Final Fantasy XIV has made its mark as one of the best MMOs of all time. Which is an impressive turnaround considering it didn’t start out too well before A Realm Reborn. If you’re new to the party, you’ll always find a welcome community within FFXIVs numerous players. But what is your role within this new world? Where do you belong? The specifics of the Final Fantasy XIV Classes and Jobs can be a bit much to get into.
To help you figure out where to begin here is our Final Fantasy XIV all starting classes list. This will help you figure out what class to pick, where they start, and if they’re for you.
Final Fantasy XIV What’s the Difference Between Classes and Jobs?
You may be asking “What’s the difference between the Final Fantasy XIV classes and jobs?”
The key difference between the two is that classes are a discipline you start with and you can change to a different one once you’ve reached a certain level. Jobs on the other hand, have particular requirements before you can unlock them.
To put it bluntly, Classes will lead to Jobs. Starting out in Final Fantasy XIV you first have to pick a Class. They’re basically Jobs which will ease you into the game’s basic mechanics and core gameplay loops for any of the Jobs you’re planning on being promoted to. You must first reach level 30 in your base Class before you can acquire a Job. Certain Jobs may require that you reach particular levels in two classes at the same time before you can acquire them.
Classes provide basic starting abilities. The jobs offer more specific stats and five special abilities. A class becomes a job when you equip a Soul Crystal and play the appropriate class. For example, in the case of a Paladin Soul Crystal, you can equip it while playing Gladiator, so the job of a Gladiator class is a Paladin. Consider a Job as an expansion to your current Class. You’re a Gladiator, but more.
Classes
Once you’ve started Final Fantasy, you’re going to be asked to pick between being a Disciple of War or Disciple of Magic. Each discipline has their own classes that you can pick from.
Disciple of War
- Gladiator
- Marauder
- Lancer
- Archer
- Pugilist
Disciple of Magic
- Thaumaturge
- Arcanist
- Conjurer
Jobs
Once you’ve progressed far enough into a specific class, you’ll be able to promote them into certain jobs. The Gladiator class for example, can become a Paladin once you’ve reached level 30.
Tank
- Paladin
- Warrior
- Dark Knight
- Gunbreaker
Healer
- White Mage
- Scholar
- Astrologian
- Sage
Melee DPS
- Monk
- Dragoon
- Ninja
- Samurai
- Reaper
Ranged DPS
- Bard
- Machinist
- Dancer
Magic DPS
- Black Mage
- Summoner
- Red Mage
- Blue Mage
Final Fantasy XIV How to Choose a Class
Choosing a class really centers around what you want and what role you’d like to be. You’re mileage may vary of course.
It would definitely be better if you look up the relation between Final Fantasy XIV Classes and Jobs and see which one you want to be before dedicating time and effort.
Let’s say you’re more of a solo player. Then you might want to stay away from Support classes like the Conjurer who specializes in healing people. You’re free to switch to a different class once you’ve hit level 10 so you don’t need to worry about being stuck.
Final Fantasy XIV All Starting Classes
Before we begin, we highly suggest trying out the free trial version of Final Fantasy XIV. This will get you access to a large chunk of content. Due to its subscription based nature, you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription fee after your free trial has expired.
With the free trial, you’ll be able to try out all the starting classes to your hearts content and figure out which one is best for you.
All Starting Classes
Like most MMOs each class serves a role. Those of you who are more experience may recognize some of them as a tank, healer, support, and etc., based on description alone.
You should know that each starter class can be promoted to a more prestigious class after reaching a certain level. Your character won’t also be locked into a certain class in the beginning so you don’t need to fret what class you picked. You’ll get the chance to change your class soon enough.
Each class will start in different locations which will be a deciding factor in your starting story. Though eventually you will be able to visit other cities as well.
Gladiator
- Type – Disciples of War
- Starter City – Ul’dah
The Gladiator is your typical tank character. It offers a great balance between defensive and offensive capabilities. As a Gladiator, your teammates will look to you for protection and you’ll have a variety of different abilities that will be best suited to protecting you and your friends.
As a tank, the Gladiator has a natural high HP and an abundance of abilities centering on the shield. It can be an incredibly sturdy fighter in the middle of combat which isn’t all too difficult to get the hang of.
At level 30 you’ll be able to upgrade your Gladiator into becoming the prestigious Paladin which is considered by many players to be one of the best classes in the game.
Marauder
- Type – Disciples of War
- Starter City – Limsa Lominsa
The Marauder is a brute focused on dealing high damage. Make no mistake, this class is far from being a glass cannon. If you want to overpower your enemies with burst damage, then the Marauder is the way to go.
As a Marauder, you’ll be at the head of every fight. Your great axe will constantly punish your enemies as you charge at them with a weight of a bull. You’ll constantly be at competition with Gladiators for the role of a tank.
At level 30, the Marauder can be promoted into a Warrior which has many sustaining and self healing abilities with even more devastating attacks.
Pugilist
- Type – Disciples of War
- Starter City – Ul’dah
The Pugilist is a martial arts specialist. You may be coming into the field with nothing more than your fists, but your body is its own deadly weapon. Pugilists excel in one-on-one combat and focus on chaining combos together to pile up the pain
As a Pugilist, you’ll constantly be moving around. It’s one of those classes that can be challenging for beginners as it requires a lot of spatial awareness. You’ll have many offensive skills at your beckon but you’ll lack the pure sturdiness of the Gladiator and Marauder. The Pugilist can dish the pain but you’d best be advise to avoid taking damage.
