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Every time an MMO launches a new expansion, we can all expect a few balance changes in its classes. When it comes to FFXIV Dawntrail, it is clear some have become the strongest jobs to play while others are the weakest. Now, while the latter seems like a harsh word for these jobs, that doesn’t mean they are unplayable. It just means they are the weakest in the role but are still more than usable in all types of content. Furthermore, remember that every expansion has many adjustments, so if some are weak in patch 7.0, they’ll likely get fixed from 7.1 onwards.
10. Paladin (Weak)
From the poster job in Endwalker to being one of the weakest tanks in FFXIV Dawntrail, that’s quite the arc for this tank. Now, the fact that Paladin is a weak tank doesn’t mean it is the worst class of this job you can take. In fact, all it needs is a few buffs to certain actions. Given how smooth this job’s rotation is and how the newest actions just enhance existing skills, the kit didn’t change a lot. Still, Paladins don’t pack the punch that other tanks do, so Square Enix just needs to tweak the numbers to make these knights in shining armor rise through the ranks.
9. Gunbreaker (Strong)
On the other hand, Gunbreakers are some of the strongest tank jobs in FFXIV Dawntrail. This is one job I’ve always loved to play because it offers a DPS placebo. You have a combo within a combo within another combo. Gunbreakers don’t hit as hard as DPS jobs, but they make you feel like you do. It’s one sweet illusion I love. In Dawntrail, they remain as the heavy hitters of the tanking role with excellent sustain and a busy rotation. I only wish their invulnerability skill wasn’t so punishing, but other than that, this class is one anyone should consider trying.
8. Black Mage (Weak)
It’s quite strange to see Yoshi-P’s main job as one of the weakest in FFXIV Dawntrail. The changes this magic DPS class got in Dawntrail have been quite divisive. Some love them; some absolutely hate them; there’s no in-between. In my case, agree with the latter. The job’s rotation changes so fast that between levels 90 and 100, you might have two different rotations, making it difficult to learn the job. The general consensus seems to be that Black Mages need another rework for it to work properly. Its AoE skills feel extremely weak, and the leveling process is challenging due to the removal of certain abilities.
7. Pictomancer (Strong)
The new kid on the block, Pictomancer, is one of the best magical DPS in the MMO, maybe even the best during patch 7.0. The rotation is extremely smooth, it has a lot of mobility, and its casting times aren’t too long. All in all, it is a well-rounded job that even offers healing options for other party members. If you’ve never played a magical ranged DPS, Pictomancer is a great starting point for you to dip your feet into this role.
6. Dragoon (Weak)
One of the most iconic jobs in the whole Final Fantasy pantheon of classes got a rework in FFXIV Dawntrail, and sadly, it turned out to be one of the weakest. It still does good DPS numbers in certain content, but it doesn’t hit as hard as its counterpart, Reaper. While the rework was interesting and streamlined a few things, players feel Dragoons need a few buffs to make it stand out again as one of the best DPS in the game.
5. Reaper (Strong)
Reaper continues to be the job that keeps on giving. Its rotation is extremely smooth with little room for mistakes; its skills hit like a truck; what else can we ask for? Even the new skills from level 90 to 100 are great and don’t make the rotation too complicated or change it considerably to confuse players. Furthermore, it is at the top of the DPS charts, meaning everyone will be looking for Reapers during Extreme and Savage content.
4. Ninja (Weak)
I am extremely sad to see my main job as one of the weakest in FFXIV Dawntrail, but that’s how it is. Now, Ninja is a bit of a wildcard, in my opinion, because even if it doesn’t bring a lot of DPS to a party, it provides a lot of fantastic buffs. At level 92, they can apply the 10% damage increase effect to all enemies, making it great for wall-to-wall pulls. Still, this class is more about supporting others than shining on its own. All it needs is a few tweaks in its numbers, and it’ll be golden.
3. Viper (Strong)
It shouldn’t be a surprise that the poster job of FFXIV Dawntrail is the strongest DPS in patch 7.0, or at least close to Reaper in terms of numbers. Vipers have quite a busy rotation and a lot of positional skills. Still, once you nail that down, you’ll be climbing the DPS ranks in no time. The developers already announced they’ll be making some changes to the rotation, which makes me a bit nervous since I was hoping to make this job my main one. Hopefully, the changes won’t affect the damage output and just simplify the rotation for all players.
2. Dark Knight (Weak)
Ask anyone about who’s been the tank that has been forgotten the most throughout FFXIV‘s expansion cycle, and Dark Knight will be their answer. For such an iconic class with some of the best-looking skills, Dark Knight lacks a bit of identity at times. Its lack of proper sustain compared to other tanks is this job’s weakest point. Also, its invulnerability ability is something many still struggle to use. So, if there’s a job that needs a bit of a rework of several balance adjustments, it is this one.
1. Warrior (Strong)
Warrior is, undoubtedly, the strongest job in FFXIV Dawntrail. Heck, it was even the strongest in Endwalker. People were doing Treasure Maps solo just by having a max-level Warrior. Now, in Dawntrail, they are one beast of a tank. They have so much sustain that some healers just focus on DPS instead of healing Warriors. While I like a versatile class, I feel the Warriors are taking healers’ jobs away. So, maybe a bit of tweaking is in order. But for now, it is a true force to be reckoned with.
Remember, even if your job is considered weak, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. Use them; everyone will invite you to a group because every job brings its gimmicks to a fight. Also, we’re in Dawntrail‘s first patch, meaning that job tuning is on the way, and we have many months to see these classes change. Hopefully, the weaker ones will improve, and the strong ones will remain there without monopolizing a role.
