gauge mechanics make it both challenging and rewarding to play.
Sage: As the newest healer added to the game, Sage has quickly become a fan favorite. Its unique barrier healer playstyle and high mobility make it a staple in many top-tier groups.
Dragoon: Dragoon continues to shine as a top-tier tank, offering excellent enmity generation and mitigation tools. Its Jump and Spineshatter Dive abilities make it a standout in both damage and utility.
A-Tier Jobs: Strong and Reliable Choices
These jobs are slightly below S-Tier but still perform exceptionally well in most content. They are great picks for players looking for a balance between power and playstyle.
Black Mage: A classic ranged caster, Black Mage remains a top-tier DPS job with its high magical damage output and rotational depth. Its Umbral Ice and Umbral Fire mechanics require precision but reward skilled play.
Warrior: Warrior is a solid tank choice, offering high damage output and strong defensive capabilities. Its Inner Release and Vengeance mechanics make it a versatile pick for both progression and farming content.
Dancer: Dancer is a highly mobile ranged physical DPS job with a unique playstyle. Its dance partner system and damage-over-time (DoT) effects make it a valuable asset to any group.
B-Tier Jobs: Decent but Niche
These jobs are still viable but may struggle in specific situations or require more effort to optimize. They are great for players who enjoy their playstyle but may need to work harder to keep up in high-end content.
Bard: While Bard is still a solid ranged DPS job, its damage output has fallen slightly behind compared to other jobs. However, its utility and raid-wide buffs still make it a valuable addition to any group.
Paladin: Paladin remains a reliable tank with strong defensive tools, but its damage output lags behind other tanks like Dragoon and Warrior. Its Holy Shield and Fight or Flight mechanics are still valuable in progression content.
Scholar: Scholar is a healer with strong utility, but its damage output and raw healing have been outclassed by Sage. It’s still a great pick for players who enjoy its summon-based playstyle.
C-Tier Jobs: Needs Attention
These jobs are currently underperforming compared to others in their roles. While they can still be played and enjoyed, they may require buffs or reworks to reach their full potential.
Rogue: Rogue is a fun melee DPS job, but its damage output and utility fall short of other melee jobs like Reaper and Dragoon. It’s still a great pick for casual play but struggles in competitive content.
Machinist: Machinist is a unique ranged physical DPS job with a mechanical playstyle, but its damage output and mobility are lacking compared to Dancer and Bard.
Blue Mage: Blue Mage is a special case as it’s designed for solo play and casual content. While it’s not viable in high-end content, it’s a blast to