At level 30, the Pugilist can be promoted into becoming a Monk which is one of the best DPS roles in Final Fantasy XIV.
Lancer
- Type – Disciples of War
- Starter City – Gridania
The Lancer is a polearm specialist that loves to keep enemies at bay. That polearm of yours isn’t just a longer sword. It is a beast on its own right.
As a Lancer, you’re a melee DPS but a bit slower compared to the other classes. This class can be a bit challenging to master but it can be well worth the investment. They may be a bit slower than other melee DPS classes but they make up for it with good defense.
At level 30, the Lancer can be promoted into becoming the Dragoon which is a class famous for its high leap into battle.
Rogue
- Type – Disciples of War
- Starter City – Limsa Lominsa
The Rogue is a unique starter class that you technically can’t pick from the very beginning. You have to be at least level 10 in order to unlock the Rogue in Limsa Lominsa. If you want to become a Rogue, we suggest you pick either Marauder or Arcanist to get Limsa Lominsa as your starting city. There doesn’t seem to be any particular requirements into unlocking the Rogue, hence we don’t consider it a job.
The Rogue is a DPS class best suited for those who want to play the charming thief. The weapons you have may not be as long as a sword but your daggers are among the fastest weapons in Final Fantasy XV. Never underestimate the damage the Rogue can do.
As a Rogue, you’ll be a melee DPS dealing very fast damage. Though you’ll have slightly less defense than that of a Lancer. You’ll make quick work of any enemy foolish enough to be in your way.
At level 30, the Rogue can become a Ninja which has some of the fastest and powerful skills courtesy of using Ninjutsu.
Archer
- Type – Disciples of War
- Starter City – Gridania
The Archer is exactly what you would think it is. You keep enemies at bay while constantly bombarding them with accurate arrows making you one of the deadliest in terms of ranged combat.
As an Archer, you’ll be focusing on environmental awareness. You’ll constantly be required to know where your position is and where your teammates are. Leave the heavy lifting to the tanks and stay behind to do some critical damage.
At level 30, the Archer can be promoted into a Bard which is a class that has mastered the bow and specialized in buffing attacks and debuffing enemies.
Thaumaturge
- Type – Disciples of Magic
- Starter City – Ul’dah
As a student of offensive magic, the challenge of being Thaumaturge can be reflected on how difficult the name of it alone is to pronounce. The Thaumaturge is an offensive mage focused on magical DPS. It isn’t the most beginner friendly as it centers around multiple spells which can be dizzying.
Thaumaturge are well known for being explosive in the battlefield. As a Thaumaturge you’ll be a magical force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
At level 30, the Thaumaturge can be promoted to a Black Mage which will give you a variety of even more powerful and explosive spells in your arsenal.
Arcanist
- Type – Disciples of Magic
- Starter City – Limsa Lominsa
The Arcanist is a hybrid between black and white magic. It’s perfect for those who want to play a mage with a flexible role in the field. This class can be a bit complicated to play as but you’ll soon get the hang of it.
As an Arcanist, you’ll have access to both offensive and healing magical abilities. Though you’ll definitely be a mage DPS at your core. You’ll also be able to summon your own familiar which can have added benefits.
The Arcanist has two jobs it can be promoted into. If you like having a familiar at your side at all times, then the Arcanist can become a Summoner at level 30 bringing it closer to being a ranged DPS. If you prefer to focus on your healing support skills, then the Arcanist can instead be promoted into becoming a Scholar which focuses on shielding and healing allies alike.
Conjurer
- Type – Disciples of Magic
- Starter City – Gridania
If you’re the type who likes to look out for friends, the Conjurer is one of the best starting classes for dedicated healers. The Conjurer is a relatively straightforward support class that is focused on keeping their teammates alive. However, this class can also open up to devastating area-of-effect abilities not to be trifled with.
As a Conjurer, you’ll always be high on demand. You won’t have any trouble finding any parties to go on raids with. Though if you’re the kind who likes to be a lone wolf, then playing as a Conjurer may seem unattractive.
At level 30, you’ll be promoted to the famous White Mage. Which is a different beast of a class in both support healing and offensive capabilities.
What is the Easiest Class to Play in Final Fantasy XIV?
The Gladiator would be the simplest class to play. You already know your role as a tank and have to focus on soaking up damage. The skills you learn also compliment your place in the field. It’s a great class for learning and understanding the mechanics of Final Fantasy XIV.
Later on it will become more challenging to play the role of a Gladiator. As a tank, your group will expect you to know how to play your role in the early dungeons. But you should already know how to use the mechanics of the game prior to this point.
Any class can be complicated enough once you dive deep into its mechanics. But some class are easier to understand than others. You just have to know what your role is and how to best use your abilities.
Top 3 Best Classes for New Players in Final Fantasy XIV
Really it can be difficult to determine which class is truly the best in Final Fantasy XIV. There are many different opinions out there that can vary depending on what class they prefer to play as. But as for our recommendation on the top 3 best classes for new players, it can center around how easy and how functional a class can be.
- Conjurer – as a Disciple of Magic centered around healing you’re always on the priority when groups are looking to raid dungeons. This is also the class best suited when looking for a lot of friends to play with.
- Archer – the Archer is great for those who are new to the game. You’ll have the safety of distance as you debuff your enemies and strike them from afar.
- Gladiator – the Gladiator is a great role for those who want to get into tanking. Normally, tank roles shouldn’t be recommended to beginners. But once you dive into the mechanics of Final Fantasy XIV you’ll be fulfilling your role with no problems in no time.
For more Final Fantasy XIV content, feel free to check out our other articles